Galaxy Shines Bright at The Carolina Crown, Earns Bid to Prep/Rec Grand Nationals
Galaxy Shines Bright at The Carolina Crown, Earns Bid to Prep/Rec Grand Nationals
SupaStarz Athletics’ Galaxy team made a statement at The Carolina Crown by Royal Events in Greensboro, bringing home first place in their division and securing the third-highest score of the entire competition. Their incredible performance earned them a Partial Paid Bid to the Prep/Rec Grand Nationals in Orlando, Florida, a major step forward for the growing program.
For SupaStarz founder and head coach LaPorscha Faison Gardner, this achievement is more than just a victory—it’s a testament to the team’s dedication and the program’s vision for the future.
"We have a long way to go, but our goal is to continue setting new goals each season that will eventually land us with Elite-level teams," Gardner said.
Pushing Through Adversity
Galaxy’s routine was nothing short of remarkable, but their performance became even more inspiring after a connection malfunction caused the music to cut off mid-routine. Instead of panicking, the team pushed forward, thanks in part to the support of the crowd, which immediately began counting out loud to help them stay on rhythm.
In that moment, the team’s training and resilience took over.
"We coach them to keep going no matter what, and it paid off," Gardner said. "We were asked if we wanted a re-do, and I said ‘no’ because I was confident that what they had just done was their very best."
That decision proved to be the right one, as their unwavering focus and effort secured them a coveted Nationals bid.
The Road to Orlando
SupaStarz Athletics competes under The Open Championship Series, a circuit that provides opportunities for teams to earn bids to end-of-season competitions in Orlando. Currently, all of their All-Star teams are "prep level" teams, meaning they qualify for bids to the Prep/Rec Grand Nationals rather than Elite-level competitions—for now.
"All-Star is tough, and it takes more mental and physical willpower than most people can imagine," Gardner explained. "Galaxy is putting in the work, and the scoresheets are proving it."
While some teams earn fully funded bids to Nationals, Galaxy’s Partial Paid Bid covers only part of their expenses, meaning they will need to work even harder off the mat to make the trip a reality.
"That’s important to mention so no one gets the impression that it’s 100% paid for," Gardner said. "Some are, but this one was not."
Still, the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the country is one that Faison and her athletes don’t take for granted.
"We are excited for this opportunity for them and for them to stand among teams and gyms that literally eat, sleep, and breathe All-Star cheerleading," she said.
More Than Just a Trophy
Beyond the titles, trophies, and bids, Galaxy’s success is shaping the culture of SupaStarz Athletics.
"Most importantly, it’s teaching our program that hard work does not go unnoticed," Gardner said. "Anything worth having is worth dreaming big and working hard for."
With their eyes set on Prep/Rec Grand Nationals, Galaxy is proving that talent, discipline, and resilience are a winning combination. And while the road ahead is challenging, one thing is certain—SupaStarz Athletics is just getting started.
Attention all local sports enthusiasts! Do you have insider information on your favorite local sports team? Submit to The Score below and let our team of experts bring it to life. Don't miss out on the chance to share what happened at your local sporting event - submit now and become part of the story!
Neuse News Sports is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to cover all schools, all sports, and all athletes in Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties.
We provide this free sports news by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local sports news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News Sports with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
