The high school cheerleading squad traveled to Fort Worth on Jan. 16 to represent Thrall at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Spirit Championships.
Competing in Class 3A Division 2, the squad earned a combined team score of 152.100.
While the team did not advance to the finals, Thrall cheerleading coach Rhonda Stallings praised the squad's resilience and work ethic following the event.
“UIL Spirit Competition wasn’t the outcome we hoped for, but the heart, effort and dedication these athletes showed was incredible,” Stallings said. “We worked so hard, pushed through long practices, and gave it everything we had on that mat.”
The squad’s performance included a score of 62.400 in the Crowd Leading category, 51.550 in the Fight Song category, and 38.150 in the Band Chant category. Stallings emphasized that the value of the trip extended beyond the scoreboard.
“Even though we didn’t make finals, I couldn’t be more proud of how we showed up, supported each other, and represented our school with pride,” Stallings said. “This experience only makes us stronger and more determined for what’s coming next. Head up, lessons learned, and onward we go!”