Woodland Park Cheerleaders Win Silver at NCA Nationals and Break Boundaries in Co-ed Cheerleading

The Woodland Park School District Cheerleaders made a mark at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) competition last month, bringing home a well-deserved second-place silver medal in the Co-ed Advanced Non-tumbling category. This talented team, consisting of 16 girls and three boys, competed against top-tier teams from across the country in Dallas, showcasing their impressive choreography and athleticism.

Unlike the cheerleading teams of the past, these athletes are performance artists, delivering dazzling routines that include jumps, flips, twists, and elegant landings in the arms of their teammates. Their show at the competition left a lasting impression on the judges, earning them the prestigious second-place spot. In addition to the silver medal, the team also won the Co-Ed Excellence award, further highlighting their outstanding performance.

“We were over the moon with excitement,” said Shaina Lampton, the team’s head coach. “The kids worked so hard all season long, and to see them achieve such success was incredibly rewarding.”

The team’s goal throughout the competition was to perform flawlessly and achieve a perfect score of Zero. On January 26, during the second day of competition, the team reached that goal, a moment Lampton describes as an emotional highlight. “I was bawling, excited, and the kids were so happy,” she added. “It was a culmination of all their hard work.”

Despite the stigma surrounding boys in cheerleading, Lampton is proud of the male athletes on her team and their role in breaking barriers within the sport. “We’re working to break through the glass ceiling for boys in cheerleading. The opportunities are endless, and it’s not just about football scholarships,” she said. “If you’re big and strong enough to throw and catch people in the air, then cheerleading should be considered a viable scholarship opportunity.”

The two senior boys on the team are also active in other sports like football and wrestling, demonstrating their versatility and athleticism. These seniors have even been recruited by Western Colorado University in Gunnison to continue their cheerleading careers.

Lampton believes that cheerleading is not only a sport but a path to personal growth for students. “Cheerleading is about being well-rounded — jumping, tumbling, dancing, and cheering. It teaches kids to be confident, make good decisions, and be proud of what they’ve achieved, whether or not they win competitions.”

Assistant coaches Cheyenne Brown and Tory Hartsock have played an instrumental role in the team’s success. Brown choreographed the cheers, while Hartsock focused on showmanship, dancing, and stunting. The school’s athletic director, Melissa Yeryar, also supported the team throughout their journey. “It truly takes a village,” Lampton said, acknowledging the collective effort behind the team’s success.

As Woodland Park continues to build its reputation for cheerleading, Lampton sees cheerleading as more than just a supportive activity—it has evolved into a sport in its own right, recognized by the state of Colorado. “Cheerleading has come a long way. We still support other teams, but we now have our own competitions where we can shine,” she said.

Woodland Park’s cheerleading program is gaining recognition, and Lampton hopes to see the team and the community continue to thrive. “I want Woodland Park to be on the map for cheerleading,” she concluded.