Gonzales Cheer Catches Disney Dreams with First-Ever UCA Nationals Bid

The Gonzales High School Cheer program made history Sunday, November 3, earning its first-ever bid to the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National High School Cheerleading Championship.

The Apaches competed in the Large Varsity Non-Tumbling Game Day division at the UCA Regional Competition in Rosenberg, where they placed fourth out of nine teams to qualify for the national stage. The championship—held each February at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida—is not only one of the most prestigious events in high school cheerleading, but one of the premier competitions in all of cheer, drawing elite programs from across the country.

For Head Coach Danyelle Craft, the moment marked the culmination of years of steady progress since Gonzales Cheer began competing only two seasons ago.

“When we found out we received a bid to Nationals, I felt nothing but pure excitement for the team,” Craft said. “They’ve worked incredibly hard for this moment, and it’s so rewarding to see their dedication and preparation begin to pay off.”

Craft said building a competitive program from the ground up has required both patience and vision. Over the past two years, the team has embraced high expectations, long summer training sessions, and a focus on composure under pressure.

“We dedicate a significant portion of our summer to preparing for our competition game day,” she explained. “While football season can be hectic, we make it a priority to integrate both game-day and competition material into our practices. We’re always looking for ways to improve and take advantage of every opportunity to grow as a team.”

That growth was evident on the competition floor in Rosenberg. The squad impressed judges with its sharp timing, crowd engagement, and overall energy—hallmarks of the Game Day division, which highlights school spirit and crowd leadership as much as technical skill.

“With this being only our second year competing at UCA Regionals, we are thrilled to have qualified at our very first event of the season,” Craft said. “This achievement is incredibly exciting, and I’m so grateful for the athletes who fully committed and helped spark a positive change within our program.”

Craft added that success didn’t come overnight. The team’s development has reflected Gonzales Cheer’s larger goal of fostering leadership, accountability, and perseverance among its athletes.

“Success takes time and dedication, and it’s rewarding to see our goals starting to come to life,” she said. “We’re proud and honored to represent our school and community on the national stage.”

With Nationals only months away, the team now turns its focus toward fundraising for the trip to Florida. The financial commitment is significant, and the program will rely on sponsorships, community donations, and local events to make the dream a reality.

“While our goal is to make finals at Nationals, we’re most thankful for the chance to grow and perform as a team,” Craft said. “The work ethic and dedication these athletes display speak volumes about their character and their ability to persevere through adversity. I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”

For Craft, the qualification represents not just a major athletic milestone, but a defining moment for Gonzales Cheer—a program that, in just two short years, has transformed from sideline spirit to national contender.

“This is a milestone for our athletes and for Gonzales,” she said. “They’re showing what can happen when you set big goals, believe in each other, and put in the work to make them real.”