Mustangs Charge to the Top: Taylor High School Cheer Wins First-Ever UIL State Title as Katy ISD Shines in Fort Worth
History was made in Fort Worth as the Taylor High School Mustangs Cheer Team captured the UIL 6A Division I Spirit Championship, earning the first state title in school history and delivering a milestone moment for the Katy community and Katy Independent School District.
Competing at the 2026 UIL Spirit State Championships at the Fort Worth Convention Center, the Mustangs secured gold with a cumulative score of 92.9, narrowly edging out Tomball High School and Jordan High School in a tightly contested finals round. The official UIL results confirmed Taylor’s first-place finish, marking a defining achievement for the program and its student-athletes.
The UIL Spirit Championships represent the highest level of competitive cheer in Texas, combining crowd leading, band chant, and fight song performance into a single, high-energy showcase of precision, athleticism, and school pride. For Taylor High School, the win reflects years of steady growth within a district known statewide for investing in fine arts and student leadership opportunities.
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Katy ISD’s presence was felt throughout the competition. Four district teams finished in the Top 10 of the UIL 6A Division I finals, showcasing the depth of talent across Katy-area high schools. Alongside Taylor’s championship run, Jordan High School earned third place, Cinco Ranch High School placed sixth, and Seven Lakes High School finished seventh—an impressive showing against some of the strongest programs in Texas.
“This championship is a testament to the dedication, resilience and passion of our students and coaches,” said Katy ISD Assistant Director of Fine Arts LaKeisha McGowen. “Taylor’s first state championship, along with our District’s strong overall showing reflects the culture of excellence we strive to cultivate across all Katy ISD fine arts.”
Beyond the final standings, Katy ISD teams also stood out during the qualifying rounds. Cinco Ranch earned Best in Category honors for Band Chant, while Jordan was recognized for Crowd Leading, highlighting the district’s strength across multiple performance areas.
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The results further reinforce Katy ISD’s reputation as a leader not only in athletics, but also in fine arts and spirit programs, where students are challenged to balance performance quality, teamwork, and school representation on the state stage. For Taylor High School, the championship adds a new chapter to campus history—one that will be remembered by students, alumni, and the broader Katy community for years to come.
The 2026 UIL Spirit State Championships ran January 15–17, with the 6A Division I finals taking place on Saturday, January 17, in Fort Worth. As the Mustangs return home with their first state title, the victory stands as both a celebration of one team’s achievement and a reflection of the district-wide commitment to excellence that continues to define Katy ISD.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
