Category Archives: Featured

“Daytona Pt. 1 – Don’t be that Guy” – Netflix CHEER! Season 2 Episode 8 Recap

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 22, 2022

Navarro is hard at work throwing multiple full outs on their “bandshell” while TVCC is working on choreography runs and fixing every single motion and transition in their routine. Coaches are definitely starting to feel the pressure! The athletes are packing up, getting their itineraries, and ready to head to Daytona! At this point in the season, both coaches cannot do anything else for them. It is all on the athletes now! Navarro has boarded their flight, TVCC has boarded their bus, and both teams are off!

It’s been two years since Daytona Nationals has occurred due to the pandemic and majority of both teams has never experienced this! Practices by the beach have started for TVCC and Navarro and they are READY! They are outside checking the sun, seeing what it’s going to be like at the exact time they are scheduled to compete, looking to see where the judges are sitting and doing the walk from warmups to the floor! 

Day one is about to begin, and all the athletes are getting ready! Prelims is 25% of their score and finals is 75%. Day one is always filled with lots of nerves, but Monica knows once that’s under their belt, they will be good! Trinity and Navarro have headed to warmups and are patiently waiting out back to perform. 

Navarro is up first! Toe full, hit. Standing tumbling, hit. Stunts, hit. Baskets, hit. Running tumbling, hit. Pyramid, hit. Most importantly, the dance, THEY BROUGHT IT. What more could you ask for on day one?! 

Now Trinity. Dee got his sleeves up and everything! Standing fulls, hit. Jumps, hit. Stunts, hit. Baskets, hit. Unfortunately, one tumble bust and a pyramid fall, as defeated as they look and feel, they know that day one does not define them and tomorrow can change everything.

Cheersport 2022 Level 6 Results

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 22, 2022

Cheersport! The competition where every coach, athlete, and spectator know that if you don’t have memory foam inserts in your sneakers, you won’t make it!!

I hope everyone is recovering from walking 30,000 steps in 2 days!! Here we are, mid-season! The competitions are getting bigger and bigger, bids are getting harder and harder to get, and worlds is right around the corner!! I feel like we just started! These athletes have gone through numerous obstacles, quarantines, endless routine re-blocking, hours and hours of choreography, workouts, practices, and an absurd number of full outs!

Cheersport 2022 Results

If I can relate to anything as a coach in the all-star world, it seems impossible to have a full team practice, but somehow, we still get out there and continuously hit zero! We are here to cheer and that’s exactly what we do, even when the coaches must fill in for stunts at practices!!

Cheersport 2022 was held this weekend in Atlanta, GA. Thousands of athletes attended and competed in 7 different arenas! (Hence the memory foam sneaker inserts) 

With a wide range of worlds divisions in All Girl and Coed…it was a battle to come out on top! Let’s take a look at the top 3 in each of our level 6 divisions!

L6 Senior-XSmall

1 Elite Cheer Stars 94.1209
2 The California All Stars-Mesa Vixens 93.9125
3 Cheer Express All Stars Miss Silver 93.9042

L6 Senior-Small

1 Cheer Extreme-Raleigh SSX 96.3958
2 GymTyme All Stars Rouge 92.95
3 Maryland Twisters Virginia Blackout 90.9917

L6 Senior-Medium

1 The Stingray All Stars  Peach 95.1084
2 Maryland Twisters F5 94.1417
3 Top Gun All Stars Lady Jags 93.8709

L6 Senior-Large

1 The Stingray All Stars Orange 98.1333
2 Cheer Extreme Senior Elite 94.7583

L6 Senior Coed-XSmall

1 Twist & Shout Tulsa Diamonds 96.65
2 Raglan Coast Cheer Steel 6 91.65
3 Cheer Athletics-Austin OnyxCats 91.3125

L6 Senior Coed-Small

1 Brandon All Stars Senior Black 96.7875
2 Macs Allstar Cheer Mac’s Senior Starz 93.8125
3 Star Athletics ATL Smack 91.8167

L6 Senior Coed-Medium

1 Spirit of Texas Royalty 98.0167
2 Prodigy All Stars Midnight 95.1459
3 Woodlands Elite-OR Black Ops 93.4417

L6 Senior Coed-Large

1 Top Gun All Stars TGLC 98.2333
2 The Stingray All Stars Steel 97.5875

L6 Senior Open

1 The Stingray All Stars Apple 93.9
2 Spirit of Texas Lady Reign 93.4958
3 Infinity Allstars Royals 93.4875

L6 Senior Coed Open-Small

1 Cheer Extreme-Raleigh Smoex 96.7500
2 Top Gun All Stars TGOC 94.4167
3 Brandon All Stars Smoke 94.1709

L6 Senior Coed Open-Large

1 The California All Stars-San Marcos Cali Coed 95.4083
2 Core Athletix Black Diamonds 92.1333
3 Macs Allstar Cheer Macs Legacy 89.9

L6 International Open

1 The Stingray All Stars Lavender 92.9375
2 FAME All Stars-Midlo Super Seniors 91.0667

L6 International Open Coed-Small

1 Louisiana Cheer Force Gold 97.1292
2 Rockstar Cheer The Beatles 96.7375
3 Cheer Extreme 2022 Coed Elite 95.7583

L6 International Open Coed-Large

1 Stars Vipers San Antonio Anacondas 92
2 Tribe Cheer VooDoo 91.4
3 FAME All Stars-Midlo Vengeance 88.6

L6 International Open-NT

1 Cheer Extreme Lady Lux 97.6716
2 Woodlands Elite-OR GI Janes 92.9267
3 Maryland Twisters Virginia Thin Ice 92.4365

L6 International Open Coed-NT

1 Cheer Extreme-Raleigh Code Black 96.3581
2 Twist & Shout Tulsa Adam & Eve 94.7794
3 Brandon All Stars Legacy 94.1007

L6 International Global

1 The Stingray All Stars Cobalt 92.2291
2 The Atlanta Jayhawks Shade 87.2167
3 ACE of Hattiesburg Chief’s 86.6542

L6 International Global Coed

1 The Stingray All Stars Electric 94.8584
2 GymTyme All Stars Platinum 90.5625
3 Arizona Element Elite Vibranium 87.0083

Top 20 Hottest Cheer Songs of 2022 (so far)

Top 20 Hottest best cheer songs of 2022

By Steve Pawlyk

Published February 17, 2022

Woah – I can’t believe it. 😁 How did we get here so fast?  

Seems like it was just yesterday that we were putting out our Hottest Songs of 2021 list. This year’s list features some smoke hot artists that will help bring any cheerleading routine to life. Let’s get into the list!!!














top-cheerleading-songs-of-2022




Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

Need Competition Music Blue

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

SLAM artwork
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix
WAKE UP THE FIRE
SLAM artwork
WAKE UP THE FIRE
Full_Out_130 mp3 image
1 minute cheer mix




Mining for Tenths – Netflix CHEER! Season 2 Episode 7 Recap

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 17, 2022

He lives with his college friend and old teammate along with his wife and their child! They are very supportive of Khris and welcomed him into their home as family. While everyone has a 3, 4, 5-year plan of meeting someone and starting a family…. Khris said his plan is Daytona

Navarro is hard at work trying to hit as many clean and strong full outs as possible. Monica seems very frustrated because she feels the team keeps giving up. They have been practicing outside to try to get the feel of Daytona and be ready for wind, sun, and heat. 

Maddy said “when you cheer every single day, you’re not going to have a good day every day, and when I go out and make a mistake I’m so hard on myself, like I hate myself for it, because I feel like I didn’t just let myself down, I let my entire team down, you never want to be the person to say I messed up on the bandshell, you’re goal is to always be great”. 

This year’s Navarro routine is very dynamic and very in your face. The team feels that they are not fully there yet and not showing the routines full potential. There is a lot of tension and a lack of confidence because they don’t feel as close as a team as they did before. Every athlete is here for the same reason, and they need to come together as a family because when you cheer for Navarro, nobody competes to lose. 

Coach Monica has finally received the stage she ordered so they can practice on it to get a similar feel to what Daytona is on the bandshell! 

TVCC is focusing very hard on how to get the maximum score. Coach Franklin is being very particular in everything they have in their routine because he knows it can come down to a tenth of a point at Daytona. One of the main problems they are having is just overall performance. Dee is struggling with just smiling. Coach Vontae needs to test him and see how he is going to respond so he had an alternate learn his part because if Dee continues to not perform, he will not compete. 

Coach Vontae brought in a guest choreographer, Brandon Hale. He is here to change some things up and bring a different vibe to the routine and their dance. 

With Navarro slowly getting back on the same page, they are getting their uniforms, doing the iconic “poof” and preparing as much as possible for Daytona. This program makes them feel a part of something bigger than them. They are practicing on their own “bandshell” and making sure they are ready, mentally, and physically. They know their bodies need to be ready for whatever Daytona throws at them. 

Netflix CHEER! – “Tumbling” (Season 2 Episode 6 Recap)

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 16, 2022

We have all seen Ladarius at his highs, and we have all seen him at his lows. Episode 6 starts off with Ladarius informing us that he has decided to leave the team at Navarro. 

