The Master’s Academy (TMA), earned its school's first ever State Championship which culminated a long journey and fulfilled a vision set forth by head coach, Missy Mandato. Mandato became the new head coach for the 2011/2012 season and successfully led 20 hardworking girls to this celebratory point. 

TMA is a private Christian K4 - 12th grade school in Oviedo, with 900 students, 270 of which are in the high school. Coach Mandato put together a squad that was able to go up against large high schools from all across the state of Florida. Mandato added, “We had strong upper classman set the tone, the heart of the team came from the 'super sophomores,' and the team could not have realized victory if not for the efforts of two thirteen year old teammates. It was a collection of amazing young ladies.” 

Coach Mandato hinted at pressure points during the season which were pivotal in the development of the team. “Every team has a story and those critical moments come when each team member had to ask themselves if they were willing to commit to what it requires to be a champion. God allowed a team to form with focus, endurance and love.” Tribulation was part of the equation for the squad. In addition to losing two seniors on the competitive squad, season ending injuries to others, new members with limited exposure to tumbling, Mandato’s own daughter faced an unexpected health scare mid-season undergoing serious surgery. "Watching my daughter fight to return to the team and seeing the support of this fabulous school and her teammates during a scary time, I just knew that God was doing something special this year,” exclaimed Mandato. 

Coach Mandato, just moments after the victory announcement summed up her emotions, “Looking up during the competition and seeing all The Master's Academy's top school administrators take the time to attend and lend their full support, was a shot of fuel for these girls. I looked at my three senior captains who battled through injuries, senior schedules, and the challenge of leading during a season like no other; these girls will be missed. We pulled together as a team throughout the year; all the elements brought us closer and makes the victory that much sweeter. I know we made history for the school, and for these girls it's a story that will grow in value each day of their life. We did it together. We really did it!" 

Yes, they did. Congratulations to the cheerleaders of The Master's Academy for bringing home the state title.