This year, from January 23-25, the Radford High School Varsity cheer team attended the NCA High School Nationals in Fort Worth, Texas. NCA stands for the National Cheerleading Association. Founded by Lawrence Herkimer in 1948, NCA hosts many competitions and camps annually for cheerleaders across the nation. Radford competes in the Advanced Varsity Co-Ed division.

Senior Aislyn Dau, a side base, shared her experience: “I’m grateful that we ended our year like this, no matter what place we got I was still proud of us.”

This is Aislyn’s last time competing with Radford Highschool. Aislyn said, “My teammates make it easier. We’re always encouraging each other. I’m grateful for my teammates.”

Freshman Savannah Bogotay, a tumbler, experienced NCA for the very first time this year.

“I feel like experiencing NCA for the first time was an opportunity of a lifetime, being able to have the opportunity to carry a legacy. I could feel the energy, the history, and hard work that NCA represents,” Savannah said.

Radford placed second out of the five teams in their division. Due to heavy storms in Texas, Radford had to compete a day early and only got one chance to compete whereas they normally get two chances. These last minute changes greatly affected how the teams performed. However, despite these circumstances, Radford was able to perform to the best of their ability, and showed pride in their performance.