![NEW CHALLENGE, NEW TEAM MEMBERS: Every season, VEX creates a new game that robotics team members are faced with and have to build a robot to compete in. This year’s game forces students to create a robot that is able to stack rings onto mobile goals in order to score points. The change in games each season is something that robotics teacher Audrea Moyers appreciates.
“One of the things that I like about VEX is that they have a new problem to solve every year,” she said. ¨Even though the equipment’s the same, they have to analyze the game, and they have to come up with solutions that are unique that year. They are using their knowledge from prior years, but they have to kind of redesign a problem.”
As returning teams were faced a new game, some new teams and members had to adapt to a uncommon playing field and game.
“Three of our four teams were competing for the first time this year, and they had very different experiences match to match, so I think they learned a lot,¨ she said. ¨It’s hard just watching a video online to know how it’s actually going to be in person, so they all learned a lot about what gameplay is like, how to work with an alliance partner [and] how to adapt during the day to changes.”](https://bestofsno.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IMG_9283-1-1200x800.jpg)
The ear-piercing screams of an excited crowd, bright stage lights shining down with flashes of red and blue, a sea of fierce competition, all fitted in their own forms of armor-shimmering sequins and bows-showing their claims over their respective schools.
This is what one can expect to experience when competing at the National Cheerleaders Association’s High School Nationals on Jan. 24-26 in Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
For the hundreds of teams participating, winning is everything. This was no different for the girls of Coppell Cheer, who this year received that paramount recognition twice when they brought home two National titles.
“Coppell Cheer has competed at the NCA competition for as long as it’s existed,” junior Ivana Castro said. “Groups from all over the country, mainly from Texas, and even some international teams come to Dallas to compete in the different divisions. It’s our most important competition.”
Coppell entered into two separate divisions, JV/Freshman Small for their Game Day team and Novice Varsity Performance Medium for the All Girl team.
Both the Game Day and All Girl team went on to win first place overall at Nationals in each of their divisions, making history as the first time for Coppell Cheer to bring home two NCA titles in the same year.
“The teams had a mixed roster of varsity, junior varsity, and freshman,” Coppell coach Lindsey Bates said. “We select the girls that we feel have the potential to grow as athletes with more coaching, and are at the skill level we need for the program. We all train together every day, so I am able to see you know if there’s a particular thing I am looking for competition, where my best option is going to be.”
For these athletes, everything begins on the mat. Coppell Cheer’s dedication to fostering connections with one another is a defining factor of the program’s recent success at NCA.
“I tell the girls if they have personal goals, team goals or program goals, the only way they are going to achieve them is if they leave whatever is happening in their lives at the door and work together, focusing on their jobs in order to achieve those things,” Bates said.
When the teams exceeded expectations, not only in their effort but in their spirit as a program, their coaches could not have been prouder.
“Obviously, I was very happy with how they did,” Bates said. “But for me, seeing how they pulled everything together the two weeks prior, watching them grow closer and seeing how motivated they were, that was the best part. I asked them to give it their all, and seeing them walk off the floor after doing just that was everything.”
Senior captain Kristin Price works with the program’s two other student leaders, including Castro, to lead practices, execute the vision of coaches and keep up the spirits of the entire program during competitions and practice. The necessary commitment can cause a lot of pressure, and Nationals was certainly no exception.
“When you are about to walk on that stage, knowing how many people will be watching you, hearing the loud cheers and those huge lights, all your adrenaline kicks in,” Price said. “While it is fun, it is also very nerve-wracking,” Price said.
With such an important event, it was critical to Price that she put her best foot forward.
“I try to set a good example at all times and be positive,” Price said.
Just like in the familiar gyms of CHS, Bates taught her girls that the championship mat is no different, you have to leave your outside worries behind and be ready to put everything you have into the routine.
“I tried to ensure that we chased that feeling of ‘leaving it all on the floor,’” Bates said. “When that last beat of music plays, there’s nothing else you can do, so make sure there’s nothing else you could’ve given.”
Coppell Cheer is proud of how its dedication paid off, and what it means for the team.
“It makes me emotional,” Bates said. “Throughout the season, you have adversities and things you have to overcome as a team, as a program and as individuals. Obviously, as a coach you want your athletes to win, but for the first time in a long time I did not even care, because I got to see on their faces how happy they were with their performances. They did everything I asked, and to me that is what makes them champions.”
Castro thinks the accomplishment will push the team forward.
“This means a new beginning for Coppell Cheer,” Castro said. “It shows everyone we can win if we put in the work.”
This story was originally published on Coppell Student Media on February 21, 2025.
