With spirited stunts and engaging chants, the cheerleaders dazzled the judges with their synchronized routine on Saturday, Jan. 4 at the Game Day Invitational at Lago Vista. This performance is a crucial warm-up and review for their UIL competition later this month.
Determined to score big in the UIL competition two weeks from now, the cheerleaders fed off of eachothers high energy to impress the judges at the contest, as well as receive meaningful feedback to help improve their routine to go advance in the competition.
“Today we really wanted to get judges’ feedback on the material we’ve been working on,” Coach Melina Vargas said. “Some of the material is legacy from last year and some of it is completely new, [so] we wanted to get their opinion before we have the UIL [competition].”
Despite their high energy, not all went well as just an hour before they were up, an unexpected challenge arose for the team. One of their members fell ill, forcing the rest of the team to shift and improvise their long-prepared routine and with no time to spare, one of the alternates stepped in to fill the space, and quickly polished up their new routine, relying not only on teamwork, but perseverance to put it all together.
“It was really stressful when we first found out, but I think we adjusted well in the time we were given before performing,” Karoline Hammonds ‘27 said. “I’m so proud of our team for that.”
Even despite the last-minute shake-up and high-stakes, the cheerleaders kept their heads up by motivating each other to do their best.
“All that matters is that we try our best. I just need to focus on getting stuff down like being louder and smiling more,” Addison Abney ‘28 said. “When I was out on the floor performing, I just kept looking at my coach and best friend and kept myself motivated by wanting to make them proud.”
The Warriors placed sixth out of seven teams. However, now with constructive feedback from the judges and a redirected focus on making their routine the best it can be, the team will continue to stay determined and take their victory at the State UIL competition on Saturday, Jan 18th at Fort Worth Convention Center. Although the Invitational did not just serve for rankings, but allowed the cheerleaders to grow and work on their teamwork, making each stunt, jump, and smile count.
