Monta Vista Cheer Shines on the National Stage: A 2025 Winter Season Recap with Coach Kendal Houck

The 2025 Winter Cheer season was one for the history books at Monta Vista High School. Under the leadership of Head Coach Kendal Houck, the MVHS cheerleading program not only made a lasting impact on the local community and school spirit, but also earned national recognition in competitive cheer — a milestone that solidified the team’s upward trajectory and fierce dedication. Coach Houck reflected on a season filled with triumphs, trials, growth, and grit. While there were setbacks, the high points illuminated just how far the program has come and where it’s heading in the future.

Making History: MVHS's First Trip to Nationals

One of the most defining achievements of the season was the success of Monta Vista’s Group Stunt (GS) Team, comprised of Chloe Chang, Pari Goel, Michelle Huang, Stephanie Zhang, and Kate Baccasch. This elite group not only swept first place at every regional competition they entered, but they also made history as the first MVHS Group Stunt team to qualify for Nationals. There, they didn’t just compete — they soared, earning a spot in the Top 10 Finalists out of 41 teams, ultimately placing 7th in the nation in the Group Stunt Intermediate division. "These athletes pushed themselves beyond their limits," Coach Houck said. "After a disappointing showcase performance earlier in the season, they faced the hard truths, dropped the finger-pointing, and rebuilt their trust. That moment became the catalyst for the performance of their lives at Nationals."

Leadership, Legacy, and All-American Honors

Another cornerstone of the season was the tremendous leadership and talent of the senior class. Coach Houck was effusive in her praise for seniors Selina Wang, Zoe Bao, Stephanie Zhang, and Michelle Huang, describing them as "angelic and outstanding" individuals who balanced high academic excellence (some earning Ivy League acceptances) with top-tier athletic performance. “These seniors were everything a coach could dream of — leaders, motivators, role models,” said Houck. “They brought energy, discipline, and love to everything we did.” Six Monta Vista cheerleaders were also named All-American Cheerleaders at camp — a prestigious honor awarded for individual excellence in performance and leadership. The recipients were: Zoe Bao (Senior) Selina Wang (Senior) Hailey Kim (Sophomore) Chloe Chang (Junior) Michelle Huang (Senior) Stephanie Zhang (Senior) Monta Vista also earned Gold at cheer camp, further highlighting the strength and promise of this year’s squad.

Growing the Program and Giving Back

While competition was a major part of the season, Coach Houck also emphasized the importance of community, mentorship, and outreach. The team volunteered at Hope’s Corner, serving breakfast to the unhoused and organizing a holiday toy drive — initiatives that reinforced the values of service and compassion. The team also performed at Kennedy Middle School, inspiring younger students and generating excitement for the future. That performance led to 13 interested middle schoolers expressing interest in trying out for the 2025–26 season. “We're not just growing as athletes. We're growing as leaders and community members,” said Houck. This outreach effort continued with the team’s second annual turnout event, which saw 53 attendees, a massive leap from just 13 the previous year.

Adversity and Resilience

The season wasn't without its struggles. Team unity and motivation were persistent challenges. "This was tough," admitted Houck. "We had one senior sidelined almost the whole season due to injury. That brought a lot of emotional learning — understanding how to support your team even when you can't be on the mat yourself." Watching their school’s girls basketball team miss the playoffs was another tough moment, but the cheer team stayed committed to lifting school spirit through thick and thin. A harrowing moment during a football game — where a player took a serious hit — also served as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in stunting. These moments grounded the team and brought them closer, instilling a deeper sense of purpose in every performance.

Rising Stars and Breakthroughs

Beyond the seniors, this season also marked the emergence of new leaders and rising stars. Rita Bondar, Evelyn Chun, and Rejina Gharti Magar were standouts in development, known for their coachability and constant improvement. “They asked questions, listened to feedback, and put in the work — both during practice and at home,” said Houck. “That’s the kind of dedication that will carry this program forward.”

Eyes on the Future

Coach Houck is already looking ahead with optimism and ambition. With the strong foundation laid this season, the focus for the offseason is on improving stunt and tumbling technique. Returning cheerleaders have shown hunger and drive, with many already attending open gyms and asking how to prepare for tryouts. “We’re aiming for Nationals again — not just with Group Stunt, but with our full Varsity team this time,” Houck said. “The kids are motivated. They’re ready. And we’re just getting started.”

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Winter Season at Monta Vista Cheer was more than just a success — it was a transformation. It was a season of firsts, of resilience in the face of setbacks, and of a team that learned to trust each other, lead from the heart, and aim for greatness. With an incredible senior class leaving a lasting legacy, and a determined group of underclassmen ready to take the reins, Monta Vista Cheer is not just a team to watch — it's a movement in motion. For more about their season and footage from Nationals, visit their official cheer website: https://sites.google.com/view/montavistacheer/usa-nationals-2025?authuser=2 Check out their Nationals video folder here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1G-LjV4VHkR_QEh8PFwFZ3E-AADJc-1dP?usp=drive_link

Monta Vista Cheer Shines on the National Stage: A 2025 Winter Season Recap with Coach Kendal Houck