The Livingston Academy cheer team is headed to Orlando Friday to compete against top squads from across the country at the National Cheerleading Championships.
The squad qualified for nationals after placing second at the Smoky Mountain Regional competition. Livingston Academy Cheer Coach Dee Smith said competing this Friday is a huge honor, as this was the first year that the cheer squad attended competitions.
“We told them, hey, if you put in the work, we will put in the work,” Smith said. “So we spent a lot of time, a lot of hours, a few tears getting ready, but the girls have put in so much work, and we are just really proud of them.”
Smith said Livingston Academy will be one of 39 teams competing on Friday. Smith said her message to the team before they take the stage is that, regardless of the outcome, she is still very proud of them.
“These girls, they have bonded, they are kind, you know, a lot of people would say I wouldn’t do cheer because of the drama, these girls are no drama,” Smith said. “They are just outstanding young ladies all the way around.”
Smith said the team has had its ups and downs, such as placing poorly at an earlier competition in Kentucky. Smith said what sets this squad apart is the buy-in they have had since day one.
“We have had some moments where we have not done so well, and they are like, okay, how do we fix it?” Smith said. “When we have had criticisms or critiques from judges, we take those line by line, and we go through them, and we say how do we fix them? “
Smith said Volunteer Assistant Barry Moody has been an important piece to the team’s success this year. Smith said Moody has helped with routines all throughout the year.
Smith said winners will be announced on Sunday.