Sports

Cheer places second at States

Falling short of first by less than two points, the team managed to overcome one of their worst setbacks yet

Adriana Monsanto, Features Editor | January 23, 2026

Aubree Rockwell (12) and Lila Sklar (12) get the crowd hype to put their “hands up for Hagerty” during the Cheer section of their performance. The team moves on to Nationals in February.

After finishing first with a 10-point lead at Regionals last week, varsity cheer placed second in the FHSAA State Competition last Thursday. Finishing one point out of the top spot, the team scored a staggering 88.4, cementing their spot as one of the top teams in Florida before proceeding to Nationals next month.

Out of the three main categories (Dance/Jumps, Stunts/Pyramid and Cheer), the team scored highest in the Stunts/Pyramid section, achieving 33.5 in their section total. Their Max, First Elite and Cartwheel events helped boost their score the most.

In Dance/Jumps, they scored a 23.5, beating the winning team who held a 22.9, and in the Cheer category, they scored a 31.9– just 0.7 points behind winners West Broward.

“We [practiced] so much, mainly focusing on [repetitions] and performing in front of different crowds,” senior Ava Lee said.

But even with the relentless practice, the girls were unable to prepare for one of their biggest setbacks of the season: A music malfunction during the jump portion of their routine. During the second half of their jump performance, the music cut off, forcing the judges to make a rare exception and allow the team to perform twice.

“The first go around I did not do my best, but the second time I did,” senior Aubree Rockwell said. “I felt amazing after the second performance.”

Aubree Rockwell (12), Ashley Dusart (12) and Kaelyn Shanley (10) stand tall in their finishing pyramid. (photo by Kayla Rrapi)

The second half of their jump routine was re-scored, and even with the unpredictability of the setback, they were able to push through and place second in the state.

“It [felt] surreal,” Lee said. “A lot of other cheer teams don’t get the opportunity to attend States, and I’m so grateful that our team [got] to go.”

Though the team was disappointed they fell short of first by such a small margin after being blindsided by a malfunction, they have not given up hope.

After a strenuous season of practicing and competition, the team looks forward to attending Nationals Feb. 6-8. Placing top three every competition this season was no easy feat, and the team believes their performance at States proved that they have what it takes to continue their streak at their final competition.

“It’s my last year cheering and I want to end off with a win,” Lee said.

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About the Contributors

Adriana Monsanto, Features Editor

Adriana Monsanto is a junior and our Features Editor on staff! In her spare time, she enjoys doing her makeup and listening to music.

Kayla Rrapi, Photo Editor

Kayla Rrapi is a senior at Hagerty High School. She is one of the photo editors for the schools yearbook and newspaper programs. She loves taking all kinds of events and sports. When she isn’t holding a camera, she is also captain of the varsity Flag Football team. She also spends most her time working at Culvers where she is a manager. Kayla hopes to continue taking photos and plans on attending FAU next year.