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Cheer competitions are paying real prize money. Is that good for the sport?

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
cheer competition prize money
31
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 31, 2026

Cash prizes are spreading through competitive cheer, and Olympia Cheer Championships’ $50,000 purse is the latest test case. Prize money is a net positive for the sport if it’s funded by sponsors rather than by raising athlete fees and only if safety enforcement keeps pace with the added incentive to win.

The Olympia Cheer Championships announced its judging panel on August 20, drawing on judges with long resumes across All Star, college, school, and international cheer. That’s useful information if you plan to compete, but the money is the more interesting story.

The inaugural Olympia Cheer Championships arrives in Las Vegas on September 25 and 26 during Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend, and organizers are advertising $50,000 in cash prizes and bid boosts. Friday even has an official name: “Cash Day.” Athletes will compete in individual cheer, partner stunt, and group stunt divisions for direct cash prizes, while Saturday’s team competition adds financial awards through bid boosts. Cheer has paid winners before, but Olympia adds another test of a question the sport should spend more time asking: what happens when winning cheer competitions starts paying?

Pro Cheer League paid competitive cheer

Olympia Is Putting Meaningful Money on the Floor

Some Olympia payouts exceed what most athletes would consider novelty prize money. First place in several college and open stunt divisions pays $2,250, second place pays $1,250, and third place pays $750. Youth, junior high, and high school individual champions can win $1,000, and the same $1,000 first-place prize applies to several youth stunt divisions.

Saturday’s team awards use a different system. Olympia lists Level Grand Champion bid boosts ranging from $2,000 at Level 1 up to $6,800 at Level 6, though those amounts can vary with participation. The event FAQ says Olympia will award $50,000 total across cash prizes and bid boosts, and that awards remain guaranteed regardless of eligible division entry counts. That creates a very different sales pitch from the usual medal, banner, jacket, ring, or bid: win this competition, and somebody may hand your group a check.

Cash Prizes in Cheer Aren’t Actually New

Olympia didn’t invent this idea. Varsity already awards serious money through the Varsity Cheer League — League 6 currently lists $10,000 for first place and $7,500 for second. Varsity’s Ultimate Battle events also pay cash; the 2027 USA Ultimate Battle advertises a $25,000 purse with at least 25 participating teams, and first place among Paid Worlds Bid holders earns $6,000.

USASF also allows event producers to award Worlds Bid Boost cash, letting winning teams receive up to $100 per performing athlete toward Worlds expenses. Then there’s the Pro Cheer League: Varsity launched its first professional season in January 2026, with athletes receiving part-time compensation, travel, lodging, bonuses, and prize incentives. Cheer has already crossed the line into paid competition, but Olympia still does something worth watching, by putting direct prize money into a conventional competition weekend that includes individual athletes and small stunt groups. That distinction matters.

Cheer Has Usually Made the Athlete the Customer

The economics of competitive cheer have always felt strange compared with most spectator sports. Programs pay competition fees, and athletes pay tuition, travel costs, uniforms, choreography, music, and other season expenses. Parents often buy admission to watch the athletes whose families already funded the trip. Success can earn prestige, bids, jackets, medals, or lower costs at another competition, but direct financial rewards have occupied a much smaller part of the system.

Olympia doesn’t completely reverse that arrangement: each competitor still needs a $150 athlete pass, and some divisions carry separate registration costs, including $250 for college coed partner stunt. Athletes still pay to enter. The difference comes at the other end of the transaction: a strong performance can return actual money. That sounds like a small change, but economically, it can become a very important one.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Partner Stunt Could Feel the Effect First

Partner stunt may provide the best test case. A large All Star team can spend thousands of dollars traveling to an event, so a $2,000 team prize may disappear quickly against that budget. The math looks different for two athletes: a $2,250 first-place prize can meaningfully offset registration, airfare, hotels, and training costs for a college or open partner stunt group.

More money would make the calculation even more interesting. Imagine several independent events offering $5,000 or $10,000 partner stunt purses — elite stunters could start choosing events partly by prize opportunity, and you could eventually see athletes traveling to compete as specialized stunt teams outside their normal program schedule. Cheer already has athletes with enough name recognition to market those matchups, and cash gives event producers another reason to invite them.

Money Could Change How Coaches Choose Competitions

Coaches don’t build schedules around prize money today — reputation, bids, location, competition quality, timing, and program goals usually carry more weight. But cash could enter that equation. Suppose two comparable events land on the same weekend: one offers banners and bids, while another adds $20,000 in guaranteed divisional payouts. Some coaches will notice, and that pressure becomes stronger if parents see the difference too.

Families spend enormous amounts supporting competitive cheer, and an event that returns some money to successful programs can make a persuasive argument — even if the purse doesn’t come close to covering the season. It only needs to influence the decision between two otherwise similar competitions. Event producers understand incentives, and once money starts moving schedules, other producers will respond.

Olympia Cheer Championships

Prize Money Could Become Another Recruiting Tool

Event producers already compete for strong programs. A prestigious field attracts other teams, which in turn attract spectators, social content, sponsors, and attention — and prize money can help build that field. An organizer could invite strong Level 6 teams with a guaranteed purse, or build a partner stunt championship around recognizable athletes; cash makes those invitations more persuasive.

It also gives smaller event producers something established brands can’t own exclusively. You can’t manufacture decades of prestige overnight, but you can write a check. That could make prize money especially useful for new competitions trying to establish themselves quickly — Olympia looks like a good example. Its cheer competition has no history yet, so the event instead borrows recognition from Mr. Olympia and gives competitors another reason to take the debut seriously.

paid cheer competitions

There Is One Big Condition

Prize money only improves the athlete economy when someone other than the athletes meaningfully funds it. If an event raises entry fees by $500 and creates a $500 prize, nobody has changed the system — the event has simply repackaged the money.

Sponsors create a more interesting model, where outside money enters the competition and athletes earn some of it through performance. Varsity already uses sponsorship in parts of its cash-prize system, including sponsor-backed cash prizes in its League 6 awards, and Olympia actively sells sponsorship packages with Kaepa as its headline cheer sponsor. Olympia doesn’t publish enough financial detail to determine exactly how it funds every award, which is something worth watching. The healthiest version of this trend brings new sponsor money into cheer and sends part of it toward competitors; the weakest version uses higher competitor fees to advertise a flashy purse. Coaches should care about the difference.

Could Prize Money Make Cheer Less Safe?

Cash creates another incentive to win, which deserves discussion in a sport where athletes already accept significant physical risk. But competition pressure existed long before purses — world titles, bids, scholarships, roster spots, social attention, and gym reputation already give athletes powerful reasons to push difficulty.

The correct response to cash prizes is strict safety enforcement. Olympia says safety officers will monitor the event, and its published rules include deductions or disqualification for safety violations. Prize money should never create permission for looser standards; if anything, an event offering serious cash should expect more scrutiny around rules, scoring, conflicts, and deductions. Money makes judging disagreements more expensive, which means event producers need scoring systems athletes can trust.

