Daviess County’s cheer program returned from nationals with hardware — and proof that its depth runs well beyond one team. The Daviess County High School and Middle School teams each finished as a runner-up in the UCA Nationals competition on Sunday.
The Lady Panthers took second in the High School Cheerleading Championship, finishing just 0.4 points behind champion The Woodlands College Park High School after advancing to the Division I finals in the Super Varsity Non Tumbling Game Day division. Daviess County also placed ninth in Medium Varsity Non Tumbling.
DC Head Coach Kitty Jones said the team represents everything their program stands for: hard work, resilience, and heart. She also gave thanks to coaches Dakorria Singleton, Sally Ward, and Rachelle Johnson, as well as the families, alumni, and community who support the program.
“Finishing second and ninth in the nation is an incredible milestone, but what mattered most was the way these athletes showed up for each other and left everything on the mat,” Jones said. “With 13 seniors leading that performance, they competed with pride, passion, and purpose. I am incredibly proud of their growth and commitment, and deeply grateful for the leadership of our coaching staff.”
DCMS represented the district at Junior High Nationals, finishing as runner-up in the Small Junior High Intermediate division, just 0.5 points behind first-place Hunter Middle School. The team also competed in the Large Junior High Game Day division, placing 14th in the semifinals and narrowly missing the cutoff to advance to finals.
“It’s something our entire program is really proud of,” Jones said. “Having success at both the middle school and high school levels shows how a strong foundation is being built. It also highlights the support, coaching, and commitment across Daviess County cheer programs.”