He mentioned that Kailee had a problem with him. He would try to help her and inform her on things Monica would do and she was struggling with him trying to take over or do her job. He said he was teaching the team how to tumble, how to stunt, grips, and it was becoming more than he signed up for. He claimed he tried to reach out to Monica, but she was not answering or returning any of his calls. He said it seemed like she forgot where she came from when she returned from Dancing with the stars. He finally had enough and was leaving since he felt like she did not care about his feelings anymore. The whole situation got worse once Ladarius went live on Instagram calling out Monica and her behavior. 

The pandemic has been taking a toll on both teams. Not being able to practice, not being coached by Monica, games being cancelled, and the headlines because of Jerry, it has been very hard for the rookies. 

The relationship between Ladarius and Monica has been getting worse and worse. There was also an issue between Ladarius and Kailee about watching/adopting a dog. They have had a lot of history and they were unable to draw the line of respect between coach and athlete. The team saw a different side of Ladarius and said that he not only was hurting Kailee and Monica but was also hurting the team and what they all came here for. Majority of the team still cares for him and wants to succeed, but they are not standing in his corner anymore. 

Back at TVCC, they are 33 days away from Daytona! They have brought in lots of talent this season! The rookie class this year is exceptional. They gained Dee, Angel, Benji and Jaymo, 4 amazing power tumblers and strong rookies. 

The biggest struggle TVCC is having this year is their boys performing. This year they have the strongest tumbling and stunting skills, but when it comes to performing and smiling, they are lacking. The three male rookies are known as “The weenies” to the coaches. They tend to band together and sometimes struggle to follow all the rules! The Weenies are always running as a punishment!!

There are many flyers back at Navarro fighting for that center stunt. Between Maddy, Gill, and Cassadee, there is a lot of pressure to be the best! 

Both teams are preparing as much as possible for Daytona. TVCC has been running practices just like the warmup, waiting time, and performance experience will be like at the competition! 

TVCC is hitting amazing routines and are super excited for Daytona whereas Navarro is struggling a little with new team members and a lot of alternates.  Towards the end of the episode, it seems like Navarro is finally getting it together! Also hitting a strong routine makes them even more excited to compete! 

Jerry Pleads Guilty

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 15, 2022

On February 10, 2022, Jerry Harris Attorneys released a statement that Jerry has pleaded guilty in his ongoing child pornography case. A little over a year ago he pled not guilty to all 7 of the felony charges that were brought against him in Chicago but has now pleaded guilty to two of those charges last week. Those two charges are soliciting child porn imagery and traveling over state lines with the intent to illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

This case has been ongoing since 2019, when the FBI received a complaint from two victims’ mother. On June 28th there will be a sentencing hearing, where he could face up to 50 years in prison. With the charges he has pled guilty to, the minimum is 5 years and maximum is 20 years and the judge has yet to decide on that.

Jerry’s lawyers want to make it clear that he does want to take responsibility for his actions.

JERRY. (Netflix CHEER! Season 2 Episode 5 recap)

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 9, 2022

Before we dive into what we all don’t want to discuss, let’s discuss how the season just abruptly ended…

Covid ended their current season and Daytona got cancelled. These athletes at Navarro and TVCC that wanted to win so badly, got it all ripped away from them.

Fast forward a few months. The team is back at practice under many regulations. Getting tested daily is one of those. Luckily Gabby, Maddy and Ladarius were able to return due to the covid rules of allowing athletes that lost a season, gain an extra one! Unfortunately, Monica is not with them first semester. She took the opportunity to join “Dancing with the Stars”. Monica has always been a huge fan of the show and she knew the team would support her in this decision. A lot of the rookies were upset because they came to Navarro to cheer for Monica, and now she’s not there.

This is when we are introduced to Kailee Peppers. She was a Navarro cheerleader and is now the new assistant coach. Kailee took the job and was unaware Monica was leaving, so now there is a lot of pressure on her to fill Monica’s shoes as a “head coach”. The team has been pretty accepting of Kailee and understands she’s dealing with a lot, except for Ladarius. He was very vocal in the fact that she is not able to do what Monica does and doesn’t have the ability to coach Navarro.

Moving into September of 2020. The fan favorite reality star, twenty-one-year-old, Jerry Harris has been accused of soliciting explicit photos and sex from minors. The allegations stem from two 14-year-old athletes who expressed it took place in person and online. The team was devasted, they broke down, and could not accept what their teammate had done.

Netflix interviewed the two boys and their mother. They seemed calm and stated exactly what happened. Cheerleading was their safe space; they could be themselves there and now that has all changed. Charlie stated that it all started in 2018 when Jerry messaged him asking him for photos. Charlie knew of Jerry from the cheerleading world. He wanted to be on the team Jerry was on and he said he was “starstruck and didn’t want him to not like him or not be friends with him” and because of that he was willing to send him what Jerry asked for. They met for the first time in 2019 at ACA Nationals. He said he felt uncomfortable, ashamed, and embarrassed about talking to him. During warmups on Day one, Jerry kept harassing him to see him. He asked him to meet him in the bathroom. Once they were alone in the bathroom, Jerry cornered him in the bathroom stall, begging him to have sex with him. Charlie did not feel comfortable with it and got himself out of the situation. 

His brother noticed that he was extremely frantic and stressed when he came out of the bathroom and got back to warmups. He has been wanting to say something about it, but he felt ashamed and scared and knew that if he reported it, he would lose his cheer friends because of how loved Jerry was in the cheer community.

Charlie’s mother reported the incident to USASF twice. They felt nothing was happening. Which is why they decided to file a report with the FBI. Jerry was eventually arrested for child pornography charges. He admitted to being involved with ten to fifteen minors. The judge decided that he would remain incarcerated during trial and that is where he remains.

Social media was very hard on Monica and the team for how they responded. They were grieving the “loss” and arrest of their teammate, but all understand that Jerry is in the wrong.

HELL WEEK – Netflix CHEER! (Season 2 Episode 4)

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 7, 2022

Starting off we find out some unfortunate news. Coach Kapena came to sit in and watch a practice and had a conversation with Maddy. Sadly, Kapena left the program. During first semester there was a homecoming party at his house that involved alcohol and he allowed current athletes to attend. He has since taken a step back and dealing with the consequences. Monica made it very clear that if you want to have a coaching role, you do have to set higher standards for yourself and if you don’t uphold them, why have them.

Monica made the decision to go back to white unforms and everyone is STRESSED! They claim whenever they wear white they lose, and they are superstitious!

TVCC is hard at work, creating innovative pyramids and routines and reflecting on how badly they want to win. With Coach Vontae more eager than ever, he knows the pressure is on. Vontae knew what he was getting into, he lives for this stuff. With lots of full outs going, they are seeing a lot of stunt falls and mistakes happening. Frustration is taking over Coach Vontae and sits them down. He said, “If I yell at you, understand that I love you”. Vontae is still struggling with when he competed for TVCC and dropped a stunt causing them to lose. He doesn’t want anyone on his team to ever have the same feeling he did.

26 days until Daytona and Navarro is hard at practice. Monica is adamant that side conversations stop, and they focus. With stress on pyramid work, Monica and Ladarius are getting very frustrated with each other. Ladarius feels that Monica is always blaming him and not the rest of the group. Do we agree or no? Ladarius understands that Monica will expect more of you, the more she cares about you, but they seem to be clashing!

Monica’s goal is 51 full out by end of year and they are hard at work to achieve that! During Hell Week, they practice twice a day for the full week. Both routines are flashier and two of the hardest routines both programs have had in a long time. They try to do more reps to condition their bodies for when they perform.

As the music says,

Let’s go out with a bang!

Netflix Cheer! Season 2 – Episode 3 Recap – Dracut Girl

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 1, 2022

I cheered at East Celebrity Elite, I coached a high school team that went to the same competitions as Dracut High School so I’ve been in the presence of greatness when it comes to Maddy Brum! I can’t lie when I say I teared up a little when the cameras where inside ECE and I saw my coaches there! Living in South Carolina now…it made me feel less home sick with ECE on my TV screen!

Let’s dive into Miss Maddy!

Maddy came down to Texas with her mom and sister to sign, meet the team, and meet Monica! Emotions ran high while her mom talked about her leaving MA and coming to a junior college so far away from home. 

Back at TVCC, they are working hard to start going full out. Choreography is flashier, pyramid has higher difficulty with skills they have never done before, tumbling is more intense and overall, the routine is more fast paced. They are struggling a little with stamina and hitting a solid full out. Their goal is to score the highest they ever have, and they are pushing themselves more than they ever have. Nobody likes to condition but they know they must in order to get through the entire routine. 

Ladarius got frustrated with Maddy and voiced his frustrations to Monica, but she is hoping that Maddy will get stronger and have less stunt falls. Monica is going to put in the safest routine and if it doesn’t hit, she will pull it. Maddy is very determined to make herself known and to be the best she can be. 

