Penncrest Cheerleading Shines Nationally in a Season Defined by Unity, Resilience, and Growth
The 2025 winter cheer season at Penncrest High School was nothing short of extraordinary. Led by Coaches Gina Lucente and Kait Schmucker, the Lions delivered a season packed with standout achievements, breakthrough performances, and unwavering team spirit that captured the heart of their community and earned national recognition.
For the fourth straight year, the Penncrest cheerleading team claimed the Regional Championship in the Game Day Division, secured a nationals bid, and earned a Top 5 finish at UCA Nationals, Game Day Division, in Orlando, Florida—cementing their status as one of the premier programs in the country. But ask Coach Lucente what made this year special, and she won’t point to trophies or rankings. Instead, she highlights a cohesive, all-in culture where every athlete matters and every voice is valued.
A Team Without Captains, But Full of Leaders
In a program where leadership is shared rather than assigned, each member of the 19-athlete roster had a crucial role to play in Penncrest’s success.
“We don’t have captains because we want them all to be leaders,” said Coach Lucente. “Every voice is heard, so we are constantly communicating to make for a more cohesive season.”
This democratic approach empowered athletes to take ownership of their performance and each other’s growth, creating a high-functioning, supportive environment that thrived even in the face of adversity.
A Season of Historic Highs
The 2025 season was filled with highlights both at home and on the national stage. Locally, the team was a vital part of Penncrest’s vibrant school spirit, especially during Friday night football games and a basketball season that saw the Lions make it to the PIAA Elite 8. The team also participated in 18 community service events during this past season. The cheerleaders thrive on helping within our community and have learned the importance of stewardship, kindness, and spreading joy.
On the competitive front, the team continued to build on its legacy. In Orlando, despite last-minute travel challenges, Penncrest pulled off a stunning performance on the national stage. Out of 62 teams in their Game Day division, they secured 5th place, earning a fourth consecutive trip to the UCA National Finals, but their highest finish yet. Even more impressive, across all divisions and more than 1,250 total teams, Penncrest ranked among the Top 20 highest scorers at the event.
“It was a really great season,” said Lucente. “Our goal was to earn a spot in the finals…which means skipping the semi-final round. We missed straight to the finals by two-tenths of a point, AND to the team that ultimately won the title. That was a tough one, but to know we were one of the top-scoring teams in the entire competition certainly made up for it. It was a pleasant surprise for sure!”
Turning Travel Trouble Into Triumph
One of the defining moments of the season came just before the biggest stage. The team’s flight to Orlando was unexpectedly canceled due to weather. The only option? Fly into Miami a full day later and drive four hours to Orlando, costing them valuable practice time, rest, and routine.
But instead of unraveling under pressure, the team and their parents rose to the occasion. Everyone rallied together to make the best of a bad situation, and surprisingly, the team stayed super focused on what they were there to do.
“When we finally got there, we had the best run-through we’ve ever witnessed,” Lucente recalled. “It was so good that we didn’t make them run through the routine again. That has NEVER happened before, and the team was in shock but really excited. I looked at Kait and said, THAT was amazing and then looked at the team and said, “You do that tomorrow and you will be unstoppable.”
That performance, born from determination, trust, and grit, set the tone for the team’s success at nationals.
Across-the-Board Growth
One of the joys of the cheer season, Lucente says, is watching every athlete grow. And in 2025, all 19 team members made tremendous strides.
“They look like completely different cheerleaders than they did at tryouts,” she said. “No one went backwards. They performed at nationals like we have never seen them.”
And for the first time, the Central League formally recognized cheerleaders for their accomplishments. Penncrest was well represented:
First Team All-League: Riley Duffy
Second Team: Abigail Wolf
Honorable Mention: Megan Falkinburg
These honors underscored not only the team’s collective strength but also the individual excellence developing within the program.
Facing Adversity With Poise
Whether it was travel hiccups, injuries, or score setbacks, adversity is nothing new for the Lions. But what sets Penncrest apart is its ability to stay grounded through it all.
“We never have it easy,” Lucente said. “We always have injuries, inconsistent scores, drama, and pressure. But we’ve become experts in rolling with the punches and never giving up.”
Through shared resilience, the team turned setbacks into stepping stones—an invaluable mindset that paid dividends when it mattered most.
Seniors Leave a Legacy of Joy and Excellence
While the entire team played a role in the season’s success, the senior class was the heartbeat of the program, bringing energy, joy, and consistent improvement year after year.
“They were the first class to be consecutive winners at both regionals and nationals for four consecutive years,” Lucente said. “They were talented, but even more than that—they were just really good people.”
From music and dance parties to bus ride laughs, their impact extended far beyond routines and performances.
“We are going to miss Sophia, Kailyn, Riley, Megan, Abby, and Abbey more than words can say,” said Lucente. “Their parents, too! They all brought so much fun to our group.”
A Promising Future Built on Discipline and Drive
Looking ahead, Lucente is confident that the underclassmen are ready to rise. They have seen what excellence looks like—and they are dedicated to keeping the tradition alive.
“They understand the assignment,” she said. “They are disciplined and have learned from the seniors each year what it takes to stay at this level. Watching them grow into that responsibility is the best part.”
With a strong returning group, the program remains poised to remain among the nation’s best.
Offseason Goals: Sharpening Every Edge
As the team transitions to the offseason, the focus shifts to refining fundamentals and accelerating the development of new team members. Key areas of improvement include:
Motions
Stunts
Tumbling
Crowd Involvement
Onboarding New Members Quickly
These core skills will be the foundation for another deep run in the 2026 season.
A Model of Excellence and Heart
In a sport that demands athleticism, poise, and teamwork, Penncrest Cheerleading continues to set the bar high. Coaches Gina Lucente and Kait Schmucker have created a culture where every athlete is valued, every challenge is embraced, and every opportunity is met with courage.
From Friday night football games to national spotlights, the 2025 season will be remembered not just for its results but for the character, connection, and commitment that powered the team every step of the way.
For fans who want to relive the action, results from regionals and nationals are available at https://www.varsity.com/. As for what’s next? If this season is any indication, the best is yet to come for Penncrest Cheer.
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