Summit Nationals is a world wide all star cheer competition which takes place in Orlando, Florida Disney World on May 3-6. All star cheerleaders who are lucky enough to get a wildcard, at large, paid, or international bid as an invitation to attend, has the amazing opportunity to join in and compete against their rivals. Although Summit is the most well known cheer competition, it is one of the hardest challenges a cheerleader has to face when battling for first place and the chance to win the priceless Summit ring.“If I had the opportunity to compete at Summit Nationals, the biggest challenge I would face would be the stress before going on stage because the anxiety overwhelms your entire body, said Travis student Meagan Hurley. Hurley, an 8th grader, has experienced the stress of competitions all over the country and agrees this is on a whole new level.

Months in advance, teams begin to prepare their unbelievable Summit routines, and work harder than ever before. This competition lasts for two to three days and whichever team worked the hardest and performed the best gets to take home the gold!

“If I had the opportunity to compete at Summit Nationals, the biggest challenge I would face would be the stress before going on stage because the anxiety overwhelms your entire body.”

-Meagan Hurley

However, being at Summit Nationals is not all work, athletes get the opportunity to stay in the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel and they are all able to have the time of their lives at Walt Disney World with their teammates and family. Being at Summit is a great way to bond with teammates and create memories that last a lifetime. Not many people get the chance to travel to Florida with their best friends. Having the chance to enjoy the theme park allows athletes to forget the stress of competing and focus more on being a kid and letting their imaginations fly!

Any team to hold the title of Summit champion knows how big of an honor it truly is. All of your hard work pays off when you step off that blue mat, mistake, or no mistake. Cheerleaders are expected to show up focused and ready to win no matter the circumstance they are in. All star cheerleading was voted the most dangerous contact sport in America by alligator.org, which proves how focused and fit you must be in order to possess the title of a champion. 

Last year’ senior division(12-18 year old) champion was Laredo (TX) All American.

Being invited to Summit Nationals is an incredible honor and while it is one of the hardest challenges any cheerleader will face in their career, anyone there is a winner.