The 2021 Hoover Varsity Pom Team can call itself National Champions.

Hoover was awarded the USA Spirit National Championships on Sunday after submitting a video for the finals. Final videos of the team dances were due a week before. Judges viewed the team dance videos during the week, released the videos for the participants to view on Saturday and made the announcement at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

“When we found out, first, we screamed happy cheers and then there was a lot crying,” said Hoover Dance Team Advisor Anita Bacon, who viewed the live results with her team on Zoom while her daughter, Bridget, was on a plane returning home from the Kentucky Derby.

The Hoover Dance Team overcame many obstacles this past year, but still worked hard and dedicated themselves to win this year’s competition. 

Practices started over Zoom in the beginning of the year. However, when in- person practices started they went from Hoover’s tennis courts, to the Hoover football field, and later back in the Gym. 

“For the level we perform at, it is so difficult to adapt to spaces we weren’t used to,” said Bridget Bacon, Hoover’s dance team coach. “Being on the tennis courts made turning really hard. Being on the football field was better but still not great. So when we were able to be back in the gym, it felt like being home and we saw that in a way the girls were performing.” 

This is their first national title for the varsity team with United Spirit Association.

“ As a senior, competing with my team for the last time was rough for me,” Aditia Allahyarian one of the senior Dance captains at Hoover. “I was excited for my last competition, I didn’t want it to end. I’ve been with this team for years now and it is truly going to be one of the hardest goodbyes.”

Sydney Madamba, a junior dance team captain at Hoover, cherished her memories this year

“ Choosing to be part of this team is probably one of the most impactful decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. “I love dancing with this team because of the positivity and the energy. It has taught me so much and it is important to stay connected with your team. It’s reassuring to realize that you are not alone and people are with you every step of the way.”