Cash Also Creates Questions Cheer Will Need to Answer

Who receives the money when minors win? How should a four-person stunt group divide a prize? What happens when athletes compete under a gym’s name — does the gym keep the award, or do the athletes receive it? Programs and event producers need clear policies before these situations create disputes, and the questions become more complicated as payouts grow. Nobody fights very hard over a trophy, but people behave differently when $10,000 sits behind first place. That isn’t an argument against prize money — it’s an argument for written rules.

Professional Cheer Already Exists, But Another Model Could Grow Beside It

The Pro Cheer League changes the old athlete-customer model much more directly: its athletes receive compensation for participating, and the league completed five events during its inaugural 2026 season. Olympia uses a different model — you enter as a competitor, pay the required costs, and compete for a purse.

That model could grow beside professional league cheer. Picture an open circuit of partner stunt, group stunt, individual, and elite team competitions with meaningful purses, where athletes don’t need a contract with one professional league to earn money from high-level cheer. A talented stunt group could compete at several cash events during a year, event producers could build specialty competitions around those athletes, and sponsors could attach themselves directly to divisions or purses. Cheer suddenly has more ways to create economic value from elite performance.

That’s Probably Good for Cheer

Competitive cheer has built a large business around athletes spending money. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that — competitions cost money to operate, and families voluntarily choose the sport. Still, elite athletic performance has value, and if sponsors, ticket buyers, broadcasters, event producers, and audiences benefit from that value, athletes should have opportunities to share in it. Cash prizes provide one way to do that.

Olympia’s $50,000 won’t rewrite the economics of cheer by itself, and the event hasn’t even happened yet…the results will tell us more than the announcement. Do strong athletes enter the cash divisions? Do coaches care about the bid boosts? Do spectators respond to partner stunt competition with money attached? And most importantly, does Olympia come back in 2027 with a larger purse?

If the answer is yes, watch what other event producers do next. Cheer already proved athletes will pay to compete. Now we may find out how much competitions will pay them to win.

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2026-27 NFHS cheer rules: What coaches need to know before competition season

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
2026 27 NFHS cheer rules
31
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 31, 2026

NFHS released the 2026-27 Spirit rule changes in March. On August 25, NFHS published new comments that explain how coaches should read those changes. Several updates affect skills that high school cheer teams already use. Others change definitions that can affect whether a skill counts as tumbling or a legal transition. If you coach under NFHS rules, this is a good time to review your routine. A small detail can change the legality of a sequence.

Here are the 2026-27 NFHS cheer rules that coaches need to understand before competition season starts.

NFHS cheer rules 2026

NFHS changed the definition of tumbling

This change could affect more routines than its short wording suggests.

NFHS now defines tumbling as an unsupported hip-over-head skill that begins and ends on the performing surface. A base cannot support the athlete during the skill.  That definition creates a clearer line between tumbling and other acrobatic movements.

NFHS specifically mentions seat rolls and side rolls as examples. Those movements do not become tumbling simply because an athlete rolls across the floor. That matters most in divisions or situations that restrict tumbling. A coach could see an acrobatic floor skill and assume that officials will classify it as tumbling. The new definition gives coaches a better test.

Ask four questions when you review a questionable floor skill:

  • Does the athlete’s hip travel over the head?
  • Does a base support the athlete?
  • Does the skill begin on the performing surface?
  • Does it also end there?

If those details do not match the NFHS definition, the rulebook may classify the movement differently. Do not rely on what your gym has always called the skill. Use the NFHS definition when you build an NFHS routine.

A loading position can now occur during a transition

NFHS also changed its definition of a loading position, or load. A loading position occurs when bases support the top person under the feet below the bases’ shoulder level. NFHS now states that transitions can include loads. The 2nd part is kinda confusing…you might hear “load” and picture the starting position before a stunt goes up. NFHS does not limit the term to that moment.

Your group can move through a loading position during a transition. That wording matters because other rules can refer to a load position during a stunt sequence. Coaches now have a more exact definition. Watch the support point and height during transitions. Do not identify the position only by where it appears in the sequence.

NFHS expanded the rules for flip inversions

Rules 2-3-5a and the new 2-3-5k change one type of braced flip inversion. NFHS now allows a flip inversion when the top person and bracer use a hand-to-foot connection. The rule also adds restrictions for that connection.

The connection can exist without an additional hand-to-arm connection. That doesnt mean coaches can use any flip inversion with a hand-to-foot connection. NFHS prohibits twisting when the hand-to-foot connection is the only connection. The other requirements for the skill still apply.

This rule gives coaches another construction option for some inversion sequences. It does not create an unrestricted new category of flipping skills. If you add this connection, check the entire inversion against Rule 2-3-5. Don’t stop your review after you confirm the hand-to-foot grip.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

A bracer can release during some descending flip inversions

NFHS also changed Rule 2-3-5d.

A bracer can now release the top person during certain parts of a flip inversion. The bracer can also move into a load position. (NFHS)

Timing matters here: The top person must be descending. The top must also move toward a cradle, horizontal position, or the performing surface. (NFHS)

in plain english :): The flyer can’t be released by the bracer while she is still rising, hovering, or transitioning into another elevated stunt. She must already be coming down, and her destination must be one of three things: a cradle, a horizontal catch/position, or the floor.

Don’t read this rule as permission for a bracer to release anywhere during the inversion. The rule applies to a specific part of the skill. The top person’s direction and destination both matter. Coaches who use braced inversions should review the moment when the connection changes. Video can help you see exactly when the bracer releases. Slow the video down. Check the top person’s body position at the instant the connection ends.

NFHS spirit rules changes 2027

New catchers must be free when a transition starts

Rules 2-4-2c and 3-4-3c address vertical-to-horizontal releases that use new catchers. NFHS now states that new catchers cannot take part in another skill when the transition starts.

Picture a top person who releases from a vertical stunt and travels into different catchers. Those catchers must already be available when the transition begins. You cannot pull them from another active stunt after the release starts.

This can affect busy pyramid choreography. A routine might look possible because the new catchers reach the top person on time. Their activity when the transition begins can still create a problem. Review the whole stunt group during these transitions. Do not watch only the top person.

A top person cannot pass over another top person or bracer

NFHS added Rule 2-5-5g for 2026-27. The rule prohibits a top person from passing over another top person or bracer during a stunt. (NFHS) This wording gives coaches a direct restriction for overlapping stunt paths. You should check this rule when two stunt groups work close together. Pay special attention when one top travels across another group’s space. A sequence can look clean from the front while the athletes’ paths overlap from another angle. Record these sections from the side during practice. That view can make the travel path easier to see.

2026 high school cheerleading rule changes

Extended releases can now include up to one twist

Rule 2-5-6c contains one of the more interesting changes for advanced high school teams. NFHS now permits a non-braced vertical release from an extended position to include up to one twist. (NFHS)

The change applies to an extended-to-extended vertical release. NFHS already allowed a full twist from prep level to an extended position. The new rule permits similar twisting progression from extension. (NFHS)

The wording matters. NFHS did not open every extended release to twisting. The rule covers the specific release described in Rule 2-5-6c. Coaches should check the starting position, release type, body position, catch position, and number of twists. Do that before you teach the skill as part of competition choreography.

