In its inaugural year, the newly formed St. Thomas High School competitive cheer team has captured the National Championship title at Fun Cheer Nationals in San Antonio. This triumph marks a significant milestone, as it is the first cheerleading national championship victory in over 125 years of STH’s storied history.

The championship-winning team, comprised of talented athletes from Incarnate Word Academy (IWA), Duchesne Academy, and St. Agnes Academy, came together to form a cohesive unit dedicated to discipline and excellence in competitive cheerleading. This collaboration has not only set a precedent for St. Thomas cheerleading but has also united these schools in a shared spirit of competition and camaraderie.

The cheer team has worked tirelessly, with athletes dedicating countless hours to perfecting their routines through rigorous morning and afternoon practices from August through March. Their commitment, perseverance, and unwavering grit paid off in a big way at the national competition, where they showcased their talent and teamwork on a grand stage.

“Our athletes have truly shown what hard work and dedication can achieve,” said the coaching staff, who played a pivotal role in guiding the team through the journey to nationals. Assistant Coach Jackie Madden and Head JV Coach Maddy McCurry were instrumental in fostering an environment of support and excellence. Madden’s experience helped navigate the complexities of a first-year competitive team, while McCurry’s leadership with the JV squad laid a strong foundation for future success.

At the helm of the team were Competition Captains Ari Pangiliann and Sofia Hernandez. “During my three years on the Varsity team, I have enjoyed building friendships with such talented teammates and making many memories with them,” Hernandez shared. “I was fortunate this year to lead as a Captain for the Competitive Cheer team at STH to a National Championship. Each member of the Competition team gave 110%, not only practicing the additional hours needed but also working with our Coaches in starting up a new program for future STH Cheerleaders.”

Ari Pangiliann has been selected to join the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) staff, where she will teach and mentor the next generation of cheerleaders. Her passion and expertise will inspire young athletes to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact on the future of cheerleading.

In addition to their success on the national stage, the STH cheer program has demonstrated its commitment to the local community by hosting a cheer competition for local middle schools. This initiative provided an invaluable opportunity for feeder schools to showcase their talents and experience the spirit of STH Cheer firsthand. The program aims to instill values of teamwork, resilience, and support not only for STH athletics but for family, friends, and the broader Houston community.

“We are teaching our athletes to become cheerleaders for life,” said Head Coach Ann Thompson. “It’s about more than just cheering for our teams; it’s about uplifting those around us and making a positive impact in our community.”

Varsity Captain Kendy Taylor, alongside fellow Varsity Captain Maria Rubio, exemplified the true essence of leadership throughout the season. Their grace under pressure and ability to inspire their teammates helped transform the entire program, proving that leadership is about serving others.

As the cheer season comes to a close, the STH cheerleaders reflect on their incredible journey – one filled with hard work, dedication, and historic accomplishments. Their victory not only sets a new standard for STH cheer but also reinforces the spirit of unity and support that defines St. Thomas High School.

Congratulations to the St. Thomas High School cheerleaders on their incredible year!