In the Small Varsity Division II event, the team took 14th place in the Semifinal Round (Group C/D). The team placed fifth in the Preliminary Round (Group C)
In the Small Varsity Division II Game Day competition, the Planets received 18th place in Semifinals. The team took fifth place in the Preliminary Round (Group A)
Team members include seniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Gianna Goodman, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; juniors Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; sophomores Lily Becker, Lexi Lefcakis, Aliana Spagnolo and Abby Stevenson; and freshmen Sophia Lapina and Lainy Vargo.
For additional information, visit the results page of UCA National Cheerleading Championships.
Competitive Cheer Team Competes in WPIAL Championships
The Planets received 11th place overall and fifth place in the Small Varsity division with a final score of 78.3, qualifying for the 2025-2026 PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships, to be held Jan. 9-10 at 1st Summit Arena (Johnstown, Pa.).
Team members include seniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Gianna Goodman, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; juniors Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; sophomores Lily Becker, Lexi Lefcakis, Aliana Spagnolo and Abby Stevenson; and freshmen Sophia Lapina and Lainy Vargo.
Tickets for the PIAA Championships are $9 and available for purchase online at the PIAA tickets page. For further details, visit the WPIAL Tournament page.
Competition Team Places in Allegheny Regionals
The Planets earned third place in the Small Varsity Game Day division and seventh place in the Small Varsity Traditional division. The performances earned the team a bid to the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship to be held Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at Walt Disney World.
The team took first place in the Small Varsity Game Day division and fourth place in Small Varsity Traditional division at the 2025 Butler Cheer Classic, held Nov. 9 at Butler Senior High School. And, the Planets earned second place in the Small Varsity Game Day division and third place in the Small Varsity Traditional division at the South Hills Showdown, held Nov. 2 at Bethel Park High School.
Team members include seniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Gianna Goodman, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; juniors Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; sophomores Lily Becker, Lexi Lefcakis, Aliana Spagnolo and Abby Stevenson; and freshmen Sophia Lapina and Lainy Vargo.
The team will next compete in the 2025 WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championships on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Hempfield Area High School. For more details, visit the WPIAL Tournament page.
2024-2025
2025 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships
In the Medium Varsity Division II Game Day event, the team placed 45th overall out of 100 teams and advanced to the Semifinals for the first time in the school’s history. The Lady Planets earned 14th place in the Semifinal Round and took fifth place in the Preliminary Round (Group C).
In the Small Varsity Division II event, the Planets took 18th place out of 45 teams, advancing to the Semifinal Round (Groups D/E/F). The team placed eighth in the Preliminary Round (Group F).
Team members include seniors Kenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabby Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addy Vavala and Bella Yoshioka; juniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; sophomores Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; and freshmen Lexi Lefcakis, Aliana Spagnolo and Abby Stevenson.
For additional information, visit the results page of UCA National Cheerleading Championships.
2025 PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships
The team, which competed in the 3A Small Varsity Division, earned seventh place with 70.17 point in semifinal round. The team advanced to semifinals after placing 10th (75.27) in the 3A Small Varsity (Group A) preliminary round.
Team members include seniors Kenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabby Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addy Vavala and Bella Yoshioka; juniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; sophomores Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; and freshmen Lexi Lefcakis, Aliana Spagnolo and Abby Stevenson.
For additional information, visit the PIAA Championships details page.
Team Recognized in WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championships
The team, which competed in the 3A Small Varsity Division, received a final score of 74.2, earning points in the Cheer (24.9), Stunts (28.5), and Overall (24.3) categories. The team qualified to compete in the 2025 PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships, to be held Jan. 30-31 at Santander Arena (Reading, Pa.)
Team members include seniors Kenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabby Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addy Vavala and Bella Yoshioka; juniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; sophomores Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; and freshmen Lexi Lefcakis, Aliana Spagnolo and Abby Stevenson.
For more information, visit the WPIAL Tournament page.
UCA — Allegheny Regionals
The Planets earned first place and was named the division winner in the Medium Varsity Game Day event. Game Day team members include seniors Kenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabby Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addy Vavala and Bella Yoshioka; juniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; sophomores Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; and freshmen Lexi Lefcakis, Aliana Spagnolo and Abby Stevenson.