This change may give advanced teams another way to add difficulty or movement without changing the final stunt position. Still, legality comes before routine construction. Build the skill from the exact rule language.

Vertical-to-horizontal releases require two catchers

NFHS also clarified Rule 2-5-6e. A release from a vertical position to a horizontal position requires two catchers. That requirement also applies when one base starts the stunt. (NFHS) The single-base detail can catch coaches.

You might build a stunt around one strong base and assume the same athlete can complete the entire release. The new wording removes that interpretation. Once the top releases toward a horizontal position, the skill needs two catchers. Look closely at creative single-base sequences in your routine. Check any release that changes the top from vertical to horizontal.

Dismounts to new catchers can include a quarter twist

Rules 2-7-8d and 3-7-8d add another useful option. NFHS now allows a quarter twist during a dismount to new catchers. (NFHS)

NFHS gives a simple example:

A forward-facing top person can dismount toward new catchers who stand to the side. The top can use a quarter twist to face the catch correctly. (NFHS)

This change can make some transitions easier to choreograph. It can also solve awkward spacing when the next formation sits beside the original stunt group. The limit still matters. The rule permits a quarter twist in this situation. Do not turn that allowance into a larger twisting dismount without checking the rest of Rule 2-7.

The new rules give coaches more options, but details decide legality

The 2026-27 NFHS cheer rules do not rewrite high school cheer from scratch. Most changes deal with specific positions, connections, catchers, releases, and definitions. Those details can still change what you can put on the floor.

The extended twisting release may attract the most attention. The new tumbling definition could affect more teams. The catcher rules also deserve a careful review. They can affect choreography that coaches already built before the season started.

NFHS approved eight rule changes and two definition changes for the 2026-27 Spirit season. The organization published its detailed comments on August 25. (NFHS) They also published a free 2026-27 Spirit Rules poster in August. Might be useful as a quick reference during practice. (NFHS)

What coaches should review in their routines now

Start with every inversion, release, dismount, and vertical-to-horizontal transition in your routine. Check the actual athlete connections. Then check where each catcher stands and what each catcher does when the skill begins.

Review your floor choreography under the new tumbling definition. A movement your team calls tumbling may not meet the NFHS definition. The reverse assumption can also cause trouble.

Check extended releases for twisting. If your team uses an extended-to-extended release, confirm that the skill fits Rule 2-5-6c before you keep it.

Review any stunt that sends one top person across another stunt group. Rule 2-5-5g now directly prohibits a top person from passing over another top person or bracer.

Finally, check your dismounts to new catchers. A quarter twist now has a legal use in that situation. That does not make larger twisting dismounts legal under the same rule.

Don’t wait for competition day to find a rules problem

A routine can feel familiar and still contain a rule issue after a definition changes. Run a rules review before your team locks its competition routine. Review the skills again after major choreography changes.

Keep the current NFHS Spirit Rules Book available during that process. NFHS comments can explain the changes, but the complete rulebook contains the full requirements around each skill.

When a sequence sits near the edge of a rule, get an official ruling before competition. Changing four counts in practice is much easier than changing a stunt during warmups.

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The Cheerleading Worlds 2027 scoring changes: What coaches need to know

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Cheerleading Worlds 2027 scoring changes What coaches need to know
18
Aug
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Published August 18, 2026

USASF has changed the scoring system for The Cheerleading Worlds 2027. Club divisions will move from a 170-point score sheet to 100 points.

At first glance, that sounds like a major scoring overhaul. The numbers look very different, but most of the scoring priorities remain almost the same.

USASF kept the same scoring categories and changed most category weights by less than one percentage point. One change deserves more attention: jump difficulty will now use a capped scoring system.

For coaches, that distinction matters. You probably don’t need to full-on rebuild your whole routine just because the score sheet now totals 100 points.

Buuuut…you do need to understand where the percentages moved and how the new jump cap affects the decisions you make about your routine.

USASF score sheet

What changed on the 2027 Worlds score sheet?

The previous USASF Worlds score sheet had 170 available points. The new sheet has 100, which makes the scoring system easier to read and compare.

USASF kept all 10 categories from the previous Worlds scoring system. Difficulty, execution, participation, synchronization, variety, pace, composition and performance still affect your score.

USASF Executive Director Dana Fielding described the update as primarily a scale conversion rather than a change in scoring philosophy.

That is probably the best way for coaches to view it.

A stunt section that scored well under the old system should still score well under the new one. The same applies to tumbling, pyramids and performance.

The percentages tell the real story.

How the category weights changed

Stunts accounted for 23.53% of the previous USASF score. They now account for 24%.

Pyramids made the same move, from 23.53% to 24%. Standing and running tumbling each move from 11.76% to 12%.

Here is the full comparison:

Category

2026 weight

2027 weight

Stunts

23.53%

24%

Pyramids

23.53%

24%

Tosses

5.88%

6%

Standing tumbling

11.76%

12%

Running tumbling

11.76%

12%

Jumps

5.88%

6%

Dance

5.88%

6%

Routine composition and creativity

5.88%

4%

Formations and transitions

2.94%

3%

Performance and showmanship

2.94%

3%

Building now accounts for 54% of the USASF score. Under the old sheet, building accounted for 52.94%. Tumbling moves from 29.41% to 30%. The remaining categories drop from 17.65% to 16%.

Those differences are real, but small. Building gains 1.06 percentage points, while tumbling gains only 0.59 percentage points. Routine composition and creativity has the largest percentage change. It drops from 5.88% of the total score to 4%.

That doesn’t mean you should stop caring about creative routines. It means composition carries slightly less scoring weight than it did last season.

The jump change matters more than the new total

The new jump system deserves more attention than the move from 170 points to 100. USASF will now use a capped system for jump difficulty. Teams can reach the maximum difficulty score by meeting the required standard. Once your team reaches that standard, adding more jump difficulty cannot increase the difficulty score further.

That changes the risk calculation.

Suppose your athletes can perform the required jump sequence with good timing and technique. Adding another difficult element may give you no extra difficulty credit.

If the added element hurts synchronization or landing control, the extra difficulty could work against you. The 2027 jump category still has six available points. Three points come from difficulty, while three points come from execution. Reaching the difficulty cap does not finish the job.

Your athletes still need good height, body position, timing and landings. A team that reaches the cap with poor execution can still lose points.

This should encourage coaches to stop adding difficulty once the section already earns full difficulty credit. At that point, clean execution becomes the better use of practice time.

USASF may release more scoring education during the season. Coaches should check the current USASF scoring documents before making final choreography decisions.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Building still controls more than half of the score

Stunts carry 24 points under the new USASF score sheet. Pyramids carry another 24, while tosses account for six points. That gives building 54 of the available 100 points.

The scoring system still gives coaches a strong reason to prioritize reliable building sections. A difficult stunt that rarely hits remains a poor routine choice. Difficulty matters, but judges also score technique and execution. Your hardest stunt does not help much if athletes fight through it every time.

