All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
The 2024 Niwot High School Cougars Cheer team holding their Winter Blast trophy. Top row (l to r): Ayushi Bhandari, Ahna Harrison, Nadia Pai, Grayson Curro, Lola Doty, Olivia Marcellus, Emie Raichart, Thalia Victoria, and Stella Stephens Middle row (l to r): Lucky Saluja, Livi Stewart, Juliette Cook, Phoenix Borten, and Emily Payne. Bottom row (l to r): Meredith Champion, Ashley Lovato, Juliette Sales, and Emerson Pearson.
The Niwot High School cheerleading team finished fourth in the Co-Ed 4A Division at the 2024 Spirit State Championship Finals at the Denver Coliseum on Dec. 13, marking the squad's best result in recent years. Competing against the top teams in the state, the Cougars delivered clean routines with no deductions, which is an impressive accomplishment in a competition where even small errors often lead to point penalties.
The team began the season by placing second at both the League competition and the Northern Colorado Classic competition, followed by another second-place finish at the Winter Blast competition, before advancing to the State competition. While consistent performances kept them in contention, the path to the Spirit State Championship Finals was anything but smooth. Injuries to key athletes forced significant adjustments to their routine throughout the season, including a last-minute overhaul just days before the final event.
"We had to adapt on the fly," said Head Coach Wendy Coppersmith. "Two athletes returned from injury, but two others couldn't compete. It was chaotic, but the team stayed focused and did what was necessary to step up."
At State, Niwot's preliminary performance earned them a spot in the finals, where they once again delivered a flawless routine. Their clean execution set them apart, as deductions for safety and technical errors often cost teams valuable points. With a score in the 70s, Niwot secured a fourth-place finish, capping off a season defined by resilience and adaptability.
Key moments included the team's ability to hit their stunts with precision and avoid deductions-a rare feat at this level. "Believe in yourself, your abilities, your performance, as much as I believe in each of you," Coppersmith told the team before their final routine.
The team's achievements reflect the steady growth of the squad, doubling in size this year and setting the stage for even higher-level performances in the future. The cheer team plans to compete one more time this season at the Sweetheart Blast on Feb. 8 at Greeley West High School, where the cheerleaders aim to build on their momentum and test new elements in their routine.
The Cougars also celebrated individual accomplishments this season. Senior Nadia Pai was named to the Class 4A All-State First Team, while Juliette Cook earned Honorable Mention honors. "They are great leaders on and off the mat," said Coppersmith. "We are so proud of them. Congratulations!"
Looking ahead, Niwot hopes to add more team members, including male athletes, to expand the team's capabilities with advanced stunts and tumbling, both of which are critical for higher scores.
With their historic finish at State and a strong foundation in place, the Cougars are poised for continued success in the seasons to come.
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