Liberty Hill, TX — What started as a brand-new cheer program with just 12 student-athletes has quickly become one of the most inspiring stories in Texas high school athletics.
Legacy Ranch High School Cheer, led by head coach Kayla McLeod, has earned an invitation to perform in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young program and its athletes.
McLeod, a former coed college cheerleader with more than 15 years of experience, envisioned creating something unique at the new Liberty Hill school: a competitive coed cheer program capable of competing with some of the best teams in Texas.
That vision became reality faster than anyone expected.
The program began with only 12 cheerleaders, many of whom had little or no prior experience in cheerleading. Those athletes helped recruit additional teammates, including four male athletes, and committed themselves to building a program from the ground up.
Nearly 75% of the team had never cheered before stepping into one of the most competitive cheer environments in the state.
Despite the odds, Legacy Ranch Cheer made school history last year by becoming the first all-freshman team to compete at the UIL State level. Competing against larger and more established programs with years of experience, the team finished within half a point of placing among the Top 20 schools in its division.
Now, the 22-member team has another chance to make history, this time on a national stage.
The invitation to participate in the 100th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a dream come true for the athletes and coaches. However, because the trip is not considered a district-sponsored event, travel expenses are not covered by the school district.
Families, athletes, and supporters have worked tirelessly to raise money for the trip, but the financial burden has been difficult for many. Several students have already had to give up the opportunity because of the cost.
Team supporters say they are now asking the community for help through donations, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts to ensure as many athletes as possible can make the trip to New York together.
“This program has become a source of pride and inspiration for our school and community,” said Martha Gilbert, President of the Legacy Ranch High School Cheer Booster Club and a member of the LRHS staff team. “We are hopeful that through community support and awareness, we can help these hardworking students experience this incredible moment together.”
Supporters say the team’s success would not have been possible without the dedication of parents, school administrators, coaches, and booster club members who helped build the program from the ground up.
Reach out to Legacy Ranch Cheer if you’d like to contribute and help make their Macy’s Parade dream a reality!