The same principle applies to pyramids. Your athletes need enough time to complete the structure, show the skill and move into the next section. Rushed building creates problems beyond the stunt itself. Late grips and slow dismounts can also affect transitions, timing and the next skill. The new score sheet does not reward difficulty at any cost.

Tumbling gained weight, but only slightly

You may hear that USASF increased the value of tumbling for Worlds 2027. That statement is technically correct, but it needs context.

Standing tumbling now carries 12% of the score. Running tumbling also carries 12%, while jumps account for another 6%.

The combined tumbling group now accounts for 30% of the score. Last season, the same group accounted for 29.41%.

That is an increase of only 0.59 percentage points.

A coach should not add a risky pass because tumbling “went up.” The scoring change is too small to justify skills athletes cannot perform consistently.

If two routine options already make sense, the new weighting can help you choose between them. It should not dictate your entire tumbling plan.

Participation still matters. Clean technique still matters. A controlled pass from more athletes can beat harder tumbling with poor execution.

Cheerleading Worlds 2027 scoring

Routine composition lost some weight

Routine composition and creativity had 10 available points on the old 170-point sheet. The category now has four points on the 100-point sheet. That changes its weight from 5.88% to 4%.

For some coaches, this may give permission to simplify sections that cause repeated problems. A clever transition has little value if athletes arrive late to the next stunt.

You should still create a routine that looks intentional and complete. Judges continue to score composition, formations, transitions, dance and performance. Those categories still account for meaningful points when you combine them. The change simply gives coaches more room to ask a useful question: does this creative choice help the routine enough to justify its cost?

Sometimes the answer will be yes. Sometimes removing one complicated transition will make the entire routine cleaner.

This could change how you clean a routine

The new scoring system may affect practice priorities more than choreography.

Start with jumps. Confirm that your planned sequence can reach the difficulty cap, then put more time into execution. After that, review your building sections. Stunts, pyramids and tosses account for more than half of the USASF score.

Ask how often each major skill hits during normal practice. Do not judge reliability from your best full-out of the week. A skill that hits eight times out of ten gives you a very different competition plan from one that hits three times. Then look at tumbling participation and technique. The small scoring increase makes clean team tumbling slightly more valuable, but reliability still comes first.

Finally, review transitions and composition. Simplify anything that creates more problems than scoring value. This is especially useful later in the season. Coaches often keep choreography because they spent time teaching it, even when the section never becomes dependable.

The score sheet gives you a reason to be more selective.

USASF Scoring Changes 2027

Do not confuse difficulty with maximum score potential

One mistake coaches can make is treating every scoring change as a request for more difficulty. The 2027 sheet does not say that.

Your score still depends on how well athletes perform the skills in the routine. Difficulty only works when the team can execute it at the required level.

That becomes especially clear with the new jump cap. Once your team reaches maximum difficulty credit, adding more difficulty offers no scoring benefit there. The same basic logic should guide the rest of your routine.

Ask whether a harder skill increases your realistic score. Do not ask whether it makes the routine look harder on paper. Those are different questions.

USASF and IASF both changed their totals

The scoring update also affects IASF divisions at The Cheerleading Worlds 2027. IASF tumbling divisions will move from 150 points to 100 points. IASF non-tumbling divisions will move from 135 points to 92. The similar totals may make the USASF and IASF systems look almost identical. Their scoring weights remain different.

USASF gives 54% of its Level 6 score to building. IASF tumbling divisions give considerably more weight to building. IASF stunts and pyramids each account for 30% of the 100-point tumbling score sheet.

That difference matters for programs that compete under both systems. A routine plan built for USASF scoring does not automatically transfer to an IASF division. Coaches should compare the category weights, not only the final point total.

So what should you do now?

First, download the current Worlds scoring documents from USASF. Make sure your staff uses the same version when you discuss routine changes.

Next, check your jump plan against the new difficulty cap. You need to know when your team has already reached maximum difficulty credit. Then review your building difficulty and hit rate. Building still carries 54% of the USASF score, so consistency deserves serious attention. Do the same with tumbling. Do not add difficulty simply because the combined tumbling percentage increased.

Review composition last. The category lost weight, which may make some risky transitions easier to remove. You should also get outside scoring feedback before your most important event.

USASF lists sanctioned 2026-2027 competitions that will use The Cheerleading Worlds scoring system. An early score sheet can expose problems you miss in your own gym. Video review helps, but an outside judge sees the routine differently. That feedback can tell you whether your intended difficulty and execution actually read from the judges’ table.

The biggest mistake would be overreacting

The move from 170 points to 100 points creates a large visual change. The actual USASF scoring priorities changed much less. Building gained a little weight. Tumbling gained a little. Routine composition lost some weight, and jump difficulty now has a defined ceiling.

For most Worlds teams, that should lead to adjustments rather than a full routine rebuild. Make sure your jumps reach the cap. Put your best building skills on the floor, and remove difficulty your athletes cannot perform reliably. Then clean the routine until the score sheet has fewer places to take points away.

The total at the bottom changed. The basic job did not.

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University Cheer Worlds Just Crowned a New Champion

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
University Cheer Worlds 2026 Just Crowned a New Champion
15
Jun
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published June 15, 2026

The University Cheer Worlds just wrapped in Gothenburg, Sweden. The FISU World University Championship ran from June 5 to 7. Twelve countries left with medals.

Most of your athletes have no idea this event exists. That is a problem worth fixing.

Canada cheerleading bronze FISA 2026

What went down in Gothenburg

The United States won gold in Coed Premier with an 84.12. Japan took silver at 78.28. Canada grabbed bronze in its first trip to the division.

Canada actually medaled twice. The University of Alberta took silver in All Female Elite. That marked a second straight podium for the program in that category.

The US still owns the top spot. But widen the lens and the story shifts. Athletes from a dozen countries stood on a podium last weekend.

That spread matters. Strong programs now live far beyond the names you expect.

Wait, what is university Worlds?

You can be forgiven for not knowing this event. The first one happened in Lodz, Poland, back in 2018. It is still young.

FISU runs the championship. The International Cheer Union governs the cheer side. Athletes do not just rep their gym here. They compete for their whole country.

The event splits into two lanes. Cheer covers stunts, tumbling, and the loud stuff. Cheer Dance leans on synchronized, gymnastic dance work.

Here is how it differs from the path your athletes know. All Star runs through USASF clubs. Most US college hopefuls aim for Daytona. University Worlds sends them to a world stage under their flag instead.

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Need Competition Music Blue 1

Why your athletes should care

Most cheerleaders think the sport ends at graduation. They watch teammates age out of All Star and assume the sidelines are the only road left.

University cheer kills that assumption. Athletes compete for their country and their school at a world level. Some keep training hard into their mid-twenties.

This changes the conversation you have with a 16-year-old. Cheer can shape which college they pick. It does not have to be the thing they quit.

What the scoreboard teaches

Here is the part you can use on Monday. Clean wins at this level.

The medal teams did not stack the hardest skills and hope. They hit. International judges reward routines that land every element with control.

world university games cheerleading

Say this to your athletes now, while it sticks. A clean Level 4 routine beats a shaky Level 5 every time. That truth runs from your gym floor straight to Sweden.

