Three athletes from Limitless Athletics in Lloydminster have earned spots on Team Alberta’s cheerleading program. They are the only competitors selected from the city.
Tayah Leonard, 13, Natalie Lugrin, 12, and Emma Zdunich, 14, made the team after a selection process that included nearly 40 athletes from across the province.
How they made the cut
Each athlete had to submit a video performing the Team Alberta chant along with a set of required tumbling skills. Those included a triple backhandspring, a round off back handspring into a tuck, and a punch front, also known as a front tuck.
Leonard has trained with Limitless since the club opened in May 2022. Lugrin and Zdunich are newer to the sport. Both joined Limitless last season in 2025.
Team Alberta has not yet released full training details. In the meantime, the girls are expected to strength train three times a week and keep up their tumbling. At Limitless, they currently practise level 3 stunting during open gym on Wednesdays. The team is set to meet in August.
What it means to the girls
Leonard said the selection is a chance to grow as an athlete and represent her community.
“Being selected to represent Team Alberta is an incredible honour. I’m proud to represent my province and Limitless Athletics, and I’m excited to challenge myself, learn from other coaches, and make the most of this opportunity,” Leonard said.
Zdunich, who only started cheer last season, said she’s excited to keep learning the sport.
“I am so happy to have an opportunity to be on Team Alberta, and I love that I get to learn new things about cheer since I just started last season. I am so glad that I got to be on Team Alberta for Cheer,” Zdunich said.
Lugrin said she feels fortunate to be part of the team.
“Being part of Team Alberta is an incredible honour, and I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by such talented, supportive people, and I’m truly grateful,” Lugrin said.
A proud club
Limitless Athletics owner Kandal Leonard said the club is proud to see three athletes reach this level, especially since Lloydminster doesn’t run traditional tryouts.
The club uses placements instead, giving every athlete a chance to grow and join a team. Leonard said the three athletes chose to challenge themselves further by trying out for Team Alberta among roughly 40 other competitors from across the province.
“Achievements like this don’t happen by chance. They are the result of countless hours of training, unwavering commitment and an incredible work ethic,” Leonard said.
Leonard said Limitless will be cheering the girls on through their Team Alberta season, with hopes that a Team Canada opportunity could follow down the road.
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