The Hillcrest High cheer team has plenty to cheer for this season. Ten of its members were selected to represent USA Cheer as All-American cheerleaders—and the Huskies geared up for the USA Cheer Nationals Feb. 13-17 in Anaheim, California. 

“We’ve really done awesome this year and they have improved so much from the start of the year,” said Annyka Scherschligt, who, alongside her sister Amelya, is coaching the squad for their first year.

Those chosen for the honor include head captains and seniors Belle KLC and Paige Henderson, song captain and senior Aspen McCarthy, senior Sage Williams, juniors Eva Adamson, Khloë Buchanan, Emily Leung, Alice Stephens and Riley Toleman and sophomore AshLee Kelly.

In addition to the All-American recognition, KLC was also selected as one of 24 4A cheerleaders to represent Hillcrest as an All-State cheerleader for the class of 2025.

On Feb. 14, 17 Husky cheerleaders performed their show routine at the USA Cheer competition, having qualified at the USA regional event Jan. 18.

“Every time this season, we increased the difficulty of their skills a little bit from one competition to the next and every time, they went out and hit the routine. We didn’t have any penalties, zero deductions all season,” Annyka Scherschligt said. 

On Feb. 16, 11 Huskies competed in the song category.

“We’ve been practicing hard, getting those routines super clean and perfected, and mastering all the skills,” she said prior to the event. “We’ve given them the whole breakdown in the itinerary and what will be going on.”

That schedule also includes a chance to see a collegiate competition, team bonding activities and a visit to Disneyland.

Recently, the team held a Sweethearts dance as a fundraiser for the cheer program, and they have participated in a variety of bonding activities including distributing candy at the school’s trunk-or-treat event and having a winter team dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory. They are also planned a showcase for Feb. 25, asking attendees to bring canned goods for Hillcrest High’s food pantry.

Throughout their competition season, Hillcrest placed third place in fight song, fourth place in sideline chant and show at the Winter Classic competition in December. At the division competition Jan. 10, Annyka Scherschligt said the team performed the routines flawlessly.

They also earned third place in the show category at the USA region competition in mid-January.

Amelya Scherschligt hopes their hard work will inspire some seniors to consider cheering in college.

“I feel some of the team could cheer in college,” she said. “I did it and it was so fun. When we started, many of them were shy and we had to teach a lot of new skills to the team since some had never cheered before. But now, they’ve improved so much, and they’re confident in their abilities and comfortable with each other. They’re having fun performing in front of the student section.”

Her sister said the team already is seeing the rewards of their hard work.

“We love the team, and we just know they’ll continue to get better,” Annyka Scherschligt said. “It’s been great getting to know the girls not just as a cheerleader, but as individuals. We’re building a strong connection with them, and it’s rewarding to know we’re having a positive impact on their lives. Our goal is to be someone they can look up to and trust while helping them create fun memories.” λ