Canada cheerleading bronze FISA 2026

How an athlete actually gets there

Start with the truth. This path is narrow but real. Spots on a national team stay limited.

Selection works differently by country. It usually runs through national federations and university programs. A school with a serious competitive team gives an athlete the best shot.

You do not need every athlete to aim for Sweden. You need a few to know the option exists. That knowledge keeps them training when the All Star clock runs out.

How to bring it back to your gym

Pull the routines up online and watch them as a team. Point out how the top squads control their pace. Ask your athletes what they notice about consistency.

Then map the path out loud. Show them which schools send teams to international meets. Let them picture cheer as a long game, not a countdown.

The athlete who hears this at 15 trains with more purpose at 17. Give them the reason.

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News

USASF 2026-2027 Cheer Rules: Nothing Changed. Now Use It.

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
USASF 2026 2027 cheer rules 1
10
Jun
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published June 10, 2026

USASF just dropped its 2026-2027 update, and the headline was almost boring. No changes to the cheer rules. No changes to the cheer age grid.

A lot of coaches read that, shrugged, and scrolled past. Big mistake. A quiet rule year is the best gift your program gets all season.

cheer age grid 2026 2027

What stayed the same

The cheer age grid keeps its current structure for 2026-2027. Birth years move forward one year, the way they always do. The top and bottom age limits for each division hold steady.

That covers every division, including Flex and Non-Tumbling. USASF landed here after surveying and meeting with more than 2,000 members. So this was a deliberate call, not an oversight.

For you, the math stays simple. The athlete who fit a division last year fits the same division this year. Nothing about your roster planning gets harder.

What actually changed

Two things shifted, and both live on the dance side. If you only coach cheer, you can almost skip this part. Almost.

First, Intermediate and Premier dance routines get shorter. The max time drops from two minutes and fifteen seconds to two flat. That is fifteen seconds you have to cut and rebuild around.

Second, USASF added a Groups and Pairs safety rule on inverted movement. It limits how a dancer travels through an inverted position during a descent. If you coach dance, read the full rule text before you choreograph anything.

Why a “no changes” year is a gift

Most seasons, you burn your summer relearning rules. You decode new legality charts. You rebuild skills that suddenly crossed a line.

Not this year. Your progressions from last season still stand. The skills you taught in May are still legal in August.

That frees up something you almost never have. Time. You get a full off-season to make good athletes great instead of making legal athletes legal again.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

What to do with the calm

Go deep, not wide. Pick the skills your teams rushed last season and slow them back down. Clean up the technique you papered over when the clock was ticking.

Audit your progressions on paper. Map how a flyer moves from a basic skill to the hard one, step by step. A written progression survives staff turnover and keeps your gym consistent.

Then build depth where you are thin. If your seniors lacked bases, train younger athletes to fill that hole now. You know the rules will not move under your feet.

This is also the year to fix culture, not just skills. Set your standards and expectations before the season heats up. Calm rule years reward the programs that plan.

Don’t get too comfortable

Quiet now does not mean quiet forever. The IASF plans a new 100-point score sheet for the 2027 Cheerleading World Championships. Bigger scoring shifts are already on the way.

So treat this season as runway. The programs that build real skill depth now will adapt faster when the next change lands. Use the gift while you have it.

USASF rules update

USASF handed you a rare season with stable footing. The athlete who fit last year fits this year, and your progressions still hold. Smart coaches will not coast on that. They will pour the saved time into technique, depth, and culture.

Do that, and a boring rule update turns into your edge.

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Coaching, Events, Music, News, Results

2026 NCA College Nationals Results in Daytona: Biggest Winners, Standout Programs, and What Mattered Most

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
2026 NCA College Nationals Results in Daytona Biggest Winners Standout Programs and What Mattered Most
13
Apr
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published April 13, 2026

Daytona did what Daytona always does. It stripped away the noise.

All season, teams can look unbeatable on social media, in warmups, or on a good weekend in January. Then NCA College Nationals shows up, puts everybody on the same stage, and forces the truth out into the open. The oceanfront, the pressure, the history, the crowd, the expectation, all of it makes this event different. That is exactly why the results still carry so much weight in college cheerleading.

The 2026 NCA & NDA College National Championship returned to Daytona Beach from April 9 through April 11, with college cheer and dance teams competing at the Ocean Center and the Oceanfront Bandshell. Varsity’s event coverage positioned it once again as one of the biggest stages in collegiate spirit competition, and for cheer programs, winning in Daytona still means something different than winning almost anywhere else.

This year’s NCA side delivered exactly what people expect from Daytona. There were power programs doing power program things, smaller schools making serious statements, junior college teams refusing to let go of their place in the conversation, and a few schools that left no doubt about who owned the weekend.

And if you’re looking thru the searchable results below, the biggest story is pretty obvious.

2026 Daytona Weber State NCA Nationals

Weber State owned Daytona

No way around it. Weber State was the headline.

Based on the results, Weber State University walked out of Daytona with five NCA titles:

  • Advanced Large Coed Division I
  • Advanced Small Coed Division I
  • Coed Partner Stunt
  • Large Coed Grand Champion
  • Small Coed Grand Champion

That is not just a strong weekend. That is domination.

When one program wins across multiple coed disciplines and then backs it up with grand champion titles, that tells you the roster was not just talented. It was deep, efficient, and built for this exact environment. Plenty of teams can hit. Plenty of teams can throw difficulty. Very few can do it across enough categories to make the rest of the field feel like they are chasing shadows.

Weber State did.

New Hampshire made a massive statement on the all girl side

If Weber State was the coed story, the University of New Hampshire was the all girl story.

UNH won:

  • Advanced All Girl Division I
  • All Girl Grand Champion

That matters. A lot.

Winning Advanced All Girl Division I in Daytona is one thing. Leaving with the grand champion title too is another. It means your routine did not just survive the weekend. It separated itself. In a setting where even tiny mistakes get magnified and where execution decides everything, New Hampshire clearly brought a routine that was polished enough to rise above a brutal field.

That is the kind of result that changes how the rest of the division looks at you next season.

2026 UNH University New Hampshire NCA Nationals

Texas Tech, Oklahoma Baptist, and McKendree did real damage

Three other programs also left Daytona with multiple titles, and none of them should be treated like a footnote.

Texas Tech University won both:

  • Advanced Large Coed Division IA
  • Advanced Small Coed Division IA

That is a serious weekend and a reminder that Texas Tech is not showing up to be respectable. They are showing up to take divisions.

Oklahoma Baptist University won:

  • Advanced All Girl Division II
  • Intermediate All Girl Division II
  • Spirit Rally Division II

That is one of the more impressive all-around program performances in the results. It shows competitive range, not just one hot routine.

McKendree University won:

  • Advanced Large Coed Division II
  • Advanced Small Coed Division II

That kind of sweep is exactly how a program builds a reputation for consistency. Not flashy hype. Just results.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Junior college cheer was still loaded with killers

Anybody who dismisses junior college cheer as some side conversation is not paying attention.

