In cheerleading, there are the teams that have won a national title, and then there are the teams that have created a legacy of winning. But have you noticed that most of the squads that continue to stay on top of the cheerleading world come from the state of Kentucky?

All I'm saying is Kentucky is the place to be for cheerleading... ??

— Mads ? (@madison_cheer3) January 16, 2017

The University of Kentucky, Morehead State University and the University of Louisville are college teams that bring back the gold to the Bluegrass State year after year.

Your Coed DI National Champions are the Eagles from @MSUEaglesCheer! #UCAnationals pic.twitter.com/ROjpKtjnGA

— UCA (@UCAupdates) January 15, 2017

But wait, there's more! It's not just the college teams that reign on top, but the high school and junior high cheerleading teams are incredible as well! Greenup County, Southwestern, Corbin, Eastside, North Laurel, Graves, McCracken and Clay County High Schools are just a few squads from Kentucky that will be looking to medal again at UCA High School Nationals in Orlando, Florida, on February 11.

Hank Light, Kentucky State Director at Varsity Brands

Cheerleading in Kentucky has become a tradition in the Bluegrass State as important as basketball and horse racing. There hasn't been one year since the National High School Cheerleading Championship began in 1980 that a team from Kentucky hasn't been at least a contender.

Britani Shoemaker, Head Coach at Southwestern High School

When you are competing in Kentucky, you have got to be prepared to face some of the most talented teams in the country not just at nationals but all year long at every competition. We make each other better, and It's an honor to be a part of cheerleading in the state of Kentucky!

Candy Berry, Head Coach at Greenup Count High School

Kentucky is full of amazing, proud, and goal-driven people. Cheerleading is an outlet for our student athletes to show these talents. Our student athletes are encouraged by the champion programs of University of Kentucky and Morehead State to be the best! PRIDE + HARD WORK + DEDICATION = WINNERS!

"The program from Greenup County paved the way in the early 80s with their innovative routines and numerous national titles," Light said. "By becoming the most successful high school cheerleading program in the country, they became an inspiration to every young athlete in the state."

Communities cheering on cheerleaders

The small towns and communities that these teams come from truly rally behind their athletes and support them up through their final performance at NHSCC. 

"The combination of athleticism, training, hard work, dedication, and community pride make cheerleading in Kentucky a tradition like no other, and I think that is why Kentucky is the most successful state in high school cheerleading," added Light.