We also got introduced to Maddy’s dad. He wants her to be successful, help her future, and be there for her. He cannot leave the state of Massachusetts due to personal reasons, but he wants her to have the world. He had been arrested in the past, but he has set up agents, car arrangements, and even wants her to have her own clothing line. Maddy feels her dad has a lot to make up for but at the end of the day she’s trying to understand where he is coming from. 

Now we go to East Celebrity Elite! Back in MA she is hosting flyer classes! We get to meet two of the gym owners, Linda and Cassie, they had nothing but good things to say about Maddy. They knew she had the potential and they saw that she was a star athlete in the making from the day she walked in. She was struggling at home and did not have a lot of direction, but she knew at the end of the day she was going to ECE and that at 6:00 she had cheerleading practice.


“She found something she loved, she decided that she was going to be the absolute best at it that she could be, and she set goals, and she’s by far the most decorated athlete we have at this gym, and deservingly so”

– Cassie Bienvenue


Maddy still has a lot to learn at Navarro. She mentioned she was more used to an all-girl group with 3 girls lifting her rather than one guy. She has been struggling to stay in the air with her stunt partner and getting frustrated with herself. Monica mentioned she wants to reevaluate Maddy flying center stun, and it ultimately came down to Monica pulling her from the air. While Maddy was extremely upset, she ended up coming to a mutual agreement with Monica that this is what’s best for her and the team.

Netflix CHEER – Episode 2 Recap

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published January 25, 2022

Netflix Cheer Season 2 Episode 2

“We” is family. Getting to see where Coach Vontae and his family grew up gave us a whole new perspective of him. It shows us why he is how he is. He is tough, strong, powerful, and determined. He knew sports, mainly football and cheer, would lead him in the right direction in life.

He was ready to be recruited for football until one day he was asked to cheer, and that’s when Vontae joined Brandon All Stars, followed by a scholarship to college for cheer and the rest is history!

Back at Navarro, the athletes are participating in lots of signings, shows, and meeting with agents! Lexi, Morgan, Gabi, Jerry, and La’Darius have no time to breathe! 

Gabi has decided to come back to Navarro and while her and her team are super excited, it has sparked some nerves within the rookies potentially losing their spot on the mat!

TVCC has been practicing hard to gain new skills and score the 99 they have been dreaming of. They have a handful of third year athletes on the team and the coaches don’t want them to leave Trinity Valley without a ring on their finger. 

Halfway through episode two Gabi has finally returned to Navarro for her first practice! Choreography is about to begin with Dalston and it will start with a skills check. This is where the coaches and choreographers can see skills and decide where to properly place athletes in the routine to best showcase them!

Monica has built an incredible program and does not like to switch it up, so Dahlston is doing his best to keep it as similar as possible to previous years!

TVCC is also starting choreography, and shocking fans by hiring the old Navarro choreographer, Brad Vaughan! Like they say “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” so they brought in someone directly from Navarro’s past! 

As the episode comes to an end, TVCC and Navarro are getting ready for the basketball game against each other! Both teams want to show up and be better than the other! Both teams put on a show on the sidelines, and it ultimately ended with a TVCC win! 

cheer season 2 episode 2

Coach Vontae is ready to build a strong program and is determined to beat Navarro and prove to people that they are just as good, if not better! 

netflix cheer episode 3

Netflix CHEER Season 2: Episode 1

Netflix Cheer Season 2 review

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published January 20, 2022

It’s like we never left Daytona!

Netflix really said, “Let’s start 2022 off with a bang and released season 2 at the perfect time! Recapping last season definitely pulled at my heart strings! After following this program, it’s exciting to see all the interviews, events, and signings they went through after season 1 aired.

Starting off with episode one of Netflix’s series CHEER, we were made aware of some mature and adult things we would learn more about, but we also got a sneak peak of some exciting things! Number one, being introduced more to TVCC!!

For Coach Monica & Coach Vontae, the competition seems to be more intense than ever!

Navarro’s newest rookies are amazing and as Monica said, “the talent is ridiculous”. Watching Maddy, Gill, Cassadee and Payton…..their technique and skill is unbeatable. 40 are on the team….and 20 will make mat! Ladarius said “do better” if you want to make mat!

Netflix CHEER Season 2 review

Navarro’s newest rookies are amazing and as Monica said, “the talent is ridiculous”. Watching Maddy, Gill, Cassadee and Payton…..their technique and skill is unbeatable. 40 are on the team….and 20 will make mat! Ladarius said “do better” if you want to make mat!

A lot of these athletes are extremely anxious with the upcoming mat tryouts. The coaches need to make decisions that are best for the team and there’s no guarantee that people who have made mat before, will make mat again. Maddy made a very good point when she said “cheerleading, it’s all a mind game, if you don’t believe that you’re going to be the best, then you’re not going to be the best”


Back at TVCC. Their team is still feeling angry and defeated about their last performance at Daytona. Their main complaint…. they went once, and Navarro got to go twice. Their teammate Jada will always be out there making sure she is proving everyone wrong! She is the strongest female tumbler and flyer on the team and she’s ready to lead TVCC to victory at Daytona!

The coaching style differences between Monica and Vontae are crazy but they both work!! The athletes they coach know exactly what to expect. 

What works for Navarro works and what works for TVCC also works! Tough love is Coach Vontaes approach whereas Coach Monica is the opposite. 

So, with episode one coming to an end…lets end this like TVCC ends practice!

“Here’s to you, here’s to me, national champs, where soon to be, and if the judges’ disagree, f*** them, here’s to we”

MAJORS 2022 Competition Results

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published January 20, 2022

“Oooooooooo HONEY! That was the TEA, MAJORS you just gave it to ME!!!”

Nothing like starting off our first MAJOR All-Star Competition blog of 2022 with my favorite voiceover throwback! Shout out to Top Gun

Safe to say Friday night was one for the books! I think all all-star cheerleaders can agree that when an event like this is happening and streamed on Varsity TV…. we all know exactly when to tune in, grab the popcorn, and a cozy blanket! I for one can say that I scheduled my entire day to be ready to go at 7:05pm!!

From X-Small – Large Coed…. these teams took the mat and left it all out there! With all the obstacles that gyms have faced this season in this everlasting pandemic we are living in…. it was amazing to see such success, amazing choreography, true talent, and NO MASKS all happening LIVE! 

Okay, now let’s get to the part we all really care about!

Starting off strong with the L6 Senior-XSmall & XSmall Coed divisions…these teams were a FORCE! I remember when first hearing about these new division a while back I thought to myself “how can such few athletes be expected to do so much” but this division has proven to be the strongest!! I got goosebumps watching SC Cheer!! Those ladies sure know how to entertain!

Moving onto Medium Senior & Medium Senior Coed, the “OG” Generals never disappoint! This team has made a name for themselves in the cheerleading world and continues to keep Woodlands Elite at the top! 


Finally, the Large Senior and Large Senior Coed division. Safe to say I’ve been watching these divisions religiously since 2007 and it gets better and better every year! Orange, Panthers, and Senior Elite, Cheetahs and Steel sure know how to make you stop everything you are doing and not take your eyes off the screen!

Shout out to all these choreographers and coaches that can bring these amazing routines to life! 

Now for the results!! 

L6 Senior Coed-XSmall

1

Twist & Shout Tulsa-Diamonds

93.81671

2

CJA All Stars-Team Gunz

93.06671

3

Gymtyme Illinois-Fever

93.06671

L6 Senior Coed-Small

1

Brandon All Stars-Senior Black

94.33331

2

ACE Cheer Company-Warriors

92.08331

L6 Senior Coed-Medium

1

Woodlands Elite OR-Black Ops

93.23331

2

Prodigy All Stars-MIDNIGHT

93.03331

3

The California All Stars-Black Ops

90.18331

L6 Senior Coed-Large

1

The Stingray All Stars-Steel (COED GRAND CHAMPS)

97.53331

2

Cheer Athletics-Cheetahs

93.81671

L6 Senior-XSMALL

1

SC Cheer-Fearless

90.86671

2

Cheer Central Suns-Lady Suns

90.20001

3

The California All Stars Mesa-Vixens

89.90001

4

Twist & Shout Edmond-Obsession

87.46671

L6 Senior-Small

1

Cheer Extreme Raleigh-SSX

92.91671

2

The California All Stars San Marcos-Lady Bullets

90.05001

3

Rain Athletics-Aqua

89.60001

L6 Senior-Medium

1

Woodlands Elite OR-Generals

92.93331

2

The Stingray All Stars-Peach

90.16671

L6 Senior-Large

1

Cheer Athletics-Panthers (ALL GIRL GRAND CHAMPS)

94.10001

2

Cheer Extreme-Senior Elite

91.75001

3

The Stingray All Stars-Orange

91.25001

I don’t know about you…but bring on NCA Nationals!!! 

These teams will be coming in hot!!

2022 UCA College Cheerleading Nationals Results

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published January 19, 2022

Well, everyone!!

The 2022 College Nationals Season is officially here!!

