The Arleta High School cheer team won the 2026 Los Angeles City Section of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Championship for Coed Non-Tumbling Small Competitive Cheer last weekend. They are now the reigning CIF LA City Section Champions for their division.

In 2025 the team won the CIF state championship. And they won the CIF Los Angeles city championship in 2022, 2024 and 2025.

Coach Teresa Bezerra, said, “Most of this team had zero cheer experience before high school. But they come in, day after day, and put in the work to prove that anything is possible. I am so incredibly proud of them.”

Student Milton Mendez, senior captain on the team, said, “This season has been filled with stress and injuries, but regardless my teammates and coaches showed up and worked hard during practice. Without their dedication we would not be able to have been successful at the city championship.”

Saleen Lopez, a senior captain, gave credit to parents, coaches and teammates. “I think I speak for my whole team when I say this season has definitely been one of the hardest seasons yet, regardless of all the injuries and challenges we stuck together and pushed through,” Lopez said.  “Cheer has taught us all how to bond and be team players. Without the commitment and support of parents, coaches and my teammates, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Coach Jose Gonzalez Espino added, “This truly is the year of the horse. Go mustangs!”