Kirbyville High School Cheerleaders Shine at 2025 UIL Spirit State Competition
Kirbyville Cheer Coach Leah Richardson
The Kirbyville High School cheerleaders recently traveled to Fort Worth to compete in the 2025 UIL SPIRIT STATE competition in the 3A Division 1. Their journey began with the prelim round at 10:38 AM, where they showcased a solid routine and received valuable feedback from the judges. By midday, they were thrilled to learn they were “potential” top 20 finalists, eagerly awaiting the results of the next round to confirm their standing.
As the day progressed, around 4:00 PM, the preliminary round concluded, and Kirbyville High School was announced as a top 20 ranked team, advancing to the finals. Immediately, the cheerleaders went to the practice room, ready to incorporate the judges' comments and enhance their routine further. At 7:31 PM, they took the stage and delivered a phenomenal performance that electrified the audience. The energy in the room was huge, bolstered by the enthusiastic support from parents and family, who cheered LOUD AND PROUD alongside the cheer team.
During the awards ceremony, the Kirbyville cheerleaders proudly received the STATE RUNNER UP TROPHY and a SILVER MEDAL, marking another significant achievement for their program. Over the years, Kirbyville cheer has established a reputation to be proud of, consistently placing in the top 10 in the state for eight years and medaling three times in the past four years—two silvers and one bronze. This is an impressive feat, especially considering they compete against over 50 schools from across Texas each year.
As their coach, I am incredibly proud and excited for this team. Throughout the year, I encouraged them to strive for excellence and improve with each practice. Our schedule was rigorous, with few days off, and the commitment was demanding. I set high expectations, and these remarkable girls rose to the challenge, consistently pushing themselves to improve every time we hit the mat. After placing second last year, we knew we had big shoes to fill to maintain our tradition of success. This team never backed down. They showed up daily with determination and a positive attitude. My nine seniors were instrumental in this journey, stepping up when needed and guiding our younger teammates on the path to success. Watching them perform brings me immense joy; witnessing their dedication in action is truly special. If you ever have the chance to see them, I highly recommend it—they are FIERCE!
Emily Shierry-Captain
Being a Kirbyville cheerleader has been an incredible journey full of accomplishments. The team this year had grown so much from the start and the bonds everyone had created with each other are unbreakable. This team had shown what dedication, determination, and commitment looks like by showing up to every early morning practice, long late nights and weekends. Going into state we knew the goal that needed to be met to gain the reward we had worked so hard to earn. As we come home with a silver medal from state competition, we will continue to practice for nationals in Florida and will continue to strive to be the best representatives for Kirbyville. I have had the incredible honor of being the captain of this amazing team, and I’ve had the biggest privilege to watch us grow and succeed together. Seeing each member improve and our team bond strengthen over time has been an experience like no other. As the year is ending, I cannot wait to see how the cheerleaders continue to grow and to see the leaders they become. I would like to thank Mrs. Leah Richardson for guiding and pushing us and having the faith in us especially in the times when we thought we couldn’t give more. And to our parents, our biggest cheerleaders and supporters, we couldn’t have done this without you.
Sophia Sayers-Co Captain
Throughout my four years on Kirbyville Cheer, Ive seen so much progression and improvement. From gaining bronze to silver, the growth of this team is so clear. I was given the opportunity to be a leader for this season and it was such a honor. From the freshmen to the seniors, everyone put in more effort and work than any previous years. Our coach, team, and fans allowed this to be our best season yet. I couldn’t be happier with how state 2025 went and cannot wait to see how our nationals journey will go!
Claire Wiggins- Co Captain
As my time with KHS cheer starts winding down, I could not ask for a better final chapter! After months of putting in the work as a team we saw great success at state, earning a silver medal for our collection. I am so incredibly proud of each cheerleader who showed up, ready to strive for greatness each morning, and I am eternally grateful for the love and support our town has shown us throughout this journey. I am looking forward to finding even more success for this team as we head off to nationals next month! It was an honor to be named co-captain of such an outstanding group of girls, and I can’t wait to see the ways they continue to shine in cheer seasons to come.