I think it’s safe to say that after binge watching CHEER on Netflix, we are all super excited and eager to see some college cheer! These college athletes have gone through numerous obstacles, quarantines, endless covid testing, hours and hours of choreography, workouts, practices, and an absurd number of full outs! 

The UCA College Cheerleading Nationals were held this weekend in Orlando, Florida and these teams came ready to fight and win!! 

Being a part of IPP it’s exciting to be in contact with these coaches all year and then see their teams compete and hear the music we have helped them create! Every team out on that mat has proven that they deserve this spot and that they belong out there! They all want to be crowned National Champions! 

With a wide range of teams in All Girl, Coed, and Game Day divisions…it was a battle to get to finals and come out on top! 

Now let’s get to these results and see our top three teams!!

Division IA:

1

University of South Florida- USF Coed

93.9

2

University of Alabama-Coed

93.1

3

Ohio State University

92.1

All Girl IA:

1

University of Alabama-All Girl

91.7

2

Western Kentucky University-WKU All Girl

91.3

3

University of Mississippi-Ole Miss

86.7

Small Coed IA:

1

Western Kentucky University-WKU Small Coed

92.7

2

University of Memphis

87.8

3

Bowling Green State University

84.2

Division 1:

1

Morehead State University-COED

94

2

University of West Georgia

84.4

3

University of Delaware

79.4

All Girl Division 1:

1

University of West Georgia

95.2

2

Eastern Kentucky University-EKU All Girl 

88

3

University of Delaware

86.15

Small Coed Division 1:

1

Eastern Kentucky University

94.6

2

Hofstra University

89.8

3

Grand Canyon University

89.2

Open Coed:

1

Jones College

89.5

2

Shelton State Community College

85.2

3

Iowa Western Community College

83

Open All Girl:

1

Pearl River Community College

88.65

2

The College of New Jersey

83.5

3

Rowan University

83.3

Open Small Coed:

1

Northwest Community College

91.9

2

Drury University

89.1

3

Wilmington University

88.9

1A Game Day:

1

University of Cincinnati 

97.2

2

University of South Florida

96.3

3

University of Tennessee

95.5

Small Coed Game Day:

1

University of Delaware

95.5667

2

Coastal Alabama Community College

93.7667

3

Hofstra University

93.1

All Girl 1A Game Day:

1

University of Mississippi

97.2333

2

Temple University

97.1333

3

Bowling Green State University

95.4333

Open Coed Game Day:

1

Grand Canyon University

97.6

2

Southeastern Louisiana University

96.0333

3

Midwestern State University

94.5333

Open All Girl Game Day:

1

Sacred Heart University

96.7333

2

University of Rhode Island

95

3

Towson University

93.7333

Tough Times Don’t Last

Cheer Coach blog

By Cat Weedon

UpdatedJanuary 14, 2022

They say ‘Tough Times don’t last but Tough People Do’

And these my friends, are the toughest of times. It’s about time we had a very honest conversation about it.

As Coaches, Owners and Directors we thrive on structure, order and on controlling chaos. But right now, there is very little ability to do any of this. Every day brings new challenges that we never anticipated we would face. Every day brings more decisions that need to be made accurately and swiftly. SO MANY DECISIONS. The sheer number of daily decisions can be almost paralyzing.

I see you calming the storms, keeping the ship on course, and leading with confidence. I also see the days its hard to get out of bed and face the realities of what today will bring. I see the struggles to leave it all at the door, to have something left to give so you can be Mom, Dad or Spouse. I see the stress of wanting to NOT be another person or institution that have let these kids down. I see the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows that are hidden behind your game face.

I feel for the constant changing of routines. I feel for the daily texts and calls asking for kids to step up and compete an additional routine. I feel for every coach having to comfort a teary kiddo that they may miss this event, but they will be back for the next. I feel for altering every hope and dream we had for our teams at the beginning of the season. Those hopes and dreams are still there, but they look different every practice. Today it’s to stay in range on tumbling/ stunts with fill ins, tomorrow its to try to address bandaids you’ve put on routines just to make it through the last event, the next day its just do what we must do, to get this team on the floor this weekend. 

I hear the tenacity in every owner and coach that has refused to give up. Just keep swimming, keep putting one foot in front of another. I hear the parents who are rallying behind their gym leadership with kindness, understanding and grace. I hear the pleas for just one normal week. Just one event where the roster this week is the same as the one last week. I hear the compassion of coaches that know this kid just needs your kindness and love, not the correction. I hear the pride of the hitting against all odds. I also hear the tears in the car on the way home convincing yourself you’ve done the best you can do today.  And you have! You did the best you could and you should be proud of that. 

Your battles are my battles too. We are wearing so many hats, and filling so many roles that it can be overwhelming:

OWNER:

Navigating owning a business dependent on children during a 3 year long pandemic

GYM MEDICAL DIRECTOR:

Tasked with enforcing everchanging CDC Protocols, calculating Days of Quarantine, and determining who is back in time to compete any given weekend

COACH:

Responsibilities to multiple teams’ success despite the challenges. Because parents want to see results and let’s be honest, we need the good results to recharge the empty tanks. 

CHOREOGRAPHER:

Sometimes you’re putting a ‘Bandaid’ on a routine, and sometimes you’re totally having to rethink sections depending on who is on the floor this weekend.

DOCTOR:

Eye’s down a kid, thinks to myself “did that kid just cough 3 times, was it dry or wet, do they sound sick or did the dust get them, does she seem like she feels ok? Racking my brain… I don’t think mom said Suzy wasn’t feeling good.” Everyone quick water break, Suzy sis come here, you’re not in trouble! “ How are you feeling?”

THERAPIST:

Kids are hurting and they need you. Sometimes they need encouragement, sometimes a stern push in the right direction, sometimes they need to be held accountable and sometimes they just need hug. The pressure can be debilitating on cheer athletes right now. Especially with the current Anon culture. Gyms are doing their best to keep kids competing, even with out-of-level fill in athletes, only to be slammed for not perfect performances. Anons should be ashamed of themselves. We are doing our best. 

PSYCHIC:

Answering questions about events that are over 30 days away is a stretch right now. Honestly, most of us are  functioning at a 3-4 days in advance place right now. But parents want reassurances that comps are going to happen, that money invested in flights and hotels won’t be lost, that all of this will lead to end of season events their kids are hoping for.

And we give them those reassurances the best we can, all while understanding that 2 years ago Cheer Stood Still. Every email, call, post or text now includes “as far as we know”, “Based on the information we have”,“ If anything changes you will be the first to know”, or “ They’re saying the event is a GO”

Escapism: (noun) the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy. 

I have read 8 books since Jan 1st. Though I have always loved to read, every free second I have right now, I’m reading. I’m staying up all hours of the night to read it is consuming me.  Tabbi M my cheer BFF called me out, rightly so, for using reading as a method of escapism. She was 100 percent correct.

I am ESCAPING into books, because my current reality as a Coach and Gym Owner is not always pleasant. This moment in time is HARD.  I’m lucky that I can escape into a book, but others may not have safe outlets that help them cope with the world around them right now.  Pour into them, give them grace and support, its so needed right now. 

But there is light, and hope, and daily reminders of why we all CHOOSE this industry

Let me tell you something about every coach and owner I know, no one can match their tenacity. No one problem solves better, and no not one of them will give up on these kids or this season. 

The greatest mistake we made, was believing that the 2020-2021 season was the worst it was going to get. We let our guard down. To a certain degree, last year was a walk in the park compared to now. We all competed a lot of virtual events, and while those were challenging, if you had the time and willpower you could get a zero for submission. Now the battle is making through the week leading up to competition. It feels like a total win to just be on the floor. 

Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough People Do.

And we are TOUGH

Keep fighting the good fight, Keep Livin the Dream.

Cat Weeden Signature Full Wht

USASF Announces 3 New Worlds Divisions

USASF Announces 3 New Worlds Divisions

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 6, 2021

Cheer is back!

and we have more great news!

USASF has just announced 3 new Worlds divisions. This move is a major win for small gyms around the country. Although small representation at the Cheerleading Worlds has been increasing, it’s still not where we would like to see it considering that small gyms make up a super majority of programs around the country. With this new announcement things are about to change. Small gyms will finally get the chance to increase their presence at the 2022 World Championships. This coming April we will see these new divisions launch and potentially lead to an explosion of new talent coming to the world stage. The goal is to help small gyms continue to grow and retain athletes as they will now be able to have the chance to compete on the same stage as some of their idols.

USASF announces 3 new worlds divisions

The new divisions will include: Limited Xtra Small/Small (Allgirl), Limited Xtra Small Coed & Limited Small Coed. The new divisions will be reserved for programs represented by only one at the championships. In addition to the new division, there will also be a unique registration process for the teams. Although they will qualify for the World Championships via receiving a bid in their conventional division, when registering they will have the opportunity to transfer to one of the new Limited Divisions or they can remain in their usual Small or Xtra Small divisions.

