Central Valley High School’s varsity competitive cheer team reached new heights in just its second year of existence.

The Hawks brought home a championship banner from JAMZ Nationals, staged Jan. 26-27, at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

“It’s a big accomplishment,” head coach Erika Guillory said. “This is only our second year competing. We took fourth at Nationals last year.”

Central Valley’s 29-person comp cheer squad executed a routine which consisted of dance, jumps, stunts and dismounts, while taking first in the Non-Tumbling Level 1 Extra Large Division.

“We had the third-highest score in the entire competition,” Guillory said. “We did amazing.”

Central Valley posted an overall score of 96.41 during the two-day competition.

No deductions were given as they turned in a “hit-zero” performance.

“I knew what we needed to do to win,” Guillory said. “Everybody did their part. They lit up the stage. To see everything they worked for come full circle felt so good. I broke down in tears. I made them cry.”

Approximately 65 percent of second day scores and 35 percent of first day scores were totaled to create final team rankings.

The Hawks had a score of 94.75 the first day and 97.33 the second day.

“They wanted to win so bad,” Guillory said. “They knew how hard it was going to be. The pressure was really high.”

Each routine lasted two minutes, 30 seconds.

Mike DeGuzman of Starstruck created the music for Central Valley’s performances.

“They were stressed. They had anxiety. They knew the stakes were high. They left no doubt.”

The Hawks were a model of consistency this season.

Central Valley placed first three times.

The Hawks won banners at Nationals, JAMZ Friday Night Lights on December 15 and JAMZ Reload on October 21.

Central Valley practiced on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this season for a combined nine-plus hours.

Each session started at 3:45 p.m. and ended at 6:30 p.m.

“I’m always optimistic. I had a feeling this team was going to rise to the challenge if they were given the right tools.”

Central Valley’s competitive cheer squad had a roster size of 29, including 15 returners.

Briana Ayala, Sofia Botero, Alexxzandria Carrillo, Alynah Crosthwaite, Bianka Garcia, Jayleen Gonzalez, Janet Gutierrez, Kaylee Gutierrez, Melanie Guzman, David Luna, Bryana Magallanes, Janet Moreira, Gladys Moreno, Breanna Orejel, Nicole Parshall, Mia Pelayo, Keidis Jauregui, Alanah Phounsavath, Dolores Pineda, Vivian Porres, Janessa Reyes, Kaily Reyes, Evelyn Solorzano, Valeria Torres, Karen Urrieta Perez, Mariah Zuniga, Valeeya Carr, Ally Balancio and Ariyana Manalo all earned spots on the team.

“They made the varsity team because they’re skilled." 

The Hawks’ 2023-24 coaching staff consisted of Guillory, Ailyin Bucio (assistant), Angelina Woods (assistant) and Tera DeGuzman (competition advisor).

“I’ve been at Central Valley for seven years,” Guillory said. “Our program has grown. It’s the biggest sport there.”

“Cheerleading is a very physical sport,” she added. “We try to do our best to work through injuries.”