The Eagles weren’t the only Philly team to prove they were the best in the world this month.
Add the Ragdolls to that list.
The Archbishop Ryan High School took a trip to Orlando to compete in the 2025 UCA National Cheerleading Championships Feb. 7-10 at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex.
And they came home with a lot of hardware.
The Ragdolls took home the national championship in the JV Non-Tumbling Division II Competition narrowly defeating PCL and Northeast Philly rival St. Hubert, 81.7-81.0.
Ryan also took eighth overall in the Medium Varsity Division II Competition.
The Bambies brought home a fourth-place finish in the Large Varsity II Category.
It was a great showing for both schools.
It marked the first time Ryan brought home a national championship, and the girls really had something to cheer for.
“It means everything to us,” said Ryan junior flyer Natalie Bechtel, a Torresdale native. “This was the end goal we were all striving for all season and we could not be prouder of the performances we put out to get to this point.
“We overcame so many obstacles that were put in front of us all season long and they ended up making us stronger. We as a team had so many reasons to give up and stop pushing, but we never did because we knew what the outcome could be if we continued to work hard and fight for what we wanted. So we as a team continued to work hard for what we wanted and what we knew we deserved and we got that and I could not be more proud of what this team put out and how close of a family we became.”
Winning a Catholic League championship in any sport is tough because there are so many talented teams. But to win a national crown, it shows this area has the best cheerleading around.
“To me, winning a national championship isn’t about the trophy or the bragging rights, it’s about everything and everyone that got us there,” said Basia Brady, a junior back-spot from Winchester. “It represents the commitment of our teammates, coaches and the program. The countless hours of hard work, sacrifice and dedication made this moment possible. This win showed me that success isn’t given, it’s earned. It’s a reminder that karma is real, what you put into the world comes back to you, both bad and good.
“In the past, negativity took over our confidence, but this year, we had one rule: It’s Us Vs. Us. That mindset changed everything. We focused on bettering ourselves, knowing that we couldn’t control anyone else. We only own our effort, growth and determination. And that’s exactly how we did it.”
The championship was so exciting for the players. It was just as fun for the coaches.
“I have so many words to describe this team but their work ethic and determination speak for itself. I’m proud beyond words,” coach Katie Kelly said. “They are truly golden. They know a thing or two about opportunities — and when opportunities present themselves, you must do your job every single time.
“They’re humble and kind and respectful and everything a national champion should be. They’re everything a coach dreams of. This team deserved to be the one to make Archbishop Ryan history. As coaches, you can’t ask for a better ending for a more fantastic group of girls.”
Winning always feels good.
But winning with your best friends makes it that much better.
And the Ryan cheerleading team is a close group. They didn’t win for themselves, they won for each other.
“We said that no matter the outcome, we would stick together as sisters, and we had the exact outcome we worked and prayed for all year long,” Bechtel said. “This is the most hardworking and dedicated group I have ever been apart of and it was an absolute honor to make history alongside all of them.
“My teammates are my why. Every season you gain a new group of sisters, but this season’s team will always hold the most special place in my heart. We prayed, manifested and stayed positive and kind all season and we all saw what can happen when you do all of those things. My teammates are always the reason for everything I do and I’m so grateful to have been a part of this group of humans.”
It wasn’t just the teammates.
“Our coaches, Alyssa Hoover and Katie Kelly, always made sure we worked hard while still enjoying every practice,” said Brady, who enjoys cheering not only at competitions, but at football and basketball games. “At Ryan, practice never felt like just work, it was always something new walking into the north gym. Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, I looked forward to being there, even on my most exhausting days.
“Some of my biggest supporters were my parents, always pushing me to be better and supporting me in everything I do. Also my teammates’ parents. From the moment I joined as a freshman, both JV and varsity parents always looked out for me and the girls. whether it was cheering us on at competitions, checking in on us or giving us rides to practice. They treated us like family, and I’ll always be grateful for that. The surrounding Northeast teams like Nazareth Academy Cheerleading and Crispin Cheerleading always were there to cheer us on. They really are the kindest and most supportive groups of girls.”
While the championship means the end of the season, it doesn’t mean the end of the good times.
“My favorite part about cheering for Archbishop Ryan is (they are) the second family and forever sisters that is constantly (there for) me. I know that even when our season ends, these girls will always be in my corner and there for me and vice versa with me to them. And that is the best part about the sport of cheerleading, and being a part of the most amazing program.”
The championship team includes Basia Brady, Natalie Bechtel, Samantha Weinert, Isabella O’Connor, Meghan Monaghan, Emily Holden, Melody Kenny, Reese Dillon, Lily Thorton, Jaylyn Petrucelli, Jessica Levin, Isabella Roman, Karli Alexander and Grace Lewis. The coaches are Alyssa Hoover and Katie Kelly.
