The Cathedral High School cheerleading team is getting ready for a busy weekend as they head off to Nationals in Orlando, Florida. Last Monday, they put on a showcase at Butler University at the first NHSCC High School Nationals Showcase where many high school teams from Indiana came and performed their routine for friends and family who can’t make the trip down to Florida.
Cheer teams from Carmel, Centerville, Center Grove, Clinton Central, Danville, Fishers, Hamilton Southeastern, and Northeastern gathered at the Hinkle Fieldhouse to perform. Cathedral’s journey to Nationals wasn’t easy. They secured their spot by winning at the regional competition on September 7, 2024, at Hamilton Southeastern, where they not only became division champs but also earned a coveted bid to Nationals.
Junior Cheerleader Lila Edwards said, “My team was really excited about the win and even more about getting to go to Nationals in Florida.”
The UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship is renowned as one of the most prestigious events in the United States, drawing in thousands of talented cheer teams from across the country. With teams competing across various categories, from small and large squads to coed teams and individual events, each performance is judged on the cheer, dance, stunts, and of course, the energy they give on the stage.
As Cathedral’s cheer team prepares to compete among the best, they can count on the luck of the Irish to guide them through this exciting experience. Junior cheerleader Sophia Trobridge said, “I’m excited to see how we do there. We have spent so much time preparing and practicing our routine so hopefully everything goes well.”
The team had an early practice Friday morning at Coronado Springs Resort before officially performing on Saturday. If they advance they will have another practice on Sunday before performing once again. With any free time they have they will get to go visit Disney as a team.
Beyond the competition, Nationals is also an opportunity for the team to bond and create lasting memories. Traveling together, supporting each other, and experiencing the excitement of this event bring many of them closer to the teamwork that has carried them this far. The dedication and commitment they have shown throughout the season will all pay off when they step onto the mat in Orlando.
As they get ready to take the stage, they hope to perform their best and also make the Cathedral proud. Edwards says, “No matter what happens, we’re just excited to be here and give it everything we’ve got.”