The 2026 results showed junior college programs once again landing major titles:

  • Navarro College won Advanced All Girl Junior College
  • Trinity Valley Community College won both Advanced Large Coed Junior College and Advanced Small Coed Junior College
  • Riverside City College won Intermediate All Girl Junior College
  • Dodge City Community College won Intermediate Small Coed Junior College

No surprise that Navarro and Trinity Valley were right in the middle of the title picture again. Those names keep showing up in Daytona because those programs understand what this event demands. They recruit for it, they train for it, and they perform like they expect to win.

That is why they keep doing exactly that.

The intermediate divisions were not filler. They were loaded

One of the easiest mistakes people make with Daytona results is only paying attention to the highest-profile divisions. That is lazy.

The intermediate winners this year included:

  • California Baptist University in Intermediate All Girl Division I
  • Georgia Southern University in Intermediate All Girl Division IA
  • Oklahoma Baptist University in Intermediate All Girl Division II
  • Christopher Newport University in Intermediate All Girl Division III
  • Stephen F. Austin State University in Intermediate Large Coed Division I
  • East Carolina University in Intermediate Large Coed Division IA
  • Tarleton State University in Intermediate Small Coed Division I
  • Florida Atlantic Univ Club Team in Intermediate Small Coed Division IA
  • Saginaw Valley State University in Intermediate Small Coed Division II
  • University of New England in Intermediate Small Coed Division III
  • University of Texas-Tyler in Intermediate Coed Division II
  • Hope International University in Intermediate All Girl NAIA
  • Morningside University in Intermediate Small Coed NAIA

That is a wide spread of programs from different levels, different regions, and different institutional profiles. Which is part of why Daytona still hits so hard. It is not just one division with the same familiar names. It is a massive pressure test across the whole college cheer landscape.

Game Day and Spirit Rally still matter, whether some people like it or not

There is always a weird chunk of the cheer world that tries to act like Game Day and Spirit Rally are somehow less real than traditional routine divisions.

That argument is old and dumb.

These divisions test different skills, different crowd connection, and different program identity. And for a lot of schools, that matters because actual sideline presence and school spirit are part of the job.

The 2026 winners were:

Game Day

  • Bryant University, Division I
  • Dallas Baptist University, Division II

Spirit Rally

  • Tarleton State University, Division I
  • University of Texas San Antonio, Division IA
  • Oklahoma Baptist University, Division II
  • Alma College, Division III
  • Midland University, NAIA

Those titles count. Full stop.

Group stunt, mascot, and specialty divisions still gave Daytona some of its best moments

Not every headline needs to come from a full team routine.

The 2026 results also saw:

  • University of Alabama win All Girl Group Stunt
  • Georgia Tech win Mascot
  • Weber State win Coed Partner Stunt

These divisions are part of what makes college nationals so watchable. They break up the weekend, add variety, and give programs more ways to prove what they can do under pressure.

They also tend to expose raw execution fast. There is nowhere to hide in stunt-based categories.

What actually mattered most in Daytona

Here is the clean version.

The 2026 NCA College Nationals results showed that the top of college cheer is still being defined by programs that can do three things at once:

  1. Build real difficulty
  2. Stay clean under pressure
  3. Repeat that standard across multiple divisions

That is why Weber State was the biggest story. That is why New Hampshire’s all girl win mattered. That is why Texas Tech, Oklahoma Baptist, McKendree, Navarro, and Trinity Valley all left a mark.

Daytona does not care about your reputation unless you back it up. This year, those programs backed it up.

And for everyone else, the message is pretty simple. If you want to be taken seriously next season, you better show up with more than branding, more than highlight clips, and more than a fan base that talks big online. You need routines that can survive Daytona.

That is the standard. It has always been the standard.

Daytona college cheer results 2026 college cheer nationals

The 2026 NCA College Nationals gave us what Daytona is supposed to give us: clarity.

Some teams confirmed they were exactly who people thought they were. Some raised their profile. Some got exposed. And a few programs flat-out took over the weekend.

If you are combing through the full searchable results on our site, start with Weber State, New Hampshire, Texas Tech, Oklahoma Baptist, McKendree, Navarro, and Trinity Valley. That is where a huge chunk of the story lives.

The scores are there. The placements are there. And Daytona, once again, told the truth.

nca college nationals 2026 results

2026 NCA Nationals Results

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Varsity Antitrust Settlement Checks Explained: 5,831 Claims Approved for Payment

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Varsity Antitrust Settlement Checks Explained 5831 Claims Approved for Payment
10
Apr
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published April 10, 2026

After years of litigation, a federal judge approved the final distribution of funds in the $82.5 million antitrust settlement involving Varsity Brands and related defendants. The court’s February 12, 2026 order cleared payments to eligible claimants, and the numbers are not small: 8,875 claims were processed, 5,831 were ultimately deemed valid and payable, and $47,708,437.40 was approved for distribution to the state-law damages class. The estimated average payment came out to $8,181.86, with projected payments ranging from $334.67 to $51,604.97.

That means the Instagram post making the rounds is basically right on the core facts. It is not just rumor, and it is not one of those class-action situations where people wait years for a coupon and a shrug. Real payments have started hitting mailboxes and accounts. Cheer Daily reported on March 27, 2026 that it had confirmed multiple family payments, including examples around $8,000 and $12,000, with one reported payout of $18,570.90 tied to documented participation spanning multiple years.

Varsity monopoly lawsuit

What the Varsity Brands antitrust settlement was about

The lawsuit accused Varsity and related entities of maintaining and exploiting monopoly power across cheer competitions, camps, and apparel. In the court-approved long-form notice, plaintiffs alleged that Varsity used an exclusionary scheme involving acquisitions, exclusive dealing, and collusion with USASF, and that this conduct caused families and others to overpay for cheer competitions, camps, and apparel. Defendants denied wrongdoing and maintained that their conduct was pro-competitive and that they had valid defenses.

That matters because this case was never just about one fee, one event, or one invoice. The broader accusation was that the structure of competitive cheer itself had become too concentrated, and that families were effectively paying the price for that concentration year after year. The court did not rule on the merits at trial because the case settled, but the settlement amount and the accompanying business-practice changes make it clear this was a major industry case, not background noise.

Why only 5,831 claims were approved

This is the part a lot of social posts leave out.

The settlement was not a blank check for everyone in cheer. The damages class was limited to people and entities in 33 states plus the District of Columbia that indirectly paid Varsity or a Varsity affiliate between December 10, 2016 and March 31, 2024 for eligible categories including competition-related fees, apparel, camp fees, and certain accommodations. The approved states were Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, D.C., Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

So right away, a huge chunk of the cheer world was never in line for damages payments. Texas, Georgia, and Alabama were not part of the damages class, despite being massive states in competitive cheer. Cheer Daily highlighted that exclusion too, and it is a big reason the final number of paid claims was far lower than the number of people who may have thought they were covered.

