This marks the Tigers second year competing in the CO-ED division in the UIL Spirit State Championship. The team left it all out on the mat and gave their best effort from start to finish, winning 12th place overall. Their performance was a testament to their growth and determination.
“I have never been prouder of my team,” said Coach Smith. “They performed so well and in the hardest division at UIL. With it only being our second year in CO-ED, we really showed up and showed them who the Frenship Tigers are!”
One of the UIL Captains, Emy Parrott, felt honored to help lead the team and showcase their school spirit.
“To represent Frenship High School at UIL was such an honor. To show off our pride and love for our school was a feeling incomparable,” said Parrott.
Coach Smith was especially proud of the joy that the team radiated. She loved watching how the team was a champion for others, cheering on other schools as they performed.
“I am most proud of the pure joy this team had before taking that mat and after stepping off. We all had tears of joy. I can truly say they left everything on the mat and felt proud of what they did. I also loved watching them cheer for other schools. As we sat back and watched other teams, you could hear the Tigers yelling for their direct competition. That alone was a super proud moment as their coach,” said Coach Smith.
Harper Wright, one of the UIL Captains, is thankful for the family she has formed in the Frenship Cheer Program.
“The thing I enjoy most about being a part of the Frenship cheer program is the family aspect of it,” said Wright. “The team is like one big family, and when we stepped on that mat, I was so grateful that I got to be a part of something like that.”
Coach Smith echos the importance of the family aspect the Tiger have built together. She highlights how the team's strong bond and dedication were key factors in their success.
“I think the team grew as far as leadership but also in teamwork. They truly acted like a family and went in as a team. Everything they did was together, and they were each other's biggest fans. Their co-ed skills were also super strong. All five of the boys were rookie cheerleaders this year and truly stepped up to the challenge,” said Coach Smith.
One of Wright’s favorite memories was the moment when the team finished their routine in the finals round.
“My favorite memory from this year's competition is after our finals routine when we all started hugging and crying because we knew that was the best routine we could have done,” said Wright. “I was beyond happy at that moment and ran to my teammates hugging them. That feeling will most likely stick with me for the rest of my life.”
Parrott believes that being in the Cheer Program has further developed her leadership skills. She is thankful to have held a leadership position as one of the UIL Captains and appreciates the valuable lessons she's learned along the way.
“Being a leader and captain is a role that has influenced so much growth in so many aspects of my life. Being held to great expectations has made me learn the importance of communication and adaptability,” said Parrott.
When asked about how Coach Smith fosters resilience and a positive mindset among her cheerleaders after a tough competition, she emphasizes the team's unwavering dedication and focus. She believes that a strong mindset is cultivated throughout the year, from one competition to the next.
“I think it truly just happens naturally. We talk about UIL all year, literally from the second we come off the mat we start planning the next year. It's our mindset and we want it so badly, that the negative and the weaknesses that we may feel just aren't existent. We are all in and locked in. We focus on the good and the winning aspect and making sure we are always representing Frenship in the best light,” said Coach Smith.
Coach Smith wants to thank her UIL Captains, Emy Parrott, and Harper Wright, for being great student leaders. She also wants to thank her assistant coaches, Mallory Hayes and Michal Morelos. She credits their collaborative effort and constant support in making this season a success.
“Could not have done this without the leadership of our UIL captains and my dream team assistant coaches. We talk every day about UIL and they entertain my crazy ideas and never-ending conversations about all things UIL. I am truly blessed with the best and Frenship Cheer is constantly putting our school on the map, and I could not be more excited about the future,” said Coach Smith.
With strong leadership and teamwork, Frenship Cheer is ready for even more success in the future and excited for what's next.
Great job, Tigers! Congratulations on another strong performance at State!
Photos by: UIL Photographers, Camden Reese, and Chad Smith