Langley Cheer Team Earns Trip To State Finals With Support From Rival

MCLEAN, VA — The varsity cheer teams at crosstown rivals Langley High School and McLean High School competed at the regional tournament on Saturday, with the team from Langley High School qualifying for the state championship.

After the regional competition at Centreville High School, the two competitive cheer teams came together for a group photograph.

Even during the competition at the regional tournament and earlier at the Liberty District Championship, where Langley High School took home the trophy, the two teams showed great camaraderie and supported each other.

“The McLean and Langley cheer teams have become very close and have had amazing sportsmanship within the two programs. When Langley won districts a few weeks ago, the athletes noticed how kind and supportive the McLean team was,” Jessica Miller, varsity head coach of the Langley High School cheer team, said in an email to Patch. “They went over to us and congratulated us right away.”

Along with Langley High School, the Chantilly High School cheer team will be heading to the state championships on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Virginia Commonwealth University's Siegel Center in Richmond. The McLean High School cheer team came in third place at the regional tournament.

Miller, who is a 3rd grade teacher at Chesterbrook Elementary School in McLean, said she has become close with the coaching staff at McLean High School. Eliza Kirchner, varsity head cheer coach at McLean, has served as a mentor for Miller since she took over the program at Langley High School.

“She is always a listening ear and helpful guide to me,” she said.

Miller said the 2022 season has been the highlight of her coaching career. She was named Liberty District coach of the year and then was named region coach of the year.

Morgan Kim, an 11th grader at Langley High School, earned the Cheerleader of the Year award, scoring the highest out of any cheerleader in the Liberty District.

Miller said that although her teams have won district championships in the past, this year is the first time in 20 years that Langley High School will be advancing to the state championship.

“I couldn’t be more proud of all they have accomplished,” she said.