Hill City Athletics Cheer Team Secures Historic National Championship
A Lynchburg-based cheerleading squad has achieved a first for the state of Virginia, claiming a National High School Cheering Championship title. The Hill City Athletics College Prep Cheer team, known as The Storm, distinguished themselves in the gameday competition for athletes aged 11-18.
The team’s victory is particularly noteworthy as they were the sole competitors in their division, yet still met the required performance standards to earn the national title. Their dedication was rewarded with gold medals, a championship trophy, and coveted white jackets – a symbol of success within the cheerleading community.
A Dream Realized Through Dedication
“When we got them, I was a little shell-shocked because I was like, like, ‘somebody pinched me,’ like, this isn’t real,” shared a team member, reflecting the initial disbelief and excitement surrounding the win. The achievement represents the culmination of countless hours of practice and unwavering commitment from the athletes, their coaches, and their families.
The Storm team is led by captain Lilli Reynolds and guided by coaches Susan Hunter and Mariah Dailey. Their training takes place at The Edge Martial Arts and Tumbling gym on Timberlake Road in Lynchburg, a facility that has become a second home for the team.
“This is all I do,” Reynolds explained, highlighting the intensity of their preparation. “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.” Reynolds also dedicates her time to coaching younger cheerleaders, fostering a sense of community and mentorship within the program.
The Power of Team and Family Support
The success of the Hill City Athletics team extends beyond the athletes themselves. The commitment from parents is substantial, requiring significant investments of time and resources. One parent noted that family vacations now revolve around supporting their daughter’s competitions. “You can’t plan anything on Sundays, or Mondays, or Wednesdays, or really any other day, because they have practice,” she said.
Despite the sacrifices, both the athletes and their families agree that the rewards are immeasurable. The team has become a source of camaraderie and lifelong friendships. “I love my team,” Reynolds stated. “You find your future best friends, the people you’re going to grow up with.”
A College Prep Pathway
Coach Dailey has strategically positioned Hill City Athletics as a college prep program, with many team members aspiring to continue their cheerleading careers at the collegiate level. They are actively pursuing opportunities to earn scholarship money through their athletic abilities.
“A lot of 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,” a team member explained, encapsulating the dedication required to succeed in the sport and achieve their academic and athletic goals.
The Hill City Athletics College Prep Cheer team’s national championship victory is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of their community.
