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News Releases » Monterey High School Cheer Steps Into History With First-Ever CCS Competition Appearance

Monterey High School Cheer Steps Into History With First-Ever CCS Competition Appearance

For Immediate Release:
December 10, 2025


Contact:
Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications

831.706.6971

Monterey, CA - The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is proud to celebrate a landmark moment for Monterey High School athletics. The weekend of December 6 - 7, 2025, the Monterey High School Competitive Cheer Team made history as they took the floor at the California Interscholastic Federation Central Coast Section (CCS) Cheer Championships in San Jose and competed in the CCS Invitational Competition in San Jose, where they were required to reach a qualifying score in order to advance to the Championships.

They qualified with flying colors and will represent Monterey High School at the CCS Cheer Championships on January 17, 2026, in San Jose.

This milestone reflects the rapid growth, determination, and rising excellence within one of MHS’s fastest-growing athletic programs. In just three years, the Monterey High Cheer and Dance program has tripled in size, drawing students who are eager to grow as athletes, leaders, and teammates. 

Under the guidance of longtime Coach Melinda Perez, the team has trained with exceptional discipline, spirit, and focus. Perez, who has been involved with the program for years, has long envisioned a day when Monterey High Cheer would compete on a regional stage. That vision becomes a reality.

“This moment reflects the incredible growth, resilience, and learning we see in our student-athletes each season,” said Crystal Ventimiglia, Monterey High School’s Athletic Director. “It is a true testament to the heart and dedication of our cheerleaders and coaching staff.”

In preparation for the CCS competition, the team has spent months refining every count, jump, and stunt, and pushing themselves to new levels of strength and synchronization. Their hard work has created a strong sense of unity and pride that will carry them into this weekend’s debut.

The CCS appearance is more than a competition entry; it is a celebration of how far the program has come and a preview of a bright future for Toreador athletics.

MPUSD congratulates the Monterey High Cheer Team on this historic accomplishment and wishes them the very best as they take the floor representing the Toreadors with spirit, skill, and strength.

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