Greenwich Varsity Cheer Crowned Connecticut 2026 Team of the Year

Greenwich High School Varsity Cheer just pulled off something historic. They were named Connecticut’s 2026 Team of the Year by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA).

The team racked up a stellar 97.55 score at the CHSCA Team of the Year Competition on March 14 at Newtown High School. That score topped 30 other squads and wrapped up a season full of grit and drive.

Find Your Ideal Getaway in Connecticut
Explore top-rated stays with no booking fees and instant confirmation. Your dream trip starts here!
Start Exploring Now

The celebration didn’t stop there. On March 25, the team gathered for a banquet in Southington—a well-earned moment to recognize all the sweat, teamwork, and stubborn perseverance that got them here.

Greenwich High School Cheer Claims CT’s 2026 Team of the Year

At Newtown, the CHSCA spotlighted the top six teams in each division. Greenwich climbed right to the top, posting the highest score of the night.

Head coach Julia Vyskocil said the win was a direct result of the team’s relentless work ethic and resilience. She pointed to the mutual trust that held them together when things got tough.

Senior captains Leila Alza and Sadie Trager both said the title made all those long practice hours worth it. They pushed through early-season struggles and came out stronger for it.

Other team members echoed that leadership and unity were at the core of their success. It’s clear that accountability and support weren’t just buzzwords—they were the foundation.

There were some standout individual honors too. Senior Ingrid Imp was named CHSCA 2026 Cheerleader of the Year, and she picked up the Nina Poeta Trail of Glitter Cheerleading Scholarship for her generosity and service.

The 19-member Greenwich squad didn’t just shine at one event. They kept up a high level all season, pushing for excellence every step of the way.

Season Highlights and Individual Honors

Greenwich’s achievements went way beyond the Team of the Year award. They placed highly at several big events, showing off their depth across routines, stunts, and tumbling.

Here’s a look at some of the season’s defining moments and honors:

1st runner-up at the FCIAC Championship and the CIAC meet.
2nd runner-up at the New England Interscholastic Spirit Championship.
Ingrid Imp joined the CHSCA Class LL All-State lineup alongside Claire Kilcullen, Sadie Trager, and Scarlett Arlotti. Three of them made All-FCIAC as well.
The 19-member squad leaned into discipline and camaraderie, which really powered their performances.

Coaching and support staff played a huge role in the program’s success. Head coach Julia Vyskocil led the way, backed by assistant coaches Kat Ernye, Nikki Capalbo, and Lauren Bria.

Choreographers Anthony Munoz and Jay Ruffin brought creativity to their routines, while tumbling coach Ric-Chara Pina pushed the team’s skills even further.

Captain Claire Kilcullen mentioned that close bonds and selflessness were at the heart of their sustained success. Teamwork took priority over individual accolades, and honestly, it showed.

Connecticut’s Cheer Scene: Towns Rally Behind the Program

Greenwich might lead the charge, but Connecticut’s cheer scene really stretches across a wide map. You’ll find supporters and teams in places like Newtown, Southington, Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury, and New Haven—and honestly, that’s just scratching the surface.

The CHSCA event brings together a statewide network. Towns like Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Hartford share concerns, resources, and a bit of friendly rivalry, which helps every program raise its game.

This season, you can see a real Connecticut-wide commitment to high school cheer. Greenwich’s win lights the way for teams in East Hartford, Milford, and plenty of other towns hoping to follow suit.

Communities from West Hartford to Glastonbury and Windsor watch their young athletes juggle schoolwork and fierce competition. Greenwich’s players prove how much Connecticut towns can rally behind their schools when it counts.

The CHSCA doesn’t just spotlight team wins—it also recognizes individual effort. That kind of attention helps boost school spirit, coaching pride, and student leadership all over the state.

Here is the source article for this story: Greenwich High School Varsity Cheer Named Connecticut’s 2026 Team of the Year

Discover Your Perfect Stay in Connecticut
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now