This news brings even more excitement to come and the chance for small gyms all around the country to be able compete in the sought after Worlds Championships. Being able to say they have a Worlds caliber team will help their programs to grow and continue the presence of cheerleading through the country and world. We wish all potential programs the best of luck and can’t wait to see you take the stage in April!

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NEW 2021 PREMADE MIXES

Sale!
Original price was: $125.00.Current price is: $75.00.
Sale!
Original price was: $125.00.Current price is: $75.00.
Sale!
Original price was: $250.00.Current price is: $150.00.

IPP now the Official 2021 music producer for USA Cheer!

IPP Music is the official music producer for USA Cheer 2021

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 30, 2021

We have some exciting news!

IPP has been chosen to be the Official 2021 Music Producer for USA Cheer!

Thanks to Lauri Harris, LeRoy McCullough, Tony Nash and Nicole Nichols, we had the pleasure of mixing music for Coed Premier, AllGirl Premier and Junior Coed Elite.

We are beyond thankful for this opportunity. As the routines near completion we can’t wait to see and hear how awesome each team looks performing to their IPP mix. We anticipate music releases in the coming weeks on our youtube channel..

We can’t wait until the world hears what we’ve created. This opportunity was nothing short of amazing and we look forward to continuing our relationship with USA Cheer and the mentioned nationals team as we move towards the debut performance in the Olympics one day.

Thank you to all who were involved and who believed in IPP. For more information or to book with IPP please visit our website.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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CHEERLEADING REACHES OLYMPIC STATUS

CHEERLEADING REACHES OLYMPIC STATUS

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 20, 2021

The day has finally come!  Cheerleading reaches Olympic status.

At the close of the 138th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting, the International Cheer Union (ICU) received “Full Sport Recognition”.  So what does this mean moving forward? 

As a result of receiving full sport recognition, cheerleading will now be eligible  to petition to not only be included in the Olympic games and other multi-game events, but will also help to ensure more funding, education and support to help develop cheerleading in other countries who seek to participate.

CHEERLEADING REACHES OLYMPIC STATUS

This is such a momentous occasion because it’s been 11 years in the making.  The ICU was founded in 2004 with the goal of positively impacting cheerleading and cheerleaders throughout the world.  Shortly after it’s formation, the ICU applied for recognition by the OIC.  It wasn’t until 2016 that ICU was granted provisional recognition.

Jeff Webb, President of the ICU recently stated, “"The IOC's actions have created a monumental milestone for cheerleading. We are truly honored to receive this recognition by the IOC," said Jeff Webb, President of the International Cheer Union. "This decision will greatly assist us as we strive to create opportunities for healthy participation and competition for millions of cheerleading athletes worldwide."

We look forward to the coming years and are excited for cheerleaders from all nations to take the stage at the Olympics and perform the routines and choreography the world has been waiting to see!


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Top 20 Hottest Cheer Songs of 2021

Top 20 Cheer Songs 2021

By Steve Pawlyk

Published June 14, 2021

After a long year of dealing with Covid-19, we are starting to get back to normal and things are instantly heating up. Check out our top 20 songs of 2021 that will keep your summer mixes blazing hot while you train for the upcoming season.

Dua Lipa - We're Good

Driver’s License - Olivia Rodrigo

My Head & My Heart - Ava Max

SWANG - Expensive Taste

Alan Walker - Fake A Smile

only child - poison

Zayn - Vibez

Yrin Glam - Unbothered

Sia ft. Burna Boy - Hey Boy

Tayler Jade - WYA

Sabrina Carpenter - Skin

Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby - Levitating

Black Eyed Peas ft. Shakira - Girl Like Me

Alyssa Rubio - Mutual

Elle Baez - Come Back

Tate McRae - You Broke Me First

Shawn Mendez ft. Justin Bieber - Monster

Masked Wolf - Astronaut In The Ocean

Rooga ft. Lil Chris - Catch A Body

Taylor Swift ft. Bon Iver - Exile

  1. We’re Good - Dua Lipa

  2. Driver’s Licnese - Olivia Rodrigo

  3. My Head & My Heart - Ava Max

  4. Expensive Taste - SWANG

  5. Fake A Smile - Alan Walker

  6. Poison - Only Child

  7. Vibez - Zayn

  8. Unbothered - Yrin Glam

  9. Hey Boy - Sia ft. Burna Boy

  10. WYA - Tayler Jade 

  11. Skin - Sabrina Carpenter

  12. Levitating - Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby

  13. Girl Like Me - Black Eyed Peas ft. Shakira

  14. Mutual - Alyssa Rubio

  15. Come Back - Elle Baez

  16. You Broke Me First - Tate McRae

  17. Monster - Shawn Mendez ft. Justin Bieber

  18. Astronaut In The Ocean - Masked Wolf

  19. Catch A Body - Rooga ft. Lil Chris

  20. Exile - Taylor Swift ft. Bon Iver

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How Cheerleaders Can Improve Their Flexibility

cheerleaders flexibility

By Dr. Scott Christie

Published September 24, 2020

Did you know there are three main determinants of your flexibility potential?

They are:

Did you know there are three main determinants of your flexibility potential?

They are:

  1. Your neuromuscular system

  2. Your joint capsules

  3. Your joint structure

Neuromuscular System:

Your nervous system and muscles are the largest determinant of your range of motion. The brain will create tension in the muscles surrounding a joint in order to protect it as you move closer to an end range of motion.  

The reason the nervous system does this is to ensure your joint stays in place and does not move out of place. Therefore, the stronger you are or the more stable your joint is as it gets closer to its end range, the greater range of motion can be achieved.





Neuromuscular interaction ippmusic youhitzero

How do we create a greater range of motion?

The best way to improve your range of motion in this scenario is to use different contract and relax methods.

For example, use a partner, lie on your back, have your partner help you move into a heel stretch position. Once you are in position, resist your partner who is trying to push your leg further.

Do this for 5 seconds then relax. Repeat 5 more times. You can also do this with a stretching strap.

Joint Capsules:

The second area of restriction comes from your joint capsule which helps hold two bones together and can become stiff or can already be stiff based on your genetic make-up. 

The best way to improve your joint capsule flexibility is to hold your stretches longer. Once you are done stretching you should do some contractions at your newfound end range so that you are strong in this new position.

Stretching like this every day is key to long term flexibility increases. 

Joint Capsules




JOINT STRUCTURE

Lastly, the structure of your joint can dictate how far a joint can move. For example, some athletes will have a fairly deep hip socket and as such they will not be able to increase their range of motion at this joint.

However, they can employ other strategies like tilting their hip or flexing their back to be able to get their leg up higher. This may not be ideal, but the body ultimately is the boss.

As you can see, each area discussed above will respond differently to how you can achieve improved flexibility. There are also other strategies like vibration therapy and rolling but at the end of the day the most important takeaway is to stretch daily. 

For tips on stretching, you can visit Cheer District’s Stretching Series on their YouTube channel.

 




Your Mix Can Now Have Audio on Varsity TV

Your-Mix-Can-Now-Have-Audio-on-Varsity-TV-ippmusic

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 21, 2020

We have some good news!

Your mix can now have audio on Varsity TV.  Fear of copyright law violation and potential lawsuits have burdened the cheer community with having to watch videos of their favorite teams in silence.  Moreover, viewers have been paying subscription fees year after year for an incomplete service.  However, this season Varsity TV, Flo Cheer and a few music production companies, such as IPP,  have come up with a solution!  I can almost see the excitement on your face.  I bet you’re saying, “about time” right now.

Want your mix to be streamed with audio?  Here’s what you have to do.  First, you’ll need to choose content for your mix that comes with synchronization rights.  More specifically, transferable synchronization rights.  You’re scratching your head right now. I know.  Bear with me though. I’ll help you out.  Without getting into some technical mumbo jumbo regarding licensing it can be summed up easily:

1@1x

Avoid cover songs

2@1x

Purchase a full custom mix or select content from a licensing platform such as  www.songsforcheer.com

3@1x

Work with a cheer music production company, such as IPP, who has a synchronization agreement in place with FloCheer

Technically, you’ll be all set if you work with one of the cheer music companies who have an agreement in place.  Just let your production company know that you want your mix to have audio when streamed.        

yhz music at varsity events

The only question we have left to answer for you is, which production companies have an agreement with FloCheer?  There are only 4 companies (IPP is one) that I know of at the time of this blog. My best advice would be to contact your production company and ask them. If they do not have an agreement with FloCheer then you should encourage them to reach out to get a contract in place. You’ll definitely be disappointed if every team in your division has audio on their stream except for you.  Your music is a major part of your routine and the whole world should hear it!            

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Coach Monica Aldama of Netflix’ CHEER to be on Season 29 of Dancing with the Stars

Monica Aldama Netflix Cheer Dancing with the Stars

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 2, 2020

Brush off your dancing shoes! It’s time to boogie.

There hasn’t been much good news circulating in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, but we’ve finally got something to cheer about! ABC has just revealed the much anticipated cast for season 29 of Dancing With The Stars. And let me tell you this season is about to be lit! The cheerleading community is going to get to see America’s favorite coach, Monica Aldama, on the big stage.




