When Wakeland High School cheer went to nationals in 2023, this year’s seniors were just freshmen. The team of 12, competing in the small-team category, didn’t know what to expect.
“We knew it was similar to UIL but had no idea the level of competition we would be up against,” said Wakeland cheer coach Kristina Steinhauser. “We were so excited that year to make it to day 2 since we were all very new to this. To make it to the semis that year helped us prepare for what we knew we wanted in the future — a chance to be on stage for the finals.”
And they got that chance this year.
The first two months of 2026 have brought Wakeland High School cheer two record-breaking victories, including the opportunity the seniors once only imagined: Competing on the national finals stage.
In January, Wakeland earned Frisco ISD’s first medal at the UIL Spirit State Championships, placing second. Just weeks later, the team returned to nationals — this time no longer freshmen, but seasoned competitors determined to finish what they started.
After earning their bid with a second-place finish at the UCA North Texas Regionals in the fall, Wakeland entered the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships in the Super Varsity DI Game Day Division alongside 50 teams from across the country. Two intense elimination rounds later, they advanced to finals on day three — the very stage they had set their eyes on as freshmen. In the end, Wakeland placed 11th in the nation.
“We were thrilled,” Steinhauser said. “I wanted this more than anything for this competitive team. They are very special, very talented, and very hungry to win, which I love. And the opportunity to do this competition again with my seniors was a great way to close out the competition season.”
For Wakeland senior captain Maddie Sullivan, success feels like a natural end result after all their hard work.
“We have such an incredible family-like bond with each other, and every person has such a strong work ethic that showed through every performance,” she said. “We practiced multiple times a week and constantly wanted to improve. I am so proud of this team and all the work we have put in this year to get to where we are and our placements at State and Nationals.”
Head cheer captain Sarah Cashman, a senior, said competition season brought out the best in her team.
“Getting to compete with such hard-working, talented girls has been such an honor,” she said. “Getting second at UIL and 11th at nationals was such a rewarding experience and a reflection of our commitment and dedication. I am so proud of everyone.”
Steinhauser said her team’s return to nationals not only proved to others, but also to themselves, that they could do it.
“My heart is so full,” she said. “The level of commitment this team puts in is like no other. They are truly my second family, and I am so grateful for each and every one of them.”
- Rachel McReynolds