In Small Varsity Traditional competition, the team took eighth place. Traditional team members include seniors Kenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabby Lapina, Addy Vavala and Bella Yoshioka; juniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; sophomores Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; and freshmen Lexi Lefcakis (alternate), Aliana Spagnolo (alternate) and Abby Stevenson (alternate).
Both teams earned bids to attend the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships, to be held Feb. 7-10 at Walt Disney World Resort. For additional information, visit the Butler Cheerleading page.
Tornado Warning: Butler Cheer Classic
The Planets earned first place in the Medium Varsity Game Day competition. Game Day team members include seniors Kenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabby Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addy Vavala and Bella Yoshioka; juniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; sophomores Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; and freshmen Lexi Lefcakis, Aliana Spagnolo and Abby Stevenson.
In Small Varsity Traditional competition, the team took fourth place. Traditional team members include seniors Kenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabby Lapina, Addy Vavala and Bella Yoshioka; juniors Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Liv Hanna, Allie Lefcakis, Marina Missos, Paige Nicholson, Maddy Osterman, Teagan Tumulty and Addy Vargo; sophomores Emlyn Kasperowicz and Teegan Painter; and freshmen Lexi Lefcakis (alternate), Aliana Spagnolo (alternate) and Abby Stevenson (alternate).
For additional information, visit the Butler Cheerleading page.
2023-2024
The cheerleaders won first place in the Sideline and Overall Spirit Routine events. The team also earned the Traditions Award and the Top Banana.
For more information, visit the Varsity UCA Camp page.
2022-2023
2023 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship
The team took eighth place with a score of 95.3 in the final round of the Small Varsity Division II Game Day. The Planets advanced to the finals after tying for third place (94.1) in the semifinals.
Team members include seniors Alina Glentzer, Sydney Heim, Lucy Huggins, Elsa Scheide, Madalynn Schwartzbauer; juniors Kelley Kozesky; sophomores Mackenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabriella Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addisyn Vavala and Isabella Yoshioka; and freshmen Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Alexandria Lefcakis, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addison Vargo.
For more information, visit the results page of UCA National Cheerleading Championship.
2023 PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships
Mars Area High School Competition Cheer Team competed in the preliminary round of the 2023 PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships, held Jan. 27-28 in Hershey, Pa.
The team placed 13th with an overall score of 72.8 in the Class 3A Small Varsity — Group A Division. The team qualified for the state championships after earning an overall score of 79.3 at the 2023 WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championships on Jan. 7.
Team members include seniors Alina Glentzer, Sydney Heim, Lucy Huggins, Elsa Scheide, Madalynn Schwartzbauer; juniors Kelley Kozesky; sophomores Mackenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabriella Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addisyn Vavala and Isabella Yoshioka; and freshmen Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Alexandria Lefcakis, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addison Vargo.
For additional details, visit the PIAA official website.
WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championships
The team, which competed in the 3A Small Varsity Division, received a final score of 79.3, earning points in the Cheer (24.4), Stunts (29.5), and Overall (25.4) categories. The team qualified to compete in the 2023 PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships, to be held Jan. 27-28 at the GIANT Center (Hershey).
Team members include seniors Alina Glentzer, Sydney Heim, Lucy Huggins, Elsa Scheide, Madalynn Schwartzbauer; juniors Kelley Kozesky; sophomores Mackenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabriella Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addisyn Vavala and Isabella Yoshioka; and freshmen Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Alexandria Lefcakis, Paige Nicholson, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addison Vargo.
To view a video of the team’s performance (at 3:27.40) at the WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championships, visit the performance video page. For further information, visit the WPIAL official website.
Team Takes Second Place at 'Battle in the ‘Burgh!'
In addition, the team took first place in the Medium Game-Day division. Team members include seniors Alina Glentzer, Sydney Heim, Lucy Huggins, Elsa Scheide, Madalynn Schwartzbauer; juniors Kelley Kozesky; sophomores Mackenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabriella Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addisyn Vavala and Isabella Yoshioka; and freshmen Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Alexandria Lefcakis, Paige Nicholson, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addison Vargo.
