CLARKSVILLE, TN – Clarksville Wildcat Varsity Cheerleaders took to the stage at the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC) for their final routine on Feb. 11. The competition was held in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. After their high-energy, well-choreographed routine; they were hailed as bronze medal recipients in the D1 Small Varsity Game Day Division.
The 2023-24 cheer season, the team took their Varsity Game Day routine to regional, sectional, and state competitions, all with the focus on honing their craft as the national competition closed in.
“We are overjoyed with excitement, pure excitement of being one of the top 3 cheer teams for D1 Small Varsity Game Day in the nation,” said Coach Kim Thurman. “They earned this honor through dedication, grit, and pure athleticism.”
Prior to their final performance on Feb. 11, the team was required to compete in preliminary and semi-final eliminations. The Wildcats made the cut each time, which found them competing among the 8 best teams in the nation for their division.
Junior Julie Alford explained, “It felt great to put it all out on the floor. From learning the choreography throughout the season, to making it as far along as we did; you know we just feel so accomplished.”
Senior Marie Brock added, “This was the last time performing with Anna Grace, who’s also a senior, and we had the good fortune to end the season with this honor and enormous accomplishment.” Marie Brock was asked to pass along some advice for the Varsity Cheerleaders who will carry on in the next season. Her advice was to, “practice, practice, and keep practicing and always have a good mindset.” She added, “It’s very easy to get negative about the process, yet you have to just push through it and find your way back to the reason you started.”
“This team brings big energy, as a matter of fact, when the music begins in their routine, you can actually feel their performance,” said Coach Kaitlyn Kinslow. “As their coach, I was absolutely awestruck at their final performance. The team left it all out on the stage and we are all very pleased with our national bronze-level placement this year.”
The 2023-24 Wildcat Varsity Cheerleaders are: (Seniors) Anna Grace Parker, Marie Brock, Ari Sohn, Jamiyah Leeks, (Juniors) Blair Butcher, Chloe Blevins, Ella Gallagher, Julie Alford, Kinsley Savage, Madalynne Brunner, McKenna Carbin, Sania Baugh, (Sophomores) Ella Roberts, Kennedy Lang, Graham Bryant, Laney Rogers, Peyton Hay, (Freshmen) Aubrie Hardy, Mayleigh Carbin, Shaliah Griffey, Ava Austin, Kylee Claret.