On top of that, claimants had to actually submit a valid claim, provide proof of participation, and affirm their purchases under penalty of perjury. The court-approved notice said participation documentation was required, and the settlement administrator could ask for additional records tied to events, purchases, participants, or residency. Claims with deficiencies were given a chance to be corrected, but not everyone made it through that process. The final court order states that all initially deficient claimants were offered an extended deadline to resubmit, yet only 5,831 claims were ultimately deemed valid and payable out of 8,875 reviewed.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

How the money was divided

The $82.5 million headline number was never the amount families would split directly.

According to the February 2026 court order and the settlement administrator’s final report, the settlement included $27.5 million in attorneys’ fees, $7,450,156.47 in litigation costs, $125,000 in service awards for the named plaintiffs, taxes and related fees, and notice and administration expenses. After those deductions, the net settlement fund available for approved claimants was $47,708,437.40. The court also approved withholding $200,000 to handle any remaining disputes or unexpected distribution issues.

From there, the net fund was divided into three pools: 53% for competitions, 26% for camps, and 21% for apparel. Payments were then calculated on a pro rata basis according to the number of years a claimant made valid purchases in each category, rather than simply reimbursing exact receipts dollar for dollar. That structure explains why payouts vary so much. A family with many documented years in the system could land a dramatically larger payment than someone with a short or lightly documented participation window.

Why these payouts are getting so much attention

Because in cheer, families are used to the opposite experience.

They are used to paying. They are used to fees stacking on top of fees, and they are used to being told that this is just what serious participation costs. So when a settlement produces real checks in the thousands, it instantly hits a nerve. It feels less like abstract legal paperwork and more like a public acknowledgment that the financial burden in this industry may have gone way too far for way too long.

And honestly, that is the real story here.

Yes, the settlement is about money. But culturally, it is also about validation. For years, families, gym owners, and industry people have complained that the cost structure around competitive cheer had become bloated, consolidated, and hard to escape. This settlement does not prove every complaint was legally correct in the way a trial verdict would have, but it absolutely confirms that the concerns were serious enough to generate an $82.5 million resolution and court-supervised industry changes.

The business changes may matter more than the checks

This is the part that should not get buried.

The court-approved settlement notice says Varsity agreed to several business-practice changes. Among them: Varsity cannot condition eligibility for an end-of-season championship on prior attendance at a Varsity-owned cheer camp; it cannot require exclusive purchasing arrangements as a condition for participation in rebate or discount programs tied to cheer competitions; and it cannot require participants in 35% or more of its cheer competitions to stay at Varsity-approved accommodations as a condition of competing. The settlement also imposed limits on how USASF can share certain confidential information from event producers.

 

Varsity settlement checks
Varsity Brands settlement payouts

Those changes are not as flashy as a check, but they may be the more important long-term piece. A one-time payout is nice. Structural change is what actually alters the experience of future athletes, gyms, and families.

What cheer families should understand right now

First, if you already filed and your claim was validated, the distribution phase is real. This is not speculation anymore. The court approved it, and reporting shows payments have started reaching recipients.

Second, if you did not file a claim by the court-approved process, this is almost certainly not something you can jump into now. The February 2026 order states that no further claims received by the administrator shall be allowed.

Third, if you were in cheer during the class period but live in a non-covered state, that is likely why you are seeing others get paid while you get nothing. That is not necessarily because your experience was different. It is because the damages class was built around specific state-law claims, not a full nationwide damages recovery.

The bigger takeaway for the cheer industry

This settlement lands at a weird but important moment for cheer.

The sport keeps growing. The costs keep climbing. Families keep stretching themselves to stay in it. At the same time, the industry still has serious unresolved questions about market power, pricing, transparency, and who actually benefits from the current structure.

So no, this is not just a legal footnote. It is a signal flare.

If 5,831 approved claims are now splitting more than $47.7 million after fees and costs, then the economic pressure points in cheer were substantial enough to survive years of litigation and produce one of the most consequential settlements the industry has ever seen.

And that is why this story matters even to people who are not getting a check.

Because the real question is not only who got paid.

It is whether competitive cheer is finally being forced to confront the business model that made a case like this possible in the first place.

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From First Client to 6-Time Champions: The Story of Oklahoma State University & IPP Music

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
From First Client to Six Time Champions The Oklahoma State IPP Music Story 1
24
Jul
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 24, 2025

Powered by IPP

Here’s a story that still amazes me: The first major mix I ever produced was Oklahoma State University‘s championship mix for their 2011-12 season. I was actually with a different company that I had cofounded. OSU won their national championship in 2012 using that mix. But here’s what smart programs understand-OSU had found their sound. When I left to start IPP Music that summer, they made a strategic decision to maintain that consistency. They recognized that their musical identity had become part of their competitive advantage. What happened next changed everything-not just for IPP Music, but for how I understand the importance of signature sound in building championship programs.

The Call

When Coach Lindsey Bracken first contacted us, she was clear about what OSU needed: music that captured their identity, not just generic cheerleading songs. “We bleed orange,” she told me. “Our music needs to show that.”

I’ll be honest-the opportunity to mix for OSU back in 2012 is what began the trajectory that’s skyrocketed us to the position we are in today. Without OSU, we might not be as popular as we are now. But here’s what I didn’t expect: 12 years and 6 national championships later, they’re still with us. In an industry where programs often switch music providers like they’re changing practice wear, OSU’s loyalty has been both humbling and inspiring.

Daytona NCA 2022 Results Recap OSU

What Makes a Championship Partnership

After more than a decade working with Oklahoma State, I can tell you exactly why Coach Bracken says, “IPP provided music that encompasses our school pride so well and reflects our love for OSU.”

It’s not because we’re magicians with 8 count music or because we have some secret formula other companies don’t. It’s because from day one, we’ve approached their music as partners, not vendors. When OSU wins, we celebrate. When they face challenges, we problem-solve together. Their success is our success-literally.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Six national championships since 2012. Let that sink in. While other programs chase the newest music producer or the flashiest effects, Oklahoma State has stayed consistent with their cheer mix partner-and they’ve built a dynasty.

This isn’t luck. It’s what happens when a program commits to excellence in every aspect, including their music. Too many teams treat their cheer sounds as an afterthought, something to figure out after choreography is done. Champions like OSU know better. They understand that music is the foundation that elevates good routines to championship caliber.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

What We’ve Learned Together

Working with OSU has taught us invaluable lessons that now benefit all 1,134+ programs we serve.

Consistency Builds Champions

Programs that stick with one music producer develop a signature sound. Judges recognize it. Fans anticipate it. Athletes perform better to music that feels like “theirs.” OSU’s sustained success proves that musical consistency is a competitive advantage.

Understanding Beats Everything

We don’t just make premade cheer music or custom mixes-we study our partners. We learn their traditions, their values, what makes them unique. For OSU, that means understanding Cowboy pride beyond the mascot.  Getting the program’s vibe. For other programs, it might be completely different. But the commitment to truly knowing our clients remains constant.

Relationships Matter More Than Transactions

We’re now the Official Music Producer of the USA Cheer National Team and we partner with an endless list of larger gyms/programs and governing bodies. We’ve grown beyond what I imagined possible in 2012. But OSU reminds me daily that our success comes from relationships, not titles. They trusted us when we were nobody. They heard their future in the mixes we built for them.

