SAN ANGELO, Texas — Hallee Carlson is a freshman at Angelo State University and is a native of San Angelo. She's been cheering for six years, including in junior high and high school and said she's still in shock that the team won a national championship for the third consecutive year.
"It's honestly so crazy and it's a sense of accomplishment. That I came from a small little school and then I came here and won the national championship. It's just crazy," Carlson said.
She says it took a lot to prepare for this big moment.
"Well, it definitely takes a lot of preparation. We have 6 a.m. practice all throughout the week. And a lot of hard work and dedication," she said.
Head coach Kaylee King said cheerleading has been a part of her life since she was five. She continued through elementary, junior high, high school and eventually, Michigan State, where she cheered for two years.
Being a coach of a national championship-winning team is a proud moment for her.
"It's such a phenomenal feeling, but it's also a feeling that you don't expect," King said.
She wants others to know the time and dedication that each individual member of the team puts in.
"Not only are they practicing for their championship, but they're still supporting football, volleyball and basketball throughout the year," she said.
Madisen Kent, an ASU senior studying business management said she's been on the team since her freshman year. For her, it's all about coming to practice with an open mind.
"I was able to work with the guys on the team and learning how to stunt. So, coming to practice and learning something new everyday," Kent said.
After graduating, Kent hopes to get her personal training certification and get into the gym business.