The Stillwater High School Cheer team made history at NCA nationals with their routines, placing 7th in the performance category and 5th in the gameday category, which is the second largest division at NCA.

Junior Katherine Waits said the team did better than Stillwater Cheer has done in the past.

“We were in two divisions, one was the second largest, and it was a big deal,” Waits said. “I’m very proud.”

She said it was the first time the group had ever performed on a stage that big.

“It was different. We had never been to a competition like this before,” Waits said.

Walking away with more than just strong performances—they gained lasting memories and grew closer as a team.  

Junior Bella Kate Hughes spoke about the nerves that came with the moment.

“One of the hardest parts about stepping onto the mat is sensing the nerves of your teammates and attempting to turn that into adrenaline and confidence,” Hughes said. “Coming together as a team backstage helped us push through.”

Both agreed the best moments were not on the mat, but off.

“Team talks, hanging in our rooms—those were my favorite memories,” said Waits.

Hughes added, “Walking off the mat with my best friends, laughing and feeling proud, was something I’ll never forget.”  

The team returns home stronger, more confident and ready for what’s next.