Mountain Ridge Cheer Makes History: A Season of Firsts, Grit, and Legacy
The 2024–2025 season was one for the record books at Mountain Ridge High School, and no team made more noise—literally and figuratively—than the cheer squad. Under the new leadership of Head Coach Rylee Storrs, the Mountain Ridge Cheer Team etched their names in school history by doing what had never been done before: qualifying for finals at the UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association) Nationals. It was a moment that marked not only a breakthrough for the team but also the start of a powerful legacy in the making.
As part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Article Series, we had the privilege of speaking with Coach Storrs about her first season at the helm, the impact of her athletes, and the emotional highs and lows that turned a strong season into an unforgettable one.
Making History: The Road to UCA Nationals Finals
Coach Storrs described the 2024–2025 season as nothing short of historic, and she meant it. For the first time in school history, Mountain Ridge Cheer advanced to finals at UCA Nationals, one of the most prestigious stages in competitive cheerleading.
“It will forever hold a special place in my heart as it was the first year I got to be the head coach for the program,” Storrs said.
For the team and their coach, this milestone wasn’t just a win on paper—it was the culmination of relentless effort, early mornings, late nights, and a shared belief that Mountain Ridge Cheer could be more than just competitive—it could be elite. Their success sparked conversation across the region and set a new bar for excellence at Mountain Ridge.
“This team will go down in history as the one that started the storm,” Storrs said. “They’re the beginning of a legacy.”
Growth in Action: Athletes Stepping Up
As the season progressed, Coach Storrs saw something every coach hopes for—growth, not just in skills but in confidence and character. Many of the girls developed into leaders in their own right, stepping up in moments that demanded more than just physical performance.
“Whether it was needing a pep talk or an extra push, our girls showed up for one another,” said Storrs. “The skill development we saw was phenomenal, but the heart behind it was even more impressive.”
The team's chemistry and mutual accountability allowed them to take ownership of their performances. That culture of internal motivation and trust played a pivotal role in preparing them for the high-stakes moments that were to come, particularly in the national spotlight.
Defining Moments: The Nationals' “Turnaround”
One of the most emotional and defining points of the season came during UCA Nationals. Day two of the competition didn’t go perfectly. A few mistakes left the team and coaching staff uncertain if they would make the cut for the finals. The tension was palpable.
And then—it happened.
Mountain Ridge Cheer was announced as a finalist.
“It was a rollercoaster,” Storrs admitted. “We were in shock. But in that moment, the team decided to give it every last bit of energy they had left.”
What happened next was nothing short of magical. The team hit their routine cleanly on day three in the finals, delivering a performance that Storrs says still brings tears to her eyes.
“It was the perfect example of resilience and determination,” she said. “I was unbelievably proud.”
The Heart of the Team: A Special Senior Class
Leading the way was a powerhouse senior class that brought much more than talent to the mat. According to Storrs, this group set the tone for the entire program, offering consistent leadership, camaraderie, and grit.
“They showcased impressive skills, but what stood out most was their unwavering support for one another,” she said.
The seniors encouraged everyone to stay “hungry and humble,” offering tips, praise, and motivation daily. They created a supportive, competitive atmosphere that elevated the team’s performance and cohesion.
Their legacy isn’t just marked by wins or skills—it’s in the culture they helped create. A culture where hard work is celebrated, and every athlete is empowered to succeed.
The Future is Bright: Building on Momentum
With the 2024–2025 season in the rearview mirror, the excitement surrounding the 2025–2026 team is already building. The early practices have revealed a promising new group eager to carry the torch—and then some.
“The legacy has just begun,” said Storrs. “We’re already seeing how committed this new group is. They not only meet expectations, they exceed them—even in their free time.”
Storrs and her staff are energized by what they’re seeing: young athletes who understand what’s been started and are ready to continue shaping the program’s reputation for excellence. It’s a rare and powerful thing to see such a deep buy-in from so many athletes so early in the season.
The Never-Ending Grind: Offseason with Purpose
Cheerleading is unique in the world of high school sports in that it doesn’t have much of an “offseason.” Even during summer, when competitions slow down, the workload does not.
But Coach Storrs sees that as an opportunity.
“Our goal is to help these girls walk off the competition mat, the football field, or the performance stage proud of what they’ve done,” she explained. “We want to give them every tool to reach their potential.”
That includes refining skills, building strength and endurance, and continuing to cultivate leadership. Summer months will be used not just for conditioning but for elevating the mental side of performance as well.
A Season to Remember—and a Legacy to Uphold
It’s not often that a team can point to a single season and say, “That’s where it all began.” But for Mountain Ridge Cheer, that’s exactly what 2024–2025 represents.
From their historic run at UCA Nationals to the development of a strong team culture led by a passionate senior class and a dedicated coaching staff, this season was about more than just routines or trophies. It was about proving that Mountain Ridge belongs on the national stage—and that they’re here to stay.
