Last week from Feb. 5th to the 9th, Edina’s Competition Cheer Team participated in the the National High School Cheerleading Competition (NHCC). Based in Orlando, Florida, the NHCC is the most prestigious cheerleading competition in the country and is broadcasted on ESPN to over 100 million homes and 32 countries. Edina sent two teams to the competition. The Edina White Team, placed 7th in the nation at the JV Large level. The other team, Edina Green, also placed 14th at the Medium Varsity level.

To place so high in such an esteemed competition is a huge honor to the teams. “I’m on Varsity White, and I couldn’t be prouder of us as a team,” said senior Madi Cooperman. “We really rose to the occasion, and pushed ourselves both physically and mentally all season, for such a great ending.”

While faced against tough competition, the girls managed to pull together to compete in spite of the intimidation. “It was really exciting that we did well in a national competition because we’re competing against teams from all over, so it is a lot harder to do well, and there is a lot more pressure on you when you are competing,” said junior Lily Thuma, a member of the Varsity White Team.

Not only did the team have fun competing, but also enjoyed the benefits of a sunny vacation away from Minnesota in Disney World. Between practices and competitions the team was free to roam Disney World, and enjoy an opportunity to relax in the sun. “When we weren’t at the competition we had the opportunity to lay out by the pool, and visit all of the different parks in Disney World,” said Thuma.

The girls could not be more proud of themselves after working so hard all season. “I am very proud of how we performed in both rounds of the competition. It was really exciting that we did well in a national competition,” said Thuma.