LCA Varsity Cheer nabbed 4th place after competing in the TAPPS State Cheer Championship on December 7 in Belton, TX. The Eagles competed against 5A and 6A teams from across the state, and also received a “Superior” rating. It was a banner year for the squad as they placed higher than they ever have and Legacy was the only Division II school to have two athletes named to 1st Team All State, with Presley Kate Pittard `23 and senior Sophie Ratkovic. Additionally, Karli Palasota `21 was named 2nd Team All State and Abigail Arrington `22 received Honorable Mention.
Seniors Ava Levassar and Lottie Sopp
The squad spends the greater part of their year on the sidelines cheering on our athletes and hyping up the crowd at football and basketball games. Cheer is much more than yelling sideline chants and dancing to the fight song. Behind their smiles are hours of grueling work, and, make no mistake, cheer is physically rigorous. In the weeks leading up to the state competition, their training schedule doubles in time and intensity. These girls are all-around athletes with showmanship to boot. All of their hours of diligence and preparation were highlighted in their 2 ½ minute performance on the competition floor.
Coach Brooke Levassar commended her squad, “The girls put forth an incredible effort to prepare for the competition, despite some big obstacles that arose along the way. The team as a whole is incredibly skillful, but our success this year was a result of true focus and hard work. We put in a lot of extra practice time, and it paid off. Coach Morgan and I are so very proud of this squad, and how they performed!”
Senior Captain Sophie Ratkovic riles up the crowd
1st Team All State Presley Kate Pittard flying high
This year's competition looked a little different. In a typical year, the squad competes in prelims on the first day and then moves on to finals the following day. This year, due to COVID restrictions, the squads competed in prelims in the morning and finals were in the evening. Stunting, tumbling, and hitting each move with confidence all while bringing a high-energy performance with a smile is no easy feat. During their prelim performance, the squad took zero deductions and then improved their overall score by five points in the finals.
Captain Sophie Ratkovic said, “Competing at TAPPS with my best friends was an experience I will never forget. We all have an unbreakable bond and push each other to be our best on the mat and for the Lord. I am so proud of our accomplishments this year and for making history for the cheer program.” Dazzling and awesome, these girls proudly brought home their trophy this year.
Legacy Christian Academy is Frisco's preeminent Pre-K through 12 Christian school committed to educating students in a college preparatory environment balanced in academics, athletics, and fine arts–all within the context of a biblical worldview. For the latest information on Legacy athletics, subscribe today. For more information on Legacy, visit our admissions page.