The Bentonville High School Golden Tamers are national champions.
Eighteen athletes and their coaches brought home the D1 Large Varsity High Kick national title from Orlando, Florida, on February 18, 2026, marking the culmination of months of preparation and dedication.
The team competes in the highest division of collegiate and high school cheerleading, a discipline that demands precision, athleticism, and synchronization. High Kick specifically focuses on jumps, stunting, and synchronized motion executed at elevated levels—a style that separates it from traditional sideline cheer.
Bentonville’s cheer program has built a reputation for producing competitive athletes who perform at state and national levels. The national title adds to the program’s accomplishments and places Bentonville among the elite high school cheer programs in the country.
The trip to Orlando required coordination between the district, coaches, and families. Competitive cheer teams typically travel with rosters that include spotters, bases, flyers, and backspots, each performing specific roles during a two-minute-and-30-second routine judged on execution, difficulty, creativity, and synchronization.
Cheerleading at the national level operates under strict guidelines from organizations that govern competitive spirit. Teams qualify for national competitions by placing at regional events or meeting point thresholds throughout the competition season.
The Golden Tamers’ victory represents a milestone for Bentonville athletics, joining a tradition that includes state championships across multiple sports. The school’s facilities and coaching staff have supported the cheer program as it has grown more competitive in recent years.
Parents and community members filled social media with congratulations following the announcement, with many noting the early morning practices, weekend competitions, and sacrifices required to reach national-level competition.
The team returned to Bentonville as champions, where they were celebrated by classmates and district administrators. Their accomplishment reflects the hard work put in during the 2025-2026 season.
For the athletes, the national title opens doors to collegiate recruitment opportunities, as competitive cheerleading continues to grow as a recognized sport at universities across the country.
Source: Bentonville School District
