(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – January 21, 2025) — Dedication, teamwork, and school pride are taking center stage as the Chapin High School cheerleaders prepare to compete in the 2025 National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) High School Nationals. The prestigious event, often regarded as the “Super Bowl of cheerleading,” will take place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, from January 24 to January 26.
For Chapin Cheer Coach Krystle McClain, the journey to Nationals is a culmination of years of hard work and passion. “A lot of these kids have been working for this moment since they were little,” McClain said. “Some of these students started cheering together in middle school and have been together ever since. This event is a huge milestone for them.”
Qualifying for NCA Nationals is no small feat. Teams must attend a rigorous summer camp hosted by the NCA and either submit a video or compete in person at a regional competition. The Chapin cheerleaders demonstrated their skill and determination to earn their spot among the nation’s best.
To prepare, the team has been putting in long hours of practice, conditioning, and specialized training. “We practice a lot,” McClain explained. “During the week, the students also go to gyms to build strength for their routines. We bring in professionals to help them build their endurance as well. Cheerleading requires a mixture of both.”
Senior cheerleader Vivian Herrera is excited to make her final year unforgettable. “I’m ready to make history since this is my last year of high school,” Herrera said. “I hope we do well, but mostly, I pray that we all walk on and off the mat with no injuries. We’re a faith-driven team, and that carries us through each event.”
For senior Navon Wheaton, the experience has been life-changing. “Joining cheerleading has really given me opportunities I never dreamed of having,” Wheaton shared. “Coach McClain has really stepped up and elevated this program. Now, we’re not just competing; we’re also helping out in the community. This program has taught me social skills and confidence—it’s preparing me for the real world.”
Beyond the competition, the team takes pride in representing their school and city. “We want to make the 915 proud and put on a great performance,” Herrera said. “Everyone is working super hard, and we’re ready to take on this competition,” Wheaton added. “We want to show everyone across the country what El Paso is really all about.”
As the cheerleaders gear up for Nationals, they carry the support of their school and community. “Teachers and parents have been stopping me in the hallways to show their excitement and support for the team,” McClain said. “Our basketball and football players have also shown up for our cheerleaders. It’s a true community effort.”
For seniors like Herrera and Wheaton, the lessons learned through cheerleading extend beyond the mat. Herrera plans to study dermatology after graduation, with Texas Tech and Baylor University as her top college choices. Wheaton sees the hard work and discipline of cheerleading as preparation for life’s challenges. “There’s pressure for sure, but it’s worth it,” Wheaton said. “This program has taught me that I can achieve anything I want with dedication and the right mindset.”