Monica Aldama Navarro Cheer Netflix NCA Winner Trophy

The world saw coach Monica rise to fame on the Netflix series “CHEER”. She, along with her amazing collegiate cheerleading squad, became an instant household name.  Her 25 years of collegiate coaching experience and 14 National Titles are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to coach Monica.  She is an inspiration to young women, has a powerful work ethic, she’s her athlete’s biggest fan and is an advocate for inclusion, diversity and equality both on and off the mat. Monica is a force to be reckoned with and truly deserving of all of her blessings.  She will be the perfect addition to the Dancing With The Stars cast.




It will be quite a sight to see coach Monica competing against the likes of Carol Baskin, star of Netflix’s “Joe Exotic” and owner of Big Cat Rescue. It will be the “big dawg” Monica versus “cool cat” Carol. Other stars include Chrishell Stause of TV’s “Selling Sunset”, GRAMMY award-winning rapper, Nelly and many more.  We will all be looking forward to parking ourselves on the coach for one more series starring coach Monica.  The global cheerleading community will be rooting for her when the season premieres live Monday September 14 at 8e/7c only on ABC!

Monica Aldama with Oprah

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images: https://www.instagram.com/monicaaldama/




Shifting your Mindset

Law of Attraction Cheerleading

By Liz Scumaci

Published August 28, 2020

What is the Law of Attraction?

People have been practicing the belief that positive energy attracts positive outcomes for hundreds of years, but it wasn’t until the early 19th century that this practice was coined the Law of Attraction. Every individual emits a distinct frequency that can be as high or low as they want. Higher frequencies attract positive experiences while lower frequencies attract more negative ones.  It may seem simple, but it takes a lot of time and patience to fully master the practice of matching frequency to desired energy.

Shifting your Mindset GlitterStarz Attraction Cheerleading youhitzero ippmusic com splits

I adopted the Law of Attraction as a daily exercise in my life 10 years ago and haven’t looked back since. I saw a need and a want to always have a solution based mindset. Having a solution based mindset and a positive attitude towards the Law of Attraction is the perfect formula for success. Through the utilization of this practice, I continue to grow my business to unimaginable heights. My continual high frequency attracts positive life experiences which I attribute to the success of GlitterStarz. 

Turning Uncertainty into Positivity

Turning uncertainty into positivity, and ultimately prosperity, starts with just changing your energy. In order to do this, you must first start by shifting your mindset. “I am,” statements are a great start. For example, if you are worried about having to close your gym then verbally assure yourself, “I am going to figure out a plan to keep my gym open.” Speaking this truth into the universe will boost the frequency you are emitting, thus attracting more positive life experiences.  Simple wishful thinking won’t cut it.   It is important to completely rewire your internal thinking, so that it aligns with this new mindset. Following simple steps will help boost your frequency in turn generating more desired outcomes. 

Steps to Success

In a recent virtual meeting, I provided gym owners with several ways to increase their frequencies. The first being, the “I am” sentences as mentioned above. I recommended compiling all of the previous doubts into new positive statements. Create daily, weekly and monthly goals that help bring the “I am” statements to life. It is important to keep track of your accomplishments along the way in order to practice gratitude, so keeping a journal is highly encouraged. The most important step that is crucial for your frequency to increase is rehearsing your victories. Using all five senses try to envision yourself accomplishing those goals. How does it look, smell, taste, feel and sound? This mental image should always remain present in order to help align your frequency with the desired outcome. 

Shifting your Mindset GlitterStarz Attraction Cheerleading youhitzero ippmusic com attraction

Have Patience

Trusting in positive thoughts to yield positive outcomes is a great start to practicing the Law of Attraction.  However, there is much more to this theory when practiced. I provide an in-depth summary of the Law of Attraction and several steps to increase frequency. It is important to be mindful of your thoughts, feelings, gratitude and most importantly trust in the universe. It will deliver whatever the focus of your energy is and remember it will grow.

Liz Scumaci

Owner - GlitterStarz, Inc.

instagram.com/glitterstarzinc

4857A887 3734 40CD A028 61FDED212F9A

Cheerleading Practice Design Guidelines

Cheerleading Practice Design Guidelines by Dr Scott Christie youhitzero ippmusic com 1

By Dr. Scott Christie

Published August 17, 2020

Cheerleading Practice Design Guidelines

5 ways to reduce athletes’ risk of avoidable injuries

When designing a practice plan the main goal should be to put into place the appropriate elements of implementing the perfect routine. In order to achieve this goal, special attention must be paid to developing skills safely and efficiently, mitigating injury risk and ensuring your athletes have the adequate physical and mental capacity to handle the intensity of practices and performances.

Cheerleading Practice Design Guidelines by Dr Scott Christie rules youhitzero ippmusic com

One of the biggest obstacles in cheerleading is being able to ensure that you have full attendance at practice. A coach constantly has to deal with athletes missing practice due to sickness, vacations, weather, other unanticipated events, as well as injuries in and out of practice. Most of these factors are uncontrollable but a coach does have a significant control over avoidable injuries occurring during practice.

 

To help with achieving full team practices, below are five ways to reduce your athletes’ risk of sustaining avoidable injuries.

 





1. Chunking your practice (10-15 mins sections)

Chunking your practice is good for two reasons. First, by changing up your activities into small 10-15-minute chunks, you can avoid unnecessary mental and physical fatigue that comes with staying on one movement pattern or skill for too long. Secondly, from a memory acquisition standpoint chunking your practices creates faster learning of skills.

Hit_Zero_Blog_Pic1

2. Control fatigue

Hit_Zero_Blog_Pic2

Pay attention to your athletes’ body language. As a previous coach, I know it is very easy to get upset with the poor performance of your athletes at times and as a result push them harder to help develop ‘mental toughness’. This strategy more often than not will lead to an avoidable injury. Cheerleading requires high power outputs and fatigue will reduce an athlete's power production significantly which can lead to increased risk of injury (especially near the end of practices).

3. Use vivid visualization

 

Vivid visualization allows for more practice time without actually performing the skill. This can be done at home or at practice once the athletes are too tired to continue safely.

Hit_Zero_Blog_Pic3

4. Monitor overtraining

Hit_Zero_Blog_Pic4

Many sports have their athletes fill out short mental health questionnaires out on a daily basis. There are many stresses taking place in an athlete's life outside of cheerleading. It is important to be aware of this and monitor it on a daily or weekly basis. Try to remember that as much as cheerleading is all about the team, a team is still made up of many unique individuals that require different coaching methods.





5. Improving physical fitness

Athletes that are extremely physically fit are better suited to be able to handle the high physical and mental demands of cheerleading practices and performances. Most sports have their athletes work on their fitness between practices, cheerleaders should be doing the same!

Hit_Zero_Blog_Pic5
Hit_Zero_Blog_Pic5

For more information from Dr. Scott Christie please visit our website’s resource page at www.cheerdistrict.com. Interested in implementing training programs backed by science within your gym community? Email support@cheerdistrict.com for more information.

cheer district app

About Dr. Scott Christie:

Dr Scott credentials
 

Netflix CHEER! Snatches 6 Emmy Nominations

Netflix Cheer Navarro Emmy Nominations

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 30, 2020

The Results are in...

The Results are in...

and Navarro Cheer just made mat! As of July 28, 2020 Netflix “CHEER” Snatches 6 Emmy nominations. Soon after airing in January 2020, the coaches and athletes became household names. 

Whether you were are cheerleader or not, you were on the edge of your seat waiting to see if Jerry was going to make mat or if Lexi was going to stay on the team or if Morgan was going to hit her elite stunt!  And of course we all wanted to be Gabi Butler!

The amazing docu-series shed light on an industry that is so deserving of the spotlight. We can all agree that cheer is an intensely competitive sport like no other. The combination of strength, agility, stamina and competitiveness shredded any preconceived notions that many viewers may have had about cheerleading. 

Navarro Cheer Netflix




Each episode of Netflix Cheer! grew more and more intense and made us all hopeful that we too could make mat so that we could experience the sense of accomplishment that the Navarro athletes felt when hitting a flawless routine. Although the season ended abruptly due to covid-19, it’s undeniable that Navarro College was about to capture another college national title adding to their mound of accolades.

Visit Netflix to relive the experience with your favorite Navarro Cheer athletes!

  • Outstanding cinematography for reality program
  • Outstanding directing for a reality program
  • Outstanding picture editing for an unstructured reality program
  • Outstanding unstructured reality program
  • Outstanding sound editing for a nonfiction or reality program (Single or Multi-camera)
  • Outstanding sound mixing for a nonfiction or reality program (Single or Multi-camera)  




Check out Navarro College's 2019 Performance!

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Varsity Releases New Considerations For Competition Formats

varsity new compeititons

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 27, 2020

Covid-19 has been the ultimate disruptor in both our personal and professional cheerleading lives.

