Meridian’s varsity fall cheerleading team competed at the UCA Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championship from Feb. 11-13, placing 12th out of 78 teams in their competition. This was the first time Meridian qualified for Nationals and placed in the top 20. 

“It started at camp, where we received first place for this routine, which is what qualified us to go to a regional qualifier,” head cheerleading coach Allison Cray said. “We received third place, and our JV routine second place, and we’ve been practicing throughout the entire cheer season.”

Cray acknowledged the sacrifices Meridian cheerleaders have made this season to perform and excel to the best of their ability, both on and off the mat. 

“The team has daily practice after school, long weekend practices for choreography, strength and conditioning practices as well,” she noted. “We practice all the way from midsummer through now for the kids to have the chance to potentially win a national title. They dedicate all their time and effort; they give up other time with their friends or other sports.” 

This cheer season has been intense, with a number of demanding practices and games to reach Nationals. Cray enjoys coaching and seeing the team improve as all the work they put into the sport pays off. 

“I would say my favorite part about coaching the team is just seeing how dedicated they are to doing a good job,” Cray said. “It’s amazing to see each cheerleader individually improving their skills, and seeing how they can come together as one team and perform. It feels really rewarding to see them work so hard and have it pay off with a win and now an opportunity to go to Nationals. The school has never made it to Nationals before in the past, so we’re making history and it feels really awesome to be apart of that.” 

Cray established goals for Meridian cheer’s future, mentioning how she wanted to see the team grow in numbers to share the cheerleading experience.

“We would love to bring more team members into it and expand the cheerleading program at Meridian,” she admitted. “I feel like that would be a great improvement, just having more team members that would be able to be a part of this journey with us.” 

The competition was held in Orlando, Fla. near the Walt Disney World Resort. After they competed, the team stayed at Disney World for a few extra days, visiting the parks and other attractions in the area. 

Before the trip, Cray noted the significance of attending a competition far away from home.

“Typically for competitions we stay in the Virginia area, usually traveling by bus, so this is going to be a big trip for us,” Cray explained. “I really look forward to that for them and them being able to have that bonding experience as a team, getting on that flight together. We’ll be able to go to Disney World as well, the times we are off during the competition.”

Advancing to Nationals and receiving 12th place was a huge milestone for both the team and the school, reaching farther than they ever have. Cray is excited for the upcoming fall season and wants to continue to better herself as a coach for the team.

“As a coach, I’m always looking for ways on how I can learn the next thing out in cheer,” she remarked. “Cheer is a really big evolving sport. There are always new skills that we can bring to the table.”