Philadelphia Elementary School's Cheerleading Team Makes History Ahead of Florida Competition

The Smedley Bulldog Blitz cheerleaders are the first inner-city public school to compete at the UCA Nationals.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:47am

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The Smedley Bulldog Blitz cheerleaders from Smedley Elementary School in Philadelphia are set to make history as the first inner-city public school to compete at the 2026 UCA Nationals in Florida. After winning regional competitions, the team of 22 girls aged 6 to 12 is proving they have what it takes to win on the national stage.

Why it matters

This is a major milestone for the Smedley Elementary cheerleading team and the Philadelphia community. Inner-city public schools often face challenges in funding extracurricular activities, so the team's achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of the coaches and cheerleaders to overcome those obstacles and earn a spot at the prestigious national competition.

The details

The Smedley Bulldog Blitz cheerleaders put in countless hours of practice to prepare for the competition. In addition to their athletic training, the team also had to fundraise $30,000 to make the trip to Florida possible. Despite the challenges, the coaches and cheerleaders are excited for the opportunity to showcase their skills on the national stage.

  • The Smedley Bulldog Blitz cheerleaders are set to compete at the 2026 UCA Nationals in Florida.

The players

Ana Rosario

The coach of the Smedley Bulldog Blitz cheerleading team.

Jada West

A coach of the Smedley Bulldog Blitz cheerleading team.

Smedley Bulldog Blitz

The cheerleading team from Smedley Elementary School in Philadelphia.

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What they’re saying

“We are the first public elementary school out of Philadelphia to go.”

— Ana Rosario, Coach (cbsnews.com)

“It's really heartwarming to see their progress, and we're a little piece of that.”

— Jada West, Coach (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Smedley Bulldog Blitz cheerleaders will compete at the 2026 UCA Nationals in Florida.

The takeaway

The Smedley Bulldog Blitz cheerleaders' achievement in becoming the first inner-city public school to compete at the UCA Nationals is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the coaches and athletes. This milestone highlights the importance of providing opportunities and resources for extracurricular activities in underserved communities, as it can lead to remarkable accomplishments and inspire the next generation of young athletes.