The Tahquitz High School Cheer Team has made history on the biggest stage in the nation, capturing the National Championship title at the National High School Cheerleading Championships (NHSCC)—the largest high school cheer competition in the country.
This year’s NHSCC brought together an incredible 1,286 teams from 34 states and approximately 27,000 athletes, all vying for a national title. Competing in the prestigious Large Varsity Coed Division I, Tahquitz faced the toughest field in the program’s history. After advancing through a highly competitive semifinal round, the Titans emerged in first place and secured one of only five coveted spots in the finals.
On championship day, Tahquitz delivered the performance of a lifetime. They were the only team in the final round to execute a zero-deduction routine, a near-perfect performance that sealed their victory and earned them the national crown.
“This team believed in the goal long before anyone else could see it,” said Head Coach Sarah Peterson. “They showed up every day with heart, discipline, and trust in one another. Hitting a zero-deduction routine on that stage was the result of years of commitment, and I couldn’t be more proud of how they represented our school, our community, and the entire state of California.”
This win marks a monumental milestone—not only for Tahquitz High School but for the entire state of California. The NHSCC was established in 1980, and in more than four decades, no California team had ever won the Large Varsity Coed Division I category—until now.
Tahquitz Cheer has competed in this elite division for eight years, previously earning silver medals twice with second-place finishes. This year, the team broke through, turning years of dedication, discipline, and heart into a historic gold-medal moment.
Coaches credit the athletes’ relentless work ethic, trust in one another, and unwavering commitment to excellence. For the seniors on the team, the victory represents the perfect culmination of their high school cheer careers; for the underclassmen, it sets a new standard of what Titan spirit can achieve.
The Tahquitz community and Hemet Unified School District celebrate this extraordinary accomplishment and congratulate the athletes, coaches, and families who helped make history.
Go Titans!