Walking forward into the bright lights over the blue mat in the main arena brings a rush of thoughts through the mind. The hours and hours of practice, the motivational talks from older girls, the words “hit zero” and the pressure. This isn’t just a competition, it’s the competition. Win this and there will be a jacket and a banner and a ring. Lose and it’s a long year of working to do better next time.
As the National Cheerleading Association High School National Championship grew nearer, the Competition Cheer team did everything in their power to be the best, to win and, in the process, record a third consecutive NCA National Championship. Competing in the Advanced Open category, the team worked an entire year preparing for this competition.
Heading into the weekend, Freshman Jenna Gile said, “We are going for a three-peat this year. It would be the first time we have ever won three national titles back-to-back-to-back. It would be a huge accomplishment for Comp Cheer.”
The two day NCA competition drew teams from across the country. Team veterans knew the pressure. For new team members, NCA just had to be experienced to be fully understood. But, this team prepared and arrived with confidence.
When the performances finished and the girls gathered in a circle on the mat for awards, it was electric. Then, when the announcer called their name as champions, the girls realized something no PCA Comp team had done before – a National Championship three-peat.
Competitive Cheer brought home their third NCA Championship in a row winning in the Advanced Open division.
“Winning NCA is a moment I will never forget,” said Sophomore Caroline Calloway.
“It was so exciting to win NCA after all the hard work put in this year. Now, I’m finally going to be getting a ring,” said Junior Faith Ann Conrady.
The team had just returned from the FCC National Christian Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, FL where they earned the title of Grand Champions for having the high score not only in their category, but also in the entire competition.
Comp Cheer also brought home FCC awards for Best Stunts, Best Tumbling, Best Showmanship and Best Jumps for their high energy, technically advanced performance.
Girls grades 7-12 are eligible to tryout for the team each March. Standout performances come from all ages. From Seventh grade member Parker Reese to Senior Katie Kizer, many of the girls have performed on All-Star teams which gave the group depth and a high level of skill.
The team also benefited from their nationally respected coach, Krista Godbee. Coach Godbee has been with the team from the beginning. She said, “We got off to a great start with this amazingly talented team. It took 16 years to finally get our first three-peat, but it was definitely worth the wait. All the glory goes up to God.”
The team wanted nothing more than to hang a ninth championship banner in the Field House.
“It was so exciting to create our own legacy as the first comp team at PCA to ever get a three-peat,” said Senior Kealie Rockvam.
“This is like my second family. I wanted to end my Senior year on a good note and make a memory that will last a lifetime,” said Katie.
