Choctawhatchee High School’s cheerleading team secured 7th place at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National Championships, earning the highest placement among all local high school teams competing at the event.
- The competition took place Feb. 7-10 in Orlando, where the team competed in the Small Varsity Coed Division.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Kerri Kriech and Assistant Coach Kristen Davis, the team has shown remarkable improvement over four consecutive years at the national competition.
“This incredible achievement shows the dedication, perseverance, and passion of these athletes,” said Kriech.
The team’s journey began four years ago after a coaching transition when they returned to UCA Nationals after an absence. That year, they finished 13th and missed the finals. The following year, they improved to 11th place, and last year broke into the top 10 with a 9th-place finish.
- This season’s 7th-place result continues their upward trajectory and represents the culmination of months of preparation, including daily practices and overcoming various challenges throughout the season.
For the senior class members, many of whom have been with Coach Kriech since the beginning of this rebuilding effort, the achievement holds special significance.
“They believed in something bigger than themselves, sharing a vision of excellence and pushing the program to new heights,” Kriech said.
In the finals, Choctaw delivered what coaches described as a standout performance, demonstrating the program’s renewed strength and competitive spirit at the national level.
One Response
The most amazing team and coaches ever!! So proud of our Big Green Indians!!! What a way for those awesome seniors to end their high school cheer careers!! Go Big Green!!