As the program moves forward, Coach Rylee Storrs and her athletes carry not just the lessons of last season but the fire to build something even greater.
Because the storm has started, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
 Nationals. It was a moment that marked not only a breakthrough for the team but also the start of a powerful legacy in the making.
As part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Article Series, we had the privilege of speaking with Coach Storrs about her first season at the helm, the impact of her athletes, and the emotional highs and lows that turned a strong season into an unforgettable one.
Making History: The Road to UCA Nationals Finals
Coach Storrs described the 2024–2025 season as nothing short of historic, and she meant it. For the first time in school history, Mountain Ridge Cheer advanced to finals at UCA Nationals, one of the most prestigious stages in competitive cheerleading.
“It will forever hold a special place in my heart as it was the first year I got to be the head coach for the program,” Storrs said.
For the team and their coach, this milestone wasn’t just a win on paper—it was the culmination of relentless effort, early mornings, late nights, and a shared belief that Mountain Ridge Cheer could be more than just competitive—it could be elite. Their success sparked conversation across the region and set a new bar for excellence at Mountain Ridge.
“This team will go down in history as the one that started the storm,” Storrs said. “They’re the beginning of a legacy.”
Growth in Action: Athletes Stepping Up
As the season progressed, Coach Storrs saw something every coach hopes for—growth, not just in skills but in confidence and character. Many of the girls developed into leaders in their own right, stepping up in moments that demanded more than just physical performance.
“Whether it was needing a pep talk or an extra push, our girls showed up for one another,” said Storrs. “The skill development we saw was phenomenal, but the heart behind it was even more impressive.”
The team's chemistry and mutual accountability allowed them to take ownership of their performances. That culture of internal motivation and trust played a pivotal role in preparing them for the high-stakes moments that were to come, particularly in the national spotlight.
Defining Moments: The Nationals' “Turnaround”
One of the most emotional and defining points of the season came during UCA Nationals. Day two of the competition didn’t go perfectly. A few mistakes left the team and coaching staff uncertain if they would make the cut for the finals. The tension was palpable.
And then—it happened.
Mountain Ridge Cheer was announced as a finalist.
“It was a rollercoaster,” Storrs admitted. “We were in shock. But in that moment, the team decided to give it every last bit of energy they had left.”
What happened next was nothing short of magical. The team hit their routine cleanly on day three in the finals, delivering a performance that Storrs says still brings tears to her eyes.
“It was the perfect example of resilience and determination,” she said. “I was unbelievably proud.”
The Heart of the Team: A Special Senior Class
Leading the way was a powerhouse senior class that brought much more than talent to the mat. According to Storrs, this group set the tone for the entire program, offering consistent leadership, camaraderie, and grit.
“They showcased impressive skills, but what stood out most was their unwavering support for one another,” she said.
The seniors encouraged everyone to stay “hungry and humble,” offering tips, praise, and motivation daily. They created a supportive, competitive atmosphere that elevated the team’s performance and cohesion.
Their legacy isn’t just marked by wins or skills—it’s in the culture they helped create. A culture where hard work is celebrated, and every athlete is empowered to succeed.
The Future is Bright: Building on Momentum
With the 2024–2025 season in the rearview mirror, the excitement surrounding the 2025–2026 team is already building. The early practices have revealed a promising new group eager to carry the torch—and then some.
“The legacy has just begun,” said Storrs. “We’re already seeing how committed this new group is. They not only meet expectations, they exceed them—even in their free time.”
Storrs and her staff are energized by what they’re seeing: young athletes who understand what’s been started and are ready to continue shaping the program’s reputation for excellence. It’s a rare and powerful thing to see such a deep buy-in from so many athletes so early in the season.
The Never-Ending Grind: Offseason with Purpose
Cheerleading is unique in the world of high school sports in that it doesn’t have much of an “offseason.” Even during summer, when competitions slow down, the workload does not.
But Coach Storrs sees that as an opportunity.
“Our goal is to help these girls walk off the competition mat, the football field, or the performance stage proud of what they’ve done,” she explained. “We want to give them every tool to reach their potential.”
That includes refining skills, building strength and endurance, and continuing to cultivate leadership. Summer months will be used not just for conditioning but for elevating the mental side of performance as well.
A Season to Remember—and a Legacy to Uphold
It’s not often that a team can point to a single season and say, “That’s where it all began.” But for Mountain Ridge Cheer, that’s exactly what 2024–2025 represents.
From their historic run at UCA Nationals to the development of a strong team culture led by a passionate senior class and a dedicated coaching staff, this season was about more than just routines or trophies. It was about proving that Mountain Ridge belongs on the national stage—and that they’re here to stay.
As the program moves forward, Coach Rylee Storrs and her athletes carry not just the lessons of last season but the fire to build something even greater.
Because the storm has started, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.)
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