The team will next compete in the WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championships, to be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Hempfield Area High School. For more information, visit the All-Stars competition page.
Team Named Grand Champions at Jagfest Spirit Competition
Mars Area High School Competition Cheer Team was named overall Grand Champions at the Jagfest Spirit Competition, held Oct. 16 at Thomas Jefferson High School.
In addition, the team also took first place in the Small Varsity Game Day and Small Varsity Traditional Divisions.
Team members include seniors Alina Glentzer, Sydney Heim, Lucy Huggins, Elsa Scheide, Madalynn Schwartzbauer; juniors Kelley Kozesky; sophomores Mackenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Gabriella Lapina, Brooke Southwell, Addisyn Vavala and Isabella Yoshioka; and freshmen Riley Carrel, Josie Dressen, Alexandria Lefcakis, Paige Nicholson, Bella Staines, Avery Symchak, Teagan Tumulty and Addison Vargo.
The team will next compete at the Sparkle & Shine Cheer Fest to be held on Sunday, Oct. 30, at Hempfield Area High School (Greensburg); at the Allegheny Regionals on Sunday, Nov. 6, at Slippery Rock University; and at the South Hills Showdown on Sunday, Nov. 13, at Bethel Park High School.
For more information, call (724) 625-1581.
2021-2022
2022 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship
The team took 14th place with a score of 88.60 in the Small Varsity Division II. The Planets advanced to the semifinals, after placing third (92.75) in the preliminary round of the competition.
“It’s absolutely rare that a team of rookies could conquer such a season,” says Michaela Bonnett, cheer coach, noting that the team is the first Mars Area team to advance to the national competition twice. “They are forever the foundation that holds those who come after them.”
Team members include seniors Morgan Beck, Sarah Hooper, Kelsey Hulbert, Fayth Petruzzelli and Danielle Vactor; juniors Alina Glentzer, Sydney Heim, Lucy Huggins, Mia Lipscomb, Ella Scholar and Madalyn Schwartzbauer; and freshmen Mackenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Brooke Southwell, Addisyn Vavala and Isabella Yoshioka.
For additional information, visit the results page of UCA National Cheerleading Championship.
WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championships
Mars Area High School’s Competition Cheer Team joined in the WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championships, held Jan. 8 at Hempfield Area High School.
The team, which competed in the 3A Small Varsity Division, received a final score of 72.2, earning points in each Cheer (23.5), Stunts (28.6), and Overall (23.6) categories. To view a video of the team’s performance (at minute 2:49) at the WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championships, visit the performance video page.
Team members include seniors Morgan Beck, Sarah Hooper, Kelsey Hulbert, Fayth Petruzzelli and Danielle Vactor; juniors Alina Glentzer, Sydney Heim, Lucy Huggins, Mia Lipscomb, Ella Scholar and Madalyn Schwartzbauer; and freshmen Mackenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Brooke Southwell, Addisyn Vavala and Isabella Yoshioka.
The team will next compete in the UCA Nationals High School Cheerleading Championship, to be held Feb. 11-13 at Walt Disney World Resort.
For more information, visit the WPIAL official website.
Universal Cheerleading Association Allegheny Regional
In addition to their first place win, the team earned a bid to compete in the UCA Nationals High School Cheerleading Championship, to be held Feb. 11-13 at Walt Disney World Resort. The team’s routine showcases the Mars Area High School Marching Band Fight Song and “Paint It, Black” band dance.
Team members include seniors Morgan Beck, Sarah Hooper, Kelsey Hulbert, Fayth Petruzzelli and Danielle Vactor; juniors Alina Glentzer, Sydney Heim, Lucy Huggins, Mia Lipscomb, Ella Scholar and Madalyn Schwartzbauer; and freshmen Mackenzie Aufderheide, Ellie Koma, Brooke Southwell, Addisyn Vavala and Isabella Yoshioka.
Also of note, the team took first place in the Small Varsity Game Day Division at the South Hills Showdown, held Nov. 7 at Bethel Park High School. The team will next compete in the Small Varsity Game Day Division at the 10th annual WPIAL Competitive Spirit Championship, to be held on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Hempfield Area High School.
For more information, visit the Varsity UCA website.