Eatonville Cheer Earns 6 All-American Nods, Stands Out at UCA Camp with Top Honors and Spirit

The Eatonville High School cheer team brought the heat to the 2025 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) summer camp, held at the University of Puget Sound, leaving with top honors, new accolades, and even stronger team chemistry.

For four intense days, from sunrise to late evening, the Eatonville squad put in nonstop work, grinding through choreography, mastering cheers, and pushing their limits. It paid off in a big way: the team earned blue ribbons across the board in daily evaluations for sideline cheer, dance, and game-day performances. They also claimed third place in the Large Spirit Division for their final camp routine, complete with dance and pyramid, and fourth in sideline, cheer, and band chant.

“This camp was jam-packed,” said head coach Rylea Foehl. “The girls were nonstop from 7 a.m. to almost 10 p.m. each day. That’s hard for even seasoned cheerleaders, but for a team where half have never cheered before? What they accomplished was incredible.”

Adding to the week’s highlights, Eatonville had six athletes nominated for UCA All-American honors—Madi McChesney, Trinity Wood, Lydia Topalanchik, Makayla Wood, Alyssa Jacobs, and Lila Mahon. Of those, four were selected as official All-Americans: Madi, Trinity, Makayla, and Lila.

Eatonville’s six UCA All-American nominees proudly display the pins they received, symbolizing their prestigious nominations. From L to R: Trinity Wood, Madi McChesney, Lila Mahon, Makayla Wood, Alyssa Jacobs, Lydia Topalanchik. Photo: Rylea Foehl

“Being nominated is an honor in itself, but winning? That’s something else entirely,” Foehl said. “Every detail has to be perfect. These four girls showed exactly what Eatonville cheer is made of.” She added that junior Madi McChesney is now a two-time All-American, joining three seniors who closed out their final UCA camp with an unforgettable performance.

Seniors Trinity, Makayla, Alyssa, and Lila led the team with heart and intensity, creating a legacy that was as emotional as it was inspiring. “This camp was especially meaningful for them,” said Foehl. “They set the tone for the younger girls and led with grace under pressure.”

The team also won the coveted Spirit Stick every night of camp, a nod to their energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship. On the final day, they were honored with the take-home Spirit Stick, an award that recognizes a team's lasting impact on the camp community.

“Camp is emotionally draining and physically exhausting,” said Foehl. “The sun was blazing, and the schedule was relentless. But this team never let up. They pushed through everything together. That’s what makes this group so special.”

With the cheer program doubling in size over the past year, Eatonville was able to field both JV and Varsity squads—though they competed as one team during camp. Foehl credits their unity, resilience, and support for one another as key ingredients to their success.

The Eatonville High School Cheer team, along with coaches, along with coaches Rylea Foehl and Krista Kenning, gather for a celebratory team photo at the end of an exciting and rewarding week at UCA Camp, proudly showing off their awards, pins, and accomplishments from the week’s hard work and performances. Photo: Rylea Foehl

“This is one of the largest teams Eatonville has seen,” she said. “And for having so many fresh faces, they pulled off major success. We’re building something real here, something people in town are noticing.”

The 2025-26 season is just getting started, but Eatonville Cheer is already in full stride. With trophies on the way to the school’s display case, four All-Americans, and a reinvigorated team culture, the Cruisers are set to make noise this year—and not just from the sidelines.

“I don’t know if words can ever fully express how proud I am,” Foehl said. “These girls worked so hard, and they deserve every ounce of recognition. Eatonville Cheer is no longer just something extra. It’s becoming something extraordinary.”