The Coronavirus has brought many uncertainties and has suspended many things that bring us joy and make us feel whole.  It abruptly ended our 2019-2020 season and has delayed our 2020-2021 season.  With each state operating under unique safety guidelines it’s unclear as to when we will have a uniformed practice protocol in place to prep each program for competition. 

Thus, resulting in unpredictability for the possibility of normalized competitions this season.  To help ease some tensions, Varsity Spirit has released some new considerations for competition formats!  Each is designed to be beneficial to all programs nation-wide.  

Cheer Coronavirus Guidelines 2020

According to Varsity Spirit:

We are considering four options to safely and responsibly host Varsity Spirit events for the 2020-21 season. The format that each event follows will be communicated pre-event to all registered teams. All Varsity Spirit event staff will be educated and trained based on the guidelines set forth for each event.”



The formatting will possibly proceed as follows:

Varsity competition option 1

In-Person with Spectators

  • Spectators allowed with social distancing measures in place
  • Live awards ceremony with limited athletes and/or coaches
Varsity competition option 2

In-Person with Limited Spectators

  • Spectator viewing limited to team performance time only
  • Live awards ceremony with limited athletes and/or coaches; OR virtual awards ceremony
Varsity competition option 3

In-Person with No Spectators & Virtual Awards

  • Spectators not allowed; only athletes and coaches permitted 
  • Virtual awards ceremony
Varsity competition option 4

Virtual

  • Routines will be uploaded and judged virtually by Varsity Spirit certified judges 
  • Virtual awards ceremony

To learn more about our Varsity All Star Virtual Competition Series click here:

To learn more about Varsity All Star Virtual Competition Series click below:



Based on the aforementioned competition format options above and information found on the Varsity Spirit website, it appears that Varsity Spirit is holding the health and safety of competitors, coaches, families and staff at the forefront.  The presented formats will provide options for most programs to be able to compete and enjoy the 2020-2021 season to the best of their ability.  

Although we may be some time away from normalcy in both our personal lives and cheer, unprecedented steps are being taken to ensure that allstar cheer doesn’t suffer anymore than it has already had to endure. 

I know that the cheer community is looking forward to a productive competition season regardless of the format.  We must all strive to make sure that comeback is greater than the setback!

For more information on the 2020-2021 competition season and the health and safety measures that Varsity Spirit is taking please visit https://www.varsity.com/health-update/

Varsity Releases New Considerations For Competition Formats

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Varsity Summer League

Varsity All Star Summer League IPP Cheer Music 2020

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 13, 2020

As Allstar cheer programs around the country are beginning their summer practices, it seems like cheerleading is going to make an unbelievable comeback. Despite the huge setback caused by Covid-19, Varsity is giving the allstar world something bright and sunny to look forward to! Just last week we saw the release of the Varsity Allstar Summer League.

What is Summer League?

Varsity Summer League

The main goal of the summer league is to keep athletes active in allstars all summer long. Athletes of all skill levels will get the chance to learn compulsory routines created by Jennifer Cooper of Big Red Choreography and will be able to challenge other groups in both live and virtual competitions. 

Two different routine options were developed to help abide by state-by-state social distancing guidelines. One set of routines will include stunts and pyramids for those who can practice in such a manner and the other will focus on choreography only. All routines are set to music created by Innovative Performance Productions (IPP Music). 8 count sheets are also available for each routine.





Rules and Levels

The summer league routines are categorized by level and include levels 1&2, 3&4 and 5&6. Each level was purposely created to highlight level appropriate skills. For example, according to the Varsity website:

The Level 1/2 Routines were designed to highlight the execution of basic building skills while introducing all star elite athletes to beginner level choreography and transitional elements. This program provides great Summer building blocks to set your lower level teams up for success in the coming season.

The Level 3/4 Routines were designed to elevate athletes knowledge of key level appropriate building skills and highlight tumbling and jump progression mixed with unique transitional choreography. This program provides great Summer building blocks to set your mid-level teams up for success in the coming season.

The Level 5/6 Routines were designed to challenge top level athletes with intricate building sequences, stamina-driven tumbling & innovative choreography. This program provides great Summer building blocks & a challenge to your most advanced teams, to set them for success in the coming season.

The Level 1/2 Routines were designed to highlight the execution of basic building skills while introducing all star elite athletes to beginner level choreography and transitional elements. This program provides great Summer building blocks to set your lower level teams up for success in the coming season.

The Level 3/4 Routines were designed to elevate athletes knowledge of key level appropriate building skills and highlight tumbling and jump progression mixed with unique transitional choreography. This program provides great Summer building blocks to set your mid-level teams up for success in the coming season.

The Level 5/6 Routines were designed to challenge top level athletes with intricate building sequences, stamina-driven tumbling & innovative choreography. This program provides great Summer building blocks & a challenge to your most advanced teams, to set them for success in the coming season.

For more information or to register your athletes for Varsity Summer League click here

To download the music for your level click here

For choreography tutorials and 8 count sheet click here

Summer League music mixes free mp3 downloads ippmusic no logo

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Why Hiring an HR Professional is Worth the Time and Money

Why Hiring an HR Professional is Worth the Time and Money

By Joyce Whitaker

Published April 30, 2020

Human Resources Includes You!

You may be asking yourself

“What does HR have to do with me or my industry for that matter?” 

Glad you asked! HR is so much more than being the event hostess or ensuring there are treats in the break room. 




why hire an hr professional__youhitzero com__ippmusic

These days we are asked to provide metrics on engagement, productivity, ensure a safety and security plan is in place in event of a crisis (such as the one we are now facing), interpret employment law to ensure that a business is compliant or offer our advice in C-Suite situations. HR professionals have become true leaders for clients and organizations.

Oftentimes many of you are trying to get a deeper understanding of hiring employees (taxes withheld via a payroll or accounting service) vs. an independent contractor (reporting their own income on their tax return).

HR professionals will analyze the current positions established in your gym and determine whether the work being performed meets Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) duties, test and requirements. Improper classifications could result in hefty penalties and fines; not to mention back wages from the start date of the infraction if the individual you hired as a contractor is truly an employee. 

This could shut a business down quickly. Ouch!

Always remember you are operating a business first and foremost. More and more small businesses are being audited so please remember that when defining your business model.

Speaking of Independent Contractors....

Be mindful when hiring contractors to always define the working relationship including the scope of work to be performed, start and end date, agreed compensation and additional items such as what the employer will provide (Ex: 1099 Misc form)  through a well crafted document. Get everything in “writing!”

hiring hr professional youhitzero




We are now trying to prepare for our new normal and what our lives will look like on the other side of this global crisis.  Ask yourself, “Am I prepared for the next natural disaster or global pandemic?”

If the answer is Yes, then WOO-HOO! But, if your answer is No, there is no time like the present to design a crisis response plan. A plan of this magnitude can calm your fears, save your gym time along with money in the long term as it allows you to:

hiring hr professional youhitzero list
  • Identify your threats (e.g., whether your region is prone to floods or tornadoes or the potential of another global pandemic) 
  • Create a written communication plan for your athletes, parents and vendors. 
  • Develop a plan to keep your business going during the crisis.
  • Test your communication and crisis response plan with real world exercises.

During this unprecedented time, keep in mind what your gym will need to remain sustainable and think about some of the other services that may be available:

  • Live and Virtual Training Sessions on Harassment, Leadership and more
  • Document and Handbook Design (Editable Forms)
  • HR Audits and Strategic Planning

Remember we are in this TOGETHER!

About the author

joyce whitaker_youhitzero_com profile_photo

I’m a unique stakeholder with a wide range of experience as an HR Executive for an Event Producer, an Allstar parent and Collegiate Spirit Coordinator & Coach. I understand what’s happening with your business model from a bird’s eye view.  My calling is helping people and I’m here to help in any way I can!

 




15 min Home Workout Video – Day 1: Conditioning and Stretching (Virtual Home Training)

Virtual Home Training Day 1 __YHZ

By Steve Pawlyk

Published March 26, 2020

It’s time to take our virtual home training to the next level.

jason mason workout

Don’t let the coronavirus and quarantines stop you from reaching your fitness goals. Keep up with the training and keep striving to be a better you. To make each workout easier and more enjoyable, we’ve established a step-by-step guide complete with workout music which were created by well-established personal trainer/fitness coach, Jason Mason - ATC, CSCS.

Let’s dive in!

The first of our four releases will focus on conditioning and stretching. It begins with warm up exercises to get the blood flowing then takes you through a series of full body (body weight based) strengthening exercises and concludes with a cool down stretch. This circuit will be great for our flyers to gain stability and flexibility.



