Local cheerleader wins national competition

An El Paso cheerleader was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to perform with them at a halftime show this year.

Katya Marrufo, a cheerleader for the Texas Bandits and Montwood High School was selected earlier this month in a nationwide competiton.

“I still cant believe I got selected, it hasn’t hit me yet,” Katya said.

She will perform during the halftime show on Christmas Eve when the Cowboys play the Seattle Seahawks.

“It’s unbelievable that me, a girl from El Paso, would get selected to do something so big,” Katya said.

Katya has trained for years in tumbling and cheer and said her parents have invested in her success as a cheerleader.

Katya’s name was announced on national television during the airing of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, a reality show that follows the team.

The teen was surrounded by family, team members and friends when her name was announced.

She also looks forward to performing alongside the Texas Tech University cheer squad at AT&T Stadium.

“That’s the college I’ve been wanting to go to since I was a little kid,” Katya said.