At South Houston High School, don’t let anyone tell you cheerleading isn’t a contact sport.
But every bruise serves a purpose. There’s a lesson to learn in every routine.
“It's a lot of communication to be able to throw someone in the air and trust they'll be there when they come down,” said Coach Saranya Taylor.
This weekend at the Cheer America iNationals in Galveston, South Houston High School punched in the perfect performance and was crowned national champion.
"We heard them say South Houston High, and we said, ‘Hey, that's us!" said cheer captain Emmily Quiroz.
"Everybody was jumping up and down and yelling and screaming," said cheerleader Julianna Rosales.
It’s a big-time win that means a lot to a group of girls and boys that work hard.
Coach Taylor says South Houston High School doesn’t have as many resources as other cheerleading powerhouses, but what they lack in money, they make up with drive, passion and unwavering pride.
“We want to keep bringing pride to our school and pride to our community for what we're doing here,” Coach Taylor said.
These cheerleaders want to give South Houston something to cheer about every year.