Arcadia High School’s Cheer Team Makes History with SHARP International Sweep
By AUSD Digital Communications Intern Supriya Thapa
The Arcadia High School cheer team comes together, ready to take on the SHARP International Competition.
(Photo courtesy of @ahs.pepcheer on Instagram)
Under the bright lights of Estancia High School, Arcadia High School (AHS)’s varsity cheer team delivered a show-stopping performance at the SHARP International Competition on Feb. 8, making history with a clean sweep across every major category. From tumbling and stunts to jumps and overall high scores, the Apaches proved their skill, unity, and determination on the mat—walking away as undisputed champions.
SHARP International is a highly competitive cheer and dance circuit, bringing together elite teams from across the region to battle for top honors. Known for its intense competition and rigorous judging, SHARP pushes teams to their limits, making AHS’s first-place victories in every category all the more remarkable.
The Arcadia High School cheer team celebrates their victory, proudly holding their award after a historic win at the SHARP International Competition.
(Photo courtesy of @ahs.pepcheer on Instagram)
For the team, the overall division win was more than just a title—it was the culmination of relentless training, discipline, and an unbreakable team bond.
“The overall win meant the most because it’s the ultimate showcase of everything we’ve worked on—tumbling, stunts, jumps, and learning to move as a team,” said Mayly Victoria, a junior at AHS and varsity cheer member. “There’s only one chance to show the judges what we’ve been perfecting for months, so it’s either go big or go home. This win was a team effort, and I can’t wait to see what else we accomplish in the future.”
Backstage, the air buzzed with excitement and nerves as the team geared up for their defining moment.
“Before we stepped on the mat, there was this electric energy—tense but full of encouragement,” Victoria recalled. “We had a few mistakes in warm-ups, which shot our nerves through the roof. But the second our routine ended, it was pure adrenaline. Hugs, high-fives, and this incredible sense of relief—we knew we had given it everything.”
Even with their confidence in the routine, sweeping every major category was something no one expected.
“It was honestly a surprise! We believed in ourselves, but hearing our name called for every first-place award was surreal. The support we have for each other on and off the mat is irreplaceable.”
Watching from the sidelines, Tamara Erickson, a teacher and the cheer and pep squad director at AHS, was overcome with pride as the final results were announced.
“When we heard our name called as division winners, it was shocking in the best way possible,” Erickson said. “Not just because we won, but because this team finally got the recognition they deserve for their dedication and hard work. They left it all on the mat.”
The Arcadia High School cheer team celebrates their clean sweep at the SHARP International Competition, posing with Coach Tamara Erickson and Coach Amore after their historic victory.
(Photo courtesy of @ahs.pepcheer on Instagram)
According to Erickson, what set this team apart wasn’t just skill—it was their deep trust and unwavering support for one another.
“This team has a foundation of trust that you don’t see everywhere. They push each other, challenge each other, and lift each other up,” Erickson said. “That bond makes all the difference in the way they learn new skills and execute routines.”
With their historic SHARP International sweep under their belt, AHS’s cheer team isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
“The grind doesn’t stop,” Erickson said. “Every stunt gets harder. Every routine gets bigger. We’re setting our sights on even higher-level competitions, and these athletes are ready to put in the work to get there.”
For those interested in joining this unstoppable team, a mandatory informational meeting will be held on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. in the AHS Lecture Hall. Prospective cheerleaders will learn about the tryout process, training expectations, and the commitment needed to compete at this level.
As the AHS cheer team celebrates their unforgettable victory, one thing is certain—this is just the beginning.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us,” Erickson said. “We’re ready to bring it home again next season!”