Blackman High sent its four-time National Champion cheerleading team to nationals again this year to compete for those white jackets and studded rings.

“Nationals has been the highlight of my cheerleading career for the past four years. It’s been an honor to call myself a two-time national champion. I have met many friends. Although the outcome of this year did not go as planned, I made some amazing memories with all of my teammates, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world,” said Hana Van Voorst, senior.

The team left on Wednesday, February 3^rd, almost directly after one of male cheerleaders, Matthew Leifheit, senior, signed to play football for Tennessee Technological University. After celebrating with the other football players who signed, the cheer team put their game faces on and loaded the bus for Orlando.

Coach Courtney Gregory prepared her team and hoped to bring home her fifth ring, the team’s seniors’ third.

Former cheerleaders, such as Lauren Williamson, 2015, and Tessa McKinnon, 2014, continued to show support for their alma mater as they posted pictures of their wins on various social media websites and wished this year’s team good luck as they attempted to “hit,” or perfectly perform, their routines and bring home another trophy.

As the teams prepared to take the mats, Blackman stood behind them. From the first practice over the summer to the very performance during a pep rally, the entire school showed #BLACKMANPRIDE.

Arriving on Wednesday, the team was ready to work. Although Disney World was at their disposal, the cheerleaders intended to win first. Practicing repeatedly, and even “throwing stunts” in front of Cinderella’s Castle, this team had one thing on its mind until the competition was over.

The team competed on Saturday, February 6^th, starting off at the preliminary level. Their routine came out next to flawless, unquestionably sending them to the finals later that afternoon.

“We had a great nationals experience, even though we didn’t place how we would’ve hoped, it taught my team grace. Although we did unbelievably as we came in the top 5 of forty-plus teams,  I’m still very proud of the way that this team was so prepared: the best we’ve ever been,”  stated Gregory.

When announcing the winners, Blackman was took 5^th in the nation out of 40+ teams in their division.

“It was an unexplainable experience with my team as my family, and even though we are all a little disappointed in the outcome, we hold our heads high and are always proud to rep Blackman,” said Hannah Claire Candlish, junior.

Photo courtesy of Courtney Gregory

“This is what high school athletics are about. It’s about the overall experience; it’s about the journey. It’s about the relationships that you build; it’s not just about that trophy,” stated Gregory.