Jupiter High’s cheerleading team finished in fifth place in the game day category at the National Championship hosted by ESPN Wide World of Sports which took place from Feb. 10-13. 

“I’m so proud to call [the team] my best friends. We made some of the best memories. Although we didn’t win, we had some amazing performances. The skills we were able to produce this season were extremely difficult and everyone worked so hard,” Ellie Baxter, senior, said. “I can’t wait to see how our program will continue in the future.”

The team did not get the outcome they hoped for, but they are still thankful for their successes.

“The season was super fun. There were many ups and downs but at the end of the day, it was probably the best season I’ve had thus far,” Hannah Hives, junior, said. 

Hearing Jupiter’s name being called for the win was a moment the girls will never forget.

“The moments before they announced [us] at fifth was insane, and all I could feel was the love around me,” Cecelia Oneid, sophomore, said.

Hives’ favorite parts of the season were the special experiences the cheerleaders shared as a team.

“My favorite aspect of the season was having team dinner, getting ready together before every football game and going to Ale House after to celebrate,” Hives said. “It was a great way to get close, bond and have fun with the team creating the best memories.”

The team believes they owe their success to their coaches.

“We have many different coaches that helped prepare us for the competition by teaching us new skills, coaching us and encouraging us,” Hives said. “Our coaches are always there for us and help make us better.”

Hives explained even with a perfect performance, the final results are ultimately determined by the judges. 

“Cheerleading is such an unpredictable sport that whether you hit a perfect routine or not, it’s up to the judges to decide who they think deserved first,” Hives said. “The team that took first place hit a routine that wowed the judges which earned them first.”

The team consistently practiced, participated in team events and exercised a lot to prepare themselves for the competition.

“We practiced four times a week including Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. We also had team bonding events like beach days,” Oneid said.