The Somers Tuskers D14 cheer team is proving that heart, unity and grit can carry a squad all the way to the national stage.

After a season filled with challenges — including a last-minute injury that forced them to rewrite their entire routine just three days before regionals — the team powered through and came out on top.

Most of these athletes have been cheering together since kindergarten, and that lifelong bond shows.

Their regional performance earned them first place in their division and the title of grand champions.

Co-head coach Stephanie Sullivan says the secret isn’t just stunts and choreography — it’s the chemistry they bring to the mat that no other team can match. Even teammates sidelined by injury say the program feels like family.

Now, the Tuskers are focused on the American Youth Nationals this December, hoping their resilience leads them to a championship.