Hill City Athletics: A New Era for Virginia Cheerleading
Lynchburg, Virginia is celebrating a historic win. The Hill City Athletics College Prep Cheer team has become the first in the state to secure a National High School Cheering Championship. This victory, achieved in the gameday competition for the 11-18 year vintage division in Orlando, signals a rising trend in the dedication and competitive spirit of Virginia’s cheer programs.
The Rise of College Prep Cheerleading
Hill City Athletics isn’t just focused on winning championships; it’s building a college prep program. Coach Mariah Dailey is actively preparing athletes for competitive and sideline cheering at the collegiate level, with many aspiring to earn scholarships. This focus on higher education is a growing trend in cheerleading, transforming it from a primarily sideline activity to a pathway for academic and athletic opportunities.
The commitment required is substantial. Team captain Lilli Reynolds emphasizes the intense conditioning and relentless practice schedule. “This is all I do,” she stated. “It takes a lot of conditioning. When we don’t hit something, we run until we can’t anymore. It’s a lot of hard work, honestly. It’s really hard.” This dedication reflects a broader shift towards professionalizing cheerleading, demanding a level of athleticism and discipline comparable to other sports.
The Family Commitment Behind the Success
The success of teams like Hill City Athletics doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It requires significant investment from families. Parents like Jenn Glover dedicate their time and resources, with every family vacation often revolving around competitions. This level of parental involvement highlights the strong community built around competitive cheerleading and the shared commitment to athlete development.
The rewards, however, are immeasurable. Cheerleader Kaiyah Seigla described the feeling of receiving their championship jackets – “pretty much every high school cheerleader’s dream to wear” – as “shell-shocked” and surreal. These moments of achievement, coupled with the bonds formed within the team, create lasting memories and a sense of belonging.
Beyond the Routine: The Mental Fortitude of Cheerleading
Competitive cheerleading demands more than just physical prowess. It requires mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. As Seigla explained, success hinges on “long practices, deep conversations with your coach and just like understanding if you want this you have to put in the effort and the time.” This emphasis on mental conditioning is becoming increasingly prevalent in high-performance sports, recognizing its crucial role in achieving peak performance.
The team’s practice location at The Edge Martial Arts and Tumbling gym underscores the importance of specialized training facilities. Access to quality training environments is a key factor in the development of elite cheerleaders, and we can expect to see further investment in these facilities as the sport continues to grow.
FAQ
Q: What division did Hill City Athletics College Prep Cheer compete in?
A: They competed in the 11-18 year old division.
Q: Where did the championship take place?
A: The championship was held in Orlando.
Q: What did the team win besides the championship title?
A: They won gold medals, a trophy, and white jackets.
Q: What is Hill City Athletics’ focus beyond competition?
A: They are a college prep program, aiming to prepare athletes for collegiate cheerleading and scholarship opportunities.
Want to learn more about the Hill City Athletics program? Visit their Instagram page or their website at Hill City Athletics.
Share your thoughts on this incredible achievement in the comments below! What does this win mean for the future of cheerleading in Virginia?
