With the largest squad in recent history and a rigorous competition schedule ahead, Hillcrest High’s cheer team is powering into the 2025-26 season with focus, energy and high hopes for a top finish at nationals.

The program has grown to 46 athletes this year, with 33 on varsity. Of those, 17 make up the competition team, including three boys, who add strength to the group.

“This year, our biggest goals are making it to state and breaking into the top two at nationals,” said Annyka Scherschligt, who is the head co-coach along with her sister, Amelya. “Last year we placed fourth and this team is even stronger. Honestly, I think we can win it.”

The team is currently working on eight full routines — four for competition and four for game-day performances. Currently, the varsity squad’s practices are increasing to prepare for competition season. 

The competitive season officially kicks off Dec. 5-6 at the Winter Classic, held at Timpview High School in Provo. From there, the team moves on to regionals Dec. 15 at West Jordan High, followed by the crucial USA divisional qualifier Jan. 9, 2026 at Syracuse High School. That qualifier will determine whether the team earns a spot at USA Cheer Nationals in Anaheim, California. 

State competition will follow shortly after, scheduled for Jan. 22, 2026 at Utah Valley University in Orem. The season culminates with USA Cheer Nationals from Feb. 19-23, 2026.

In addition to the co-head coaches, the squad is supported by JV coaches Birkley Strong and Skyley Brey. Varsity captains senior Mylee Trost and junior Eva Adamson guide the team alongside co-captains junior Ashlee Kelly and senior Emily Leung. Senior Riley Tolman serves as stunt captain and junior Ellie Runnells leads the song team.

With 16 seniors on the squad — six of them on the competition team — there is solid leadership and experience, Annyka Scherschligt said. She added this team has more overall talent and drive, with a strong group of returners and a motivated new class of athletes who are eager to compete. 

“Our team last year was incredible,” she said. “This year, the energy is different. These athletes know they’re good enough and they’re ready to prove it.”

Preparation for the season began in June with a weeklong home camp where two USA Cheerleaders taught new choreography and cheers. 

Nine Hillcrest cheerleaders were named USA All-American Cheerleaders — an elite designation earned through skill, leadership and performance at camp. They include Eva Adamson, senior Sophie Johnson, senior Cate Lee, sophomore Charlotte McCann, junior Paiten Mulkren, Ellie Runnells, junior Jade Sanchez, Riley Tolman and Mylee Trost.

Summer training took place four afternoons per week and included guest choreographers and stunt coaches from across the state.

Professional choreographer Ryleigh Bloechel, a former Weber State University cheerleader, created the team’s show cheer and sideline routines; Myranda Olson, a dance teacher and sister of the head coaches, choreographed the team’s song routine. Their fight song was choreographed by Chenelle Monique, a professional Broadway dancer and Ella Strong, Snow College Badgerette head coach, provided choreography for the team as well.

The cheerleaders also worked with three college stunt teams — Weber State University, Brigham Young University and Salt Lake Community College — who helped run clinics and skill sessions for the squad. 

Tumbling has been another area of focus for the Huskies; the team received instruction from Northstar Elite Cheer and Utah Extreme Cheer. Additional training came through regular yoga sessions.

“Sometimes it just helps for them to hear it from someone other than their regular coaches,” Annyka Scherschligt explained. “Having college athletes and professionals come in not only brings in great training — it shows our kids what’s possible if they keep going in this sport.”

With a larger squad for noncompetitive events, it has allowed coaches to rotate athletes into smaller groups for away competition, while ensuring the entire team performs together at home games. The cheer team supports several school athletic teams, including football, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, soccer, swim, tennis and more. 

The cheer squad also has been collaborating with the band and drill team on pre-game performances, a new opportunity that has added excitement and unity across spirit programs, Annyka Scherschligt said.

“We know our routines; we’re just working on polishing and executing them,” she said. “We’re going to have an awesome year.”