San Angelo Central Cheerleaders Claim Victory at 2026 NCA High School Nationals

SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo Central High School cheerleaders returned home triumphant after securing first place at the 2026 National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) High School Nationals. This marks the fourth consecutive year the team has competed in the event, and it was the seventh time they've won a national title. It was also the first time head coach Makayla Morgan led a championship team as the sole coach. The Central Bobcats competed in the Game Day Varsity Medium division against schools like Colleyville Heritage, North Forney, Breckenridge, Houston Stratford, McKinney, Houston Cypress-Fairbanks, John Jay, and Waller.

The team earned an impressive score of 91, edging out second place, which scored just under 87.

This year's competition presented unique challenges due to severe winter weather. Typically, teams perform twice, but the storm prompted an adjusted schedule. The Central cheerleaders traveled to the Fort Worth Convention Center on Thursday, delivered their performance on Friday, and headed back to San Angelo before conditions worsened.
The awards ceremony was conducted virtually on Saturday afternoon. The team gathered at Sports Next Level, located at 2838 College Hills Blvd. in San Angelo, to watch the livestream and celebrate their victory.

Founded in 1948, the NCA is the world's first cheerleading company, renowned for pioneering cheer camps, inventing traditions like the spirit stick, and hosting premier competitions for high school, college, and All-Star teams. Events emphasize performance, tumbling, stunts, and game-day skills under the Varsity Spirit umbrella. The NCA focuses on building spirit, tradition, and well-rounded athletes, though it is not sanctioned by the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL).