The cheer team returned from Anaheim, California yesterday after placing first out of roughly 500 high schools with 96.8 points in the United Spirit Association National Coed Competition Feb. 22, making both Conroe ISD and Texas history.
“We can do hard things,” Head Cheer Coach Janel Jackson said. “It’s hard to explain to people the amount of work and dedication that these kids put in because they’re not just working to prepare for their sport. Cheer is a fine art, student activity and sport in one.”
This is the third year in a row the team made district history, after qualifying for nationals in 2024, placing second in the National High School Cheer Championship in 2025 and again this year as the first Texas team to ever win a USA champion title.
“Once we stepped off the mat, we kind of knew we just did what we came here to do,” Senior Katelyn Skeens said. “And when they called our name, I was jumping, excited, crying. It was like a breath of relief. I felt like it just calmed everything, like everything that I wanted just got handed to me.”
Choreography began in October, practicing twice a week as late as 8 p.m. That work carried them to top ten out of 116 at United Cheer Association’s qualifiers Nov. 2 and third at UIL State on Jan. 15.
“They know that they’re doing this not just for themselves by any means, but they’re doing it for their school, their district, their community,” Jackson said. “It means a lot for them to represent our school in such a meaningful way”
Varsity Spirit organizes the UCA, USA and NHSCC national competitions. The team won the UCA bid scheduled for January, but a flash freeze pushed Conroe ISD to cancel their transportation.
“I was like, ‘Dang, is that really gonna be it?’” Senior Jacob Rhodes said. “‘Was state really gonna be my last performance?’ I didn’t think we’re going to be able to perform again.”
With their national competition in limbo, Jackson requested Varsity Spirit to transfer their UCA bid to the USA bid in California, scheduled a month later. After reviewing their film, Varsity approved the transfer.
Senior Cynthia Harrison said the new competition worried her, especially falling short last year, but her worries left after their final routine.
“I was still worried since we got humbled on the first day,” Harrison said. “Last year we all thought we were going to win and got kind of humbled. So to finally win, especially for my senior year, it was fulfilling.”
The national team remained majority underclassman, with this season the first Jackson recruited freshman yell leaders. Yell leader coach Nwaeze Chiddy highlighted freshmen like Aric Barcia as the program’s future.
“Honestly, the program made me more mature,” Barcia said. “And (with this win) I’m just going to keep getting better at it. So we just keep winning and for this program, keep representing our school.”
Two weeks ago, College Park High School – which Jackson coaches privately – also took the national title at the NHSCC competition in Orlando, Florida, making Conroe ISD coast-to-coast national champs.
Board President Misty Odenweller, who followed the program this year, said she already knew the team excelled in both talent and dedication.
“I’ve watched these athletes mentor other competitors, build friendships on and off the mat, and give everything they have for their teammates,” Odenweller said. “That kind of character is what makes this success so meaningful.”
Odenweller also highlighted Jackson’s investment in feeder zone cheer programs at elementary schools, which Jackson said this national victory will further strengthen.
“This win opens doors and opportunities for other kids to come in and be a part of it,” Jackson said. “It sets a standard for the ones that are coming in. I think that most people know if they try out for this program that there’s a high standard of expectation that’s going to be there for them.”
