KING CITY — This school year, King City High School (KCHS) introduced its first-ever traditional competitive cheer team, marking the beginning of cheerleading as a competitive sport at KCHS.
The team made an impressive debut during the 2024-25 winter season, achieving notable success at regional competitions.
While sideline cheer has been a longstanding tradition at KCHS, competitive cheer elevates the sport, emphasizing stunting, choreography and execution in a 2.5-minute routine scored by judges. California recognized competitive cheer as a sport in 2017, and schools statewide have embraced this opportunity to compete in sanctioned events.
The formation of the KCHS competitive cheer team was led by Head Coach Nicole Garcia, who, alongside assistant coaches Tyler King and Nikki Lagorio, began planning the team in early 2024.
Despite the challenges of being located at the southern tip of the CCS region, requiring long travel for competitions, they were committed to giving KCHS students a chance to showcase their talents. The team set their sights on competing in two CCS-sanctioned events to qualify for the prestigious CCS Cheer Championships.
“I am appreciative of Mrs. Garcia’s dedication to our students and her willingness to introduce competitive cheer as an option for our student athletes,” said Athletic Director Tige Munoz.
Tryouts were held in November, and the team began practicing on Nov. 14, 2024. They trained in the old KCHS ag mechanics building, with Mustang Bench generously donating four cheer mats to create a safe practice floor.
KCHS’s first competition was on Dec. 7, 2024, at Branham High School in San Jose. Competing in the small novice non-tumbling co-ed division, the team not only qualified for the CCS championships but also claimed first place in their debut performance.
“I am so proud of KCHS’s first competitive cheer team,” said Principal Michael Gray. “The coaches and team had a plan and vision, and through hard work, they achieved their goals.”
Their success continued on Dec. 21, 2024, at the Monte Vista Mustang Invitational in Watsonville, where they earned another first-place finish in the small novice non-tumbling division, solidifying their growing reputation.
On Jan. 18, the team competed in the CCS Cheer Championships at Independence High School in San Jose. Their goal: a routine with zero deductions. They surpassed expectations, earning a third-place finish out of 17 teams — an extraordinary feat for a first-year team.
“Watching them perform with smiles on their faces was priceless,” said senior cheer mom Isabel Neri. “Two first-place finishes and third place at CCS is an incredible start for KCHS cheer!”
“We went into CCS not knowing what to expect, but we came out with third place,” said sophomore cheerleader Luz Rivas. “The energy and sass we had paid off, and we couldn’t have done it without our coaches and supportive parents.”
“We are incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished in such a short time,” said Coach Garcia. “The athletes have shown tremendous dedication, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
Assistant Principal Janet Matos echoed the sentiment, praising the team’s exceptional performance at their first CCS Championships. “I am proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing what they achieve next year.”
The team would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported them throughout the season, including Mustang Bench for their generous contribution, all those who cheered them on, and the parents and fans that filled the stands at each competition.
With the momentum from this successful debut season, the KCHS Traditional Competitive Cheer team is already looking forward to another year of growth and achievement in 2025-26.
For updates, follow the KCHS cheer team on social media @kchsmustangcheer.
