By TAYLOR BECK, Sports Editor
Boaz is bringing home the coveted white jackets.
The Pirates cheerleading team captured the 2026 National High School Cheerleading Championship in the varsity co-ed non-tumbling Division II on Sunday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
After finishing runner-up in the Large Varsity Non-Tumbling Division a year ago, Boaz returned to the national stage for the first time in the co-ed division, but with unfinished business — and left as champions.
Athletic Director Josh Walker said the title reflects the commitment the program shows year-round, not just at competition time.
“We are so proud of our cheerleaders,” Walker said. “They do such a wonderful job supporting and cheering for all of our teams. It is so awesome for them to get the recognition they deserve. They work so hard all year getting ready for nationals. It’s great to see their hard work pay off.”
Walker said the championship adds another chapter to one of the most decorated cheer programs in the state.
“This team is continuing the proud tradition of Boaz Cheer. Head coach Tiffany Rhoden and coach [Leah] Milam do a fantastic job with our cheerleaders, and we are so blessed to have them as our coaches.”
Boaz’s latest crown adds to a resume that already includes 16 state championships, 30 regional titles and now four national championships (1996, 1997, 2002, 2026).
Rhoden, who has led the program since 2006, has guided the Pirates to nine state titles and now the school’s first national championship in 24 years. The longtime head coach said the moment still feels surreal.
“I still have not had time to process the fact that our kids are national champions! They did it!” Rhoden said Sunday night. “We are so proud of them. We took a gamble at the beginning of this year and decided to compete for the first time in school history in the co-ed division. Our kids have worked so hard and grown in so many ways. Leah Milam and I have been so blessed to be their coaches. These kids are awesome and it was so amazing to see their hard work pay off.
“This is year 20 for me … I still don’t have the words yet. It is the best feeling in the world to watch your kids finally achieve a goal they have been working so hard for.
“It’s honestly such a blessing to be able to be a part of their journey.”
Members of the team include Grady Quisenberry, Lydia Whitfield, Lily Pearce, Kymber Leath, Lilibeth Bailey, KalliRay Collins, Lilly Cornutt, Leah Fowler, Valentin Alderete, Emma Lopez, Bella Oaks, Harper Walls, Mylee Elliott, Madi Hicks, Allie Kate Trussell, Brailei Davis, Raylee Tucker, Hadley Walls, Avah Garrard, Peyton Manders, Treazure Seay, Chloe Bishop, Avery Brown and Avery Rogers.
The Boaz cheerleaders celebrate Sunday night after being named national champions in the varsity co-ed non-tumbling division at the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. SPECIAL TO THE LEADER
