SAN ANTONIO – Southwest Legacy High School senior and cheer captain Alyssa Gutierrez said four years of hard work with Coach Roselynn Graham have finally paid off as the team secured a spot heading to nationals.
Its bid to compete next February in Orlando, Florida, will mark its first time competing for a national championship.
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“I wasn’t just a cheerleader here,” Gutierrez said. “I’m able to say that I was a national-bound cheerleader, and I made history for the school.”
For Graham, the milestone is emotional.
“Oh my gosh. I’m gonna cry,” Graham said.
The coach said the team earned this moment through dedication and discipline.
“They believed in the team and they believed in what they were doing,” Graham said. “We’re the spirit for the school… but this is our time.”
Unlike many cheer competitions, this category is based solely on sideline cheer — no intricate stunts or tumbling. That’s what the athletes said makes it meaningful.
“It grounds us in what cheerleading really is,” Gutierrez added.
Cheer co-captain Navy Solis agreed. She said the performance reflects the passion the team has for the sport.
“It really shows out on the mat when it’s just cheer,” Solis said.
The team now hopes the community will help them get to Orlando. They still need at least $15,000 to cover travel costs.
“I grew up in this community, so I know how strong this environment can be if we all come together,” Gutierrez said.
She added that even spreading the word helps.
“It doesn’t have to be a donation,” Gutierrez said. “Just doing what they can.”
Viewers can help the team by donating on the team’s fundraising page here.
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