Collins Hill High School Gameday Competition Cheerleaders head to Nationals

     The Collins Hill High School Gameday Competition Cheerleading Team will soon be competing for a national championship! The team has been working diligently since earning its first state championship last December in preparation for the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) National High School Cheerleading Championship at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports at Disney World in Orlando, Fl.

     Between February 6 and 8, these Eagles will compete in the Game Day School-Spirit categories of Fight Song, Crowd Leading, and Timeout/Tradition.

     “As the first team from the state of Georgia to qualify, they are hyper aware that they are not just representing our team and school but opening the door for future teams across the state,” says Cheer Program Director and Head Coach Katie Birkhead. “These athletes hold each other accountable and constantly strive to improve every detail of their routine and performance at every run through. I think that makes a huge difference in being coachable and translates into their success for their futures outside of school and athletics and into the real world once they leave Collins Hill.”

     Collins Hill High’s team is the first in Georgia’s history to have the opportunity to compete for a national championship. The Georgia High School Association did not permit out-of-state competitions before the 2025-2026 school year.

The team will begin in the Preliminary round. If it places first, the team will bypass the Semi-Finals and advance to the Finals.

     “It's incredibly humbling and emotional for both me and my assistant coach, Keeley Clabough, to have been a part of this historic season for this team,” Birkhead continues. “As a coach, you pour so much time, energy, and heart into these athletes, but seeing them grow into confident, driven young leaders is the real reward. We are so thankful to have this group of cheerleaders and hope they not only take away the moment of becoming Champions, but also a fire and drive to always fight for what they believe in, know the work IS worth it, and soak up every moment of this unforgettable experience.”

Senior team members, Kaelyn and Sabria, say they are grateful to be the first team in the state to receive this opportunity.

     “It feels really good, because I feel like it’s a good opportunity for us as a team to grow and accomplish this together,” says Kaelyn.  “It feels so good knowing that we’re the first team. I’m so grateful and excited because it’s our last year,” Sabria adds.

Good luck to the Eagles!