Thursday, October 1, 2026
Tolar High School’s cheer team made its debut in the competitive cheer scene Thursday, Jan. 15, at the 2026 UIL State Spirit Competition in Fort Worth.
According to Tolar’s cheer coach, Renee Hawthorne, the UIL State Spirit Competition is an annual event where Texas high school cheerleading teams showcase sideline skills in categories like crowd leading, fight song and band chant.
It also is the only opportunity for varsity cheer programs to compete against other teams in their district and display their skills outside of solely cheering for their school’s sports.
The 2026 UIL State Spirit Competition represented the first time in school history the Tolar cheer team had the opportunity to compete together as a team. The team went to Fort Worth with only four senior members with competition experience.
“This was our first time competing as a team,” Hawthorne said. “While we didn't make it in the top 20, I am incredibly proud of all that they did to get prepared for the competition.”
Hawthorne said that while they may not have placed, she’s proud of all that her fledgling team was able to accomplish, learn and overcome.
“We were all nervous. I am sure knowing that their coach had never been to competition probably created more nerves on top of it all,” Hawthorne said. “Initially, we were all disappointed. Our music messed up at the beginning, which didn't count against us, but ultimately had an impact. However, as we processed all that we accomplished — where we started and where we ended up that day — we really made a ton of growth in sign work, transitions, lines; I could go on and on.”
Hawthorne repeatedly commented on the fact it was her honor to lead and coach this group of young women, saying each of them was “strong” and “determined,” both in the way they showed up and out at the UIL competition, but also in their everyday lives.
“My squad is nothing short of amazing. They walked onto that mat and left every ounce of determination out there. They were loud, spirited, but beyond all that, they pushed themselves beyond my expectations as well as their own expectations — and for that I am so very proud.”
Hawthorne and the Tolar cheer team used their inaugural competition as a learning opportunity, but are ready to embrace the next season ready to fight.
“I am excited to see what we will accomplish in the future. We definitely have some great years ahead of us,” Hawthorne said.
