Local Cheer Teams Shine at UCA Cheer Nationals
A Year of Hard Work Pays Off in Florida
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Every year, cheer teams from across the nation flock to Florida to compete in the prestigious UCA Cheerleading Nationals, an event that celebrates the athleticism, precision, and spirit that make cheerleading one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. For local teams like 10Y Pride Athletics, Greenup County High School, Ashland Blazer, and Raceland-Worthington High School, this competition is the culmination of an entire year of grueling practice, sacrifice, and dedication. The road to the UCA Nationals is no easy feat, and even more difficult is the rare and coveted achievement of hitting a 0 when it comes to scoring – a score that signifies near-flawless performance and is highly sought after by cheer teams everywhere.
Cheerleading is often overlooked as just a fun sideline activity, but in reality, it requires incredible strength, agility, and teamwork. The routines involve high-flying stunts, fast-paced choreography, and mind-boggling tumbling passes, all while maintaining a high level of energy and enthusiasm for an audience. The sport combines gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics, demanding athletes to push their bodies to the limit in ways that other sports rarely do. Every movement must be precise, and every stunt executed flawlessly. The stakes are high, especially at a competition as prestigious as the UCA Cheer Nationals.
The journey to the UCA Cheerleading Nationals is long and challenging, with teams practicing for months – sometimes even a full year – to perfect their routines. Every practice is an opportunity to refine techniques, build endurance, and ensure that the athletes are physically prepared for the high intensity demands of the competition. The level of dedication from each team is evident in the results they achieve, and this year’s local teams proved just how much they are capable of.
In the Traditional Rec Non-Affiliated category, 10Y Pride athletic team came out on top, clinching first place with an impressive score of 80.7, earning them the National title. This victory was even sweeter as they also secured a Worlds title, showing their dominance and athletic prowess on the national and global stage. Their dedication to the sport and tireless training paid off in the most spectacular way as each member of the team was given the highly coveted white satin jacket for each of their achievements.
Meanwhile, in the Junior Varsity Division two category, the Greenup County JV team impressed with a third-place finish and a score of 80.8. The competition in this category was fierce, but their performance secured them a spot among the best in the nation, a testament to the hard work and spirit of the Greenup County team.
In the Small Varsity Division 2, Ashland Blazer made it all the way to the semifinals, placing 6th with a score of 83.3 in the Junior Varsity Non-Tumbling Division Two Game Day category. The team’s athleticism and synchronization were on full display, and their strong performance earned them a respectable ranking among the country’s top teams.
On the varsity side, Greenup County High School's Medium Varsity Division team brought home a third-place finish, with a stellar score of 87.6. Their performance was a true reflection of the countless hours of preparation and sacrifice they invested to compete at such a high level. Their dedication to the sport and teamwork were evident, as they came out on top in a highly competitive category.
For Ashland Blazer, their Medium Varsity Division Two Game Day team also made a strong showing, advancing to the Preliminaries round for group A, with a score of 84.6, landing them in 13th place. Despite facing intense competition, their skill and determination were clear, and their performance was a proof of their hard work, dedication, and to their readiness to take on any challenge.
Meanwhile, Raceland-Worthington High School finished in 8th place for the Medium Varsity Division Two Game Day Preliminaries in group B with a score of 84.5. Their placement in this category shows just how much talent and hard work goes into preparing for a competition of this magnitude.
The teams’ scores reflect just how difficult it is to achieve a perfect at UCA Cheer Nationals. A score of 0 – meaning the team executed their routine flawlessly without a single deduction – is a rare and highly sought-after achievement. In the world of cheerleading, perfection is the ultimate goal. It requires perfect timing, precision, and execution across every element of the routine. Achieving a score of 0 means that the athletes have reached the highest level of performance – a rare feat that separates the elite teams from the rest.
Behind each of these impressive performances is a year’s worth of blood, sweat, and tears. These teams have endured long practices, countless rehearsals, and sacrifices to make it to this point. They’ve pushed their bodies to their limits and have trained relentlessly for one shot at the spotlight in Florida. These young athletes deserve the unwavering support of their communities, as they represent not just their schools, but their entire hometowns on the national stage.
As these local cheer teams continue to rise and shine, let’s take a moment to celebrate their achievements. Whether they brought home a championship title or advanced to the next round, every single one of these athletes put in the effort and dedication needed to compete at the highest level. Their success is a reminder of the hard work that goes into every cheerleading routine and the power of teamwork, perseverance, and a little bit of cheerleading magic.
The journey to nationals may be over, but these local cheer teams are already gearing up for next year. The excitement, the energy, and the spirit they brought to Florida will continue to inspire future generations of athletes who dream of one day stepping onto that stage and hearing the roar of the crowd. Go teams!
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