Download the workout for offline use

DOWNLOAD MP3

CIRCUIT 1

  1. Candle Stick Get ups w/ Tuck Jumps
  2. Hand Stand Hold
  3. Lunges - Shoulders Open
  4. Push Ups - To Floor (with Scapular Retraction)
  5. Bicycles - Abs

CIRCUIT 2

  1. Skaters
  2. Plank to Tricep Extension
  3. Squat Hop in and out
  4. Pike Sit Ups
  5. Perfect Set Jumps - (open Shoulders)

Stretching

  1. Straddle
  2. Left Split
  3. Right Split
  4. Pike
  5. Butterfly Stretch
  6. Downward Dog
  7. Left Calve Stretch
  8. Right Calve Stretch
  9. Left Quad Stretch
  10. Right Quad Stretch
  11. Left Arm Across Body
  12. Right Arm Across Body
  13. Left arm up and over - Tricep Stretch
  14. Right Arm up and over - Tricep Stretch

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Best Cheer Songs of 2020 to Keep Your Spirits High During Coronavirus Lockdown

Best Cheer Songs of 2020

By Steve Pawlyk

Published March 24, 2020

Did your season just come to a screeching halt? Feeling upset and discouraged? Feeling like all your hard work was for nothing?

Well guess what....it wasn’t. Now is the time to stay positive and look to the future. If you’re on lockdown and not feeling optimistic, try tuning into these top cheer songs of 2020 to help keep your spirits high! 




  1. Intentions (featuring Quavo) - Justin Bieber
  2. You Should Be Sad - Halsey
  3. Before You Go - Lewis Capaldi
  4. Everything I Wanted - Billie Eilish
  5. Lose You To Love Me - Selena Gomez
  6. What A Man Gotta Do - Jonas Brothers
  7. The Man - Taylor Swift
  8. My Oh My (featuring DaBaby) - Camilla Cabello
  9. Adore You - Harry Styles
  10. Falling - Trevor Daniel
  11. Roxanne - Arizona Zervas
  12. Dreamin About You - Lorelei Marcell
  13. In Your Eyes (featuring Alida) - Robin Schulz
  14. Head First - Christian French
  15. Birthday - Anne-Marie
  16. React - The Pussycat Dolls
  17. Don’t Start Now - Dua Lipa
  18. Hot Girl Bummer - Blackbear
  19. Heartless - The Weekend
  20. Circles - Post Malone

Need Competition Music Blue

IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable!  Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more!  Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10! 

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WAKE UP THE FIRE
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WAKE UP THE FIRE
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1 minute cheer mix







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Home Quarantine Workouts by Jess Forte of Cheer Intensity (with videos)

Home Quarantine Workouts for Cheerleading

By Jess Forte

Published March 20, 2020

This is our world...

I often liken the anticipation, the adrenaline we experience to climbing that first major drop of the highest roller coaster in the amusement park. It’s “Scary” in a sense, but also exhilarating!  This sense of “fear” has ironically preceded almost anything and everything great in my life. Or is it not irony? 


One of my Level 5 athletes was walking to perform in A Hall at NCA Nationals a few weeks ago and asked me “why do I keep doing this, even though I feel like I am about to vomit? But I continue to want to cheer, to put myself back on that stage?"

On Deck
The butterflies
The jittery hands
The lights blinding
The roar of the crowd
The smell of sweat
The 9 panels
The music starts
A snap, a wink, a smile
Let’s go
The point stunt
The last pass
Your coaches’ eyes scream “you’ve got this!”
The final structure
The last pose
The embraces
The tears

I recently read a book entitled “Fearvana” by Akshay Nanavati. He firmly believes that fear is an essential element to unlocking our potential, our success, and our passion. That finding and enduring a worthy struggle can open doors that we didn’t know existed and allow us the ultimate amount of  bliss and fulfillment. So basically, All-Star Cheerleaders are onto something! Akshay defines fearvana as “the bliss that results from engaging our fears to pursue our own worthy struggle.” We experience our own version of “Fearvana” when we stand in the corner to throw a new pass, or when we set for our routine at Nationals. 



Home Quarantine Workouts by Jess Forte of Cheer Intensity why keep doing this

So now on May 20, 2020 we find ourselves in a very odd situation. Our season, as we had envisioned it, was stripped from us by the Coronavirus. And there are so many unknowns. As an adult, I am having to draw on all I have known in my life to come to a logical conclusion that “this too shall pass;” that difficult situations come upon us and we are equipped as humans to work through them and overcome obstacles. Our athletes may not have this frame of reference. For them, their world is potentially about to be turned upside down. What I want to tell them is that you are right where you are supposed to be. If that is in a state of FEAR, that’s ok. 

Because fear keeps us on our toes; it elicits a heightened sense of reality that allows us to be our best selves. And who is better equipped to handle this fear than an all-star cheerleader? You all face it head on every day! And not only that, but you thrive on it! You hit that stunt, you land that pass, and you rock that dance - butterflies and all! So you have the tools to handle this, too. 

SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

Every athlete is being dealt the same hand right now. But it is your choice how you decide to handle it. If you are forced to be home for an undetermined amount of time, what is going to propel you from the state of fear, disappointment, or anger into a state of being that is productive for your goals in the sport! Here is a suggested to do list:

  1. Write down 3 of your goals every morning. The same 3!

  2. Write down actions you can take NOW to take a step towards those goals (conditioning, studying technique, reading motivational books, contacting college coaches if you are an upperclassman, applying for scholarships at your dream school, e-mailing you gym owner to ask for internship hours, or your coach to help set a plan to achieve your goals when the gym opens back up.)

  3. Schedule those actions for each day. For example:

  • 9:00 am - wake up and get ready
  • 9:30 am - eat a breakfast high in protein and fats! (Think eggs, sausage, bacon)
  • 10:00 am - journal goals and current emotions (this will be cool to look back on)
  • 10:30 am - school work
  • 12:30 pm - lunch high in nutrients (think salads, fruits, veggies)
  • 1:30 pm - Conditioning workout (example below)
  • 2:30 pm - more school work
  • 3:30 pm - watch tumbling technique videos, read a motivational book, or work towards goals
  • 4:30 pm - flexibility regimen
  • 5:30 pm - Dinner high in protein and carbs (think pasta, steak, potatoes, meat)
  • 6:30 pm - Relax and connect with teammates, coaches, etc.
    Get at least 8 hours of sleep!



Adam Forte's Conditioning Workout

1. WARM UP

30 seconds each exercise X 3

  • Jog in place
  • High Knees
  • Butt Kicks
  • Mummys
  • Heisman

2. JOINT ROTATIONS

Upper Body 

    1. Finger wiggle and squeeze
    2. Motorcycles
    3. Wrist circles (both ways)
    4. Arms behind head
    5. Arms across body
    6. Hold hands behind back and pull up
    7. Look up, down
    8. Tilt head to both sides
    9. Shoulder rolls
    10. Arm circles forward and back
    11. Small arm circles forward and back
    12. Arms up tilt both ways
    13. Hips washing machine
    14. Hips figure 8
    15. Leg swings forward/back 5x each
    16. Cross leg swings (knee to front)
    17. Pony (alternating knees)
    18. Ankle circles (both ways)
    19. Sit on shins and rock back and forth
    20. Sit on heels and arms behind head turn (to both sides) and tilt 3x
    21. Hands and knees one arm behind head elbow up/elbow down 5x

Wrists 

    1. On hands and knees circle around
    2. Fingers facing you
    3. Side to side
    4. Cross hands (both ways)
    5. Back to all fours and do 5 flicks
    6. Palms up

3. JUMP FOCUS

  • 10 Double Marked Jumps
  • 10 Double T Jumps

4. JUMP Conditioning

3 Rounds

  • Fast Kicks - 20
  • Side Hurdler Lifts - 20 Right and Left
  • Hip Rolls - 20 Right and Left
  • Toe Lifts - 20
  • Floor Jumps - 20

5. TUMBLING Conditioning

3 Rounds (you can lower amount on each if you would like)

  • Plank - 1 Min
  • Side Plank - Right and Left 30 Min
  • Superman Hold - 1 min
  • Lunge Hold - 30 Sec*
  • Lever Hold - 30 Sec*
  • Heel Kicks - 30*

*Do one leg then the other

6. Stunt Focus

3 Rounds of 30 seconds each

  • Mountain Shrugs - 20
  • Lib Lifts - 10 Right and Left 10 
  • Full Up Squats - 20
  • Ext Pops - 10

7. Cool down/stretch

 



Adam Forte's Flexibility Workout

1. WARM UP

30 seconds each exercise X 3

  • Jumping Jacks - 30 Seconds
  • High Knees - 30 Seconds
  • Butt kicks - 30 Seconds
  • Mummys - 30 Seconds
  • Sprawls - 10

2. BRIDGES

3 Rounds

  • 3 Count Bridges - 10
  • Bridge Hold - 30 Seconds
  • 1 Leg Bridge Kick Right - 20
  • 1 Leg Bridge Kick Right - 20

3. Split Warm Up

Alternate Right and Left Leg 3x

  • Leg Lift Kicks - 12/10/8
  • Forward Lunge Twist Stretch - 30 Seconds
  • Forward lunge kick - 30/20/10

4. Right and Left Splits

1 Min hold each

  • Sit up - 30 Seconds flex foot and lock back leg
  • Chest Down
  • Head up arms back in should stretch

4. CENTER

1 Min hold each

  • Squat Stretch
  • Frog Stretch
  • Center Split

7. Cool down




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