The Highland High School Hawkettes pom team from Gilbert took first place in the 2025 UDA (Universal Dance Association) high school dance competition in February at the D1 small varsity pom division.

Now they’re ready to defend their championship.

The top performance contained diverse pom motions, highly executed tricks and skills and multiple award-winning turn sections—all combining to impress both the panel of judges and the audience.

Hawkette’s choreography was executed with precision, and the routine flowed while captivating spectators and judges.

As three-time UDA national runners-up, five-time AIA state champions, three-time AIA gameday state champions, and, most recently, sealing their first victory at the UDA national competition, the Hawkettes have earned their reputation for excellence.

Still, with each victory, the team has a fundamental goal—stay humble.

Varsity head coach Ashley Parcell and dancers Ellie Duffin, Chloe Bailey, and Delaney Taylor told Northeast Valley News that it’s not about the win but how they are growing as people, and together as a united team.

Coach Parcell described their culture in one phrase, which was evident once they stepped out onto the floor.

“Families finish first.” A motto the team has had for years.

“We just try to be one percent better every practice,” Parcell said. They keep it simple, knowing they have the pressure of a national championship, it only pushes them to work harder instead of sitting in the comfort of a win.

The girls can’t hide their passion for their teammates and coach. That family culture is both their motivation and secret weapon.

“We’re all best friends,” pom captain Delaney Taylor said.

The energy and power each dancer displays is often discussed amongst all the teams competing within UDA, and the Hawkettes radiate that confidence once they take the floor.

Parcell insists it is never about how often they are winning or beating certain teams and never makes it about placements, but about the love of the game.

“I think dance in general, and pom especially, teaches so many amazing life skills,” Parcell said.  “How can we make our routines this year just like a step ahead of what they were last year, regardless of where we place?”

The team has one intention—to leave everything they have out on the floor, showing the true hunger they have for dance. The coach consistently promotes this drive to her dance performers.

“They know that they’re gonna go out there and give their best, and they also know that all of their teammates are gonna go out there and give their best.” The trust they have in each other is inspiring.

“I think everyone’s important to the team, and everyone contributes a part,” said champion performer Chloe Bailey.

Even the parents have become “ride or die Hawkettes,” in Parcell’s words.

“It’s way more than just like where we place or winning at the end of the day, like for me it’s teaching them to be good people.”