At the inaugural Heart of Texas Spirit Showcase, held in mid-November, there was one cheerleading squad that stole the show: No Limitations All-Stars. Composed entirely of cheerleaders with disabilities, the squad wowed the crowd at Live Oak Classical School in Waco, Texas, along with over 20 other squads from Central Texas.
The hard work and dedication of these remarkable cheerleaders paid off as they took the mat and gave an unforgettable performance. The love and support they received from the crowd left both the cheerleaders and their families overwhelmed with joy. “The girls loved it,” said Julie Potts, mother of cheerleader Madi Potts, who has Down syndrome. “The crowd at Live Oak was so amazing. They roared so loud for our girls that it brought me to tears and left our girls feeling like they just won the entire competition.”
Preparing for the state competition was no small feat for the No Limitations All-Stars. Practicing every weekend for nearly two months, these determined cheerleaders put in the time and effort to showcase their spirit and skills on the big stage. Their hard work paid off as they impressed both the judges and the audience.
The success of the No Limitations All-Stars wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated coaches who helped them along the way. Katy Cordell, the head cheer coach at Live Oak, Kathryn Willis, a student at Baylor University, Maria Nybert, the coach of No Limitations, and Melissa O’Hare, a volunteer coach for No Limitations and an assistant varsity cheer coach at Live Oak, all worked tirelessly to ensure that the cheerleaders were prepared and confident.
“They did an outstanding job showcasing their spirit as they cheered and performed stunts and tumbling skills,” said Cordell. “They were definitely one of the crowd favorites. It’s inspiring to see the cheer community become more inclusive, and No Limitations has inspired my team and me, highlighting what being a cheerleader is all about: showing up for your team and giving your best, no matter the challenges.”
The success of this event has prompted Live Oak Classical School to make it an annual tradition. This means that the No Limitations cheer squad will have another opportunity to share their talents and inspire others next year.
The heartwarming story of the No Limitations All-Stars reminds us of the power of inclusivity in sports. It is a testament to the fact that anyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate and excel in the activities they love. Let’s celebrate these incredible cheerleaders and continue to spread the message of inclusivity throughout the world of sports.