OSU Cheer Backpack

Why This Matters for Your Program

If you’re a coach or choreographer reading this, you might be wondering what OSU’s story means for you. Here’s my take after producing thousands of mixes:

Stop shopping for the cheapest option or the trendiest producer every season. Find a music partner who:

  • Understands your program’s identity
  • Delivers consistent quality
  • Values your success as their own
  • Provides cheer songs clean and properly licensed for competition

Whether you need fully custom dance songs for team routines or affordable premade cheer music that can be personalized, the key is finding a partner, not just a provider.

A Personal Note

To Coach Bracken and the entire OSU program: Thank you. You gave a small music company a chance, and your faith in us launched something bigger than either of us imagined. Your six championships are yours-earned through talent, dedication, and countless hours of hard work. But knowing we’ve been part of that journey, providing the soundtrack to your success, remains one of IPP Music’s proudest achievements.

To every other program reading this: Your championship journey is waiting. Whether you’re an established powerhouse or a growing program with big dreams, the right music partner can accelerate your path to success. We’d be honored to be part of your story, just as we’ve been privileged to be part of Oklahoma State’s.

ipp cheer music championship winning team Oklahoma State University

The Future We’re Building

Today, IPP Music serves programs worldwide: youth leagues to elite All-Star gyms, from Tokyo to Topeka. We offer everything from customizable $49 premade mixes to fully custom productions. But no matter how much we grow, the lesson from OSU remains the same: championships are built on partnerships.

When programs ask me about our success stories or our production process, I often share the OSU story. Not because every program will win six nationals (though we’d love that!), but because their approach-choosing a partner and building together-is available to everyone and has proven to be critical in hitting that zero.

Ready to start your own championship partnership? Explore our custom and premade cheer music options. As the Official Music Producer of the USA Cheer National Team and the trusted partner of champions like Oklahoma State University, we’re ready to help write your success story.

Be sure to check out future articles on other teams that have found success using ippmusic.com in this new series calledPowered by IPP

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Varsity’s Pro League Gamble Reshapes Competitive Cheer

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
varsity pro cheer league
01
Jul
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Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 1, 2025

TLDR:

TLDR:

The Varsity Pro Cheer League launches in 2026 with four teams, part-time five-figure salaries, and a January-March season that creates both unprecedented opportunities and existential threats for gym owners. After $126 million in antitrust settlements, Varsity Spirit is betting that professionalizing cheerleading will rehabilitate its image while further consolidating its control over the sport—a move that forces every competitive gym to reconsider its business model, athlete development strategy, and relationship with the industry’s dominant player.

For gym owners and coaches, this isn’t just another competition format. It’s a fundamental restructuring of how elite cheerleading works in America. The league’s structure—with Varsity owning all teams, controlling all athlete contracts, and selecting only established mega-gyms as partners—signals a new era where professional pathways exist but remain firmly within Varsity’s ecosystem. Whether you view this as the sport’s natural evolution or another monopolistic power grab, most likely depends on whether your gym is on the inside or outside of Varsity’s inner circle.

The league’s blueprint reveals calculated control

The Pro Cheer League’s structure demonstrates Varsity’s methodical approach to maintaining market dominance while appearing to advance the sport. Four founding teams in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and San Diego will each field 30 athletes, creating just 120 professional positions nationwide. These teams will train at Varsity’s chosen facilities: Stingray Allstars, Cheer Athletics, Top Gun All Stars, and California All Stars—notably all gyms with deep Varsity relationships and significant market power.

Athletes earn “five-figure” annual salaries as part-time Varsity Spirit employees, with additional compensation including travel, lodging, uniforms, and performance bonuses. The season runs January through March 2026, featuring five events in Indianapolis, Atlanta, Houston, Anaheim, and Nashville. Competition format includes head-to-head skills battles and traditional team routines, designed for television appeal.

What’s revealing isn’t just what Varsity included but what they carefully controlled. All teams remain wholly owned by Varsity Spirit, eliminating any pretense of independent competition. Athletes can pursue individual sponsorships only “with league approval.” Teams practice at pre-selected facilities, ensuring only certain gyms benefit from professional presence. This isn’t professional cheerleading emerging organically—it’s Varsity creating a closed system where they control every aspect from tryouts to championships.

Industry reactions expose deep divisions

The cheerleading community’s response reveals a sport wrestling with its identity and independence. While USA Cheer’s executive director Lauri Harris called it an “exciting development,” and partner gym owners expressed enthusiasm, deeper analysis shows significant concerns about Varsity’s motivations and methods.

Dan Cotton of the Cheer Biz Podcast captured the nuanced reaction: while showing “excitement about the professional step forward,” he expressed “serious concerns about gym affiliations, athlete eligibility, and long-term vision.” This balanced view reflects many industry professionals who want athlete opportunities but worry about implementation.

More pointed criticism emerged from business analysts and legal observers. Front Office Sports positioned the league as Varsity’s attempt to “turn the page after a litany of legal headaches” following their recent settlements. Sportico noted the timing “comes as Varsity works to rehabilitate its corporate image in the wake of antitrust and sex-abuse lawsuits.” The fierceboard community, representing grassroots gym owners and coaches, discussed Varsity’s “unfair monopoly” and debated boycott strategies.

Matt Stoller’s antitrust newsletter provided historical context, noting that Varsity founder Jeff Webb “testified in court that the competitions exist solely for the promotion of his cheerleading supply business.” This admission undermines claims that the professional league primarily serves athlete interests rather than corporate strategy.

Your gym faces an athlete retention crisis

For non-partner gyms, the most immediate threat is talent drain. Research from other youth sports shows that 90% athlete retention is considered excellent, but losing your top 18+ athletes to professional teams could devastate this metric. The psychological impact extends beyond numbers—younger athletes lose role models, team dynamics shift, and your gym’s competitive edge dulls.

The financial mathematics are brutal. If you lose 20% of your elite athletes, expect 12-15% revenue decrease in the first year before accounting for reduced competition success, lower enrollment from diminished reputation, and increased recruiting costs. These aren’t just your highest-paying clients; they’re your advertisement for excellence, your coaching assistants, and your culture carriers.

Consider how travel hockey destroyed community programs. Local rinks that once developed NHL players now struggle to field house leagues because elite players migrated to specialized facilities. Little League participation dropped 20% from its 2000s peak as travel baseball captured serious players. Cheerleading won’t be different—except Varsity controls both the amateur and professional pathways, giving them unprecedented power to direct athlete flow.

Smart gyms will implement “alumni ambassador” programs immediately, creating formal relationships with departing athletes. Develop “hybrid training” programs serving both all-star and professional-track athletes. Most critically, begin recruiting younger athletes more aggressively, knowing your development timeline just compressed.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Schedule conflicts create operational nightmares

The Pro League’s January-March season seems strategically timed to minimize conflicts with Worlds in April, but this surface-level analysis misses the deeper disruption. November through March represents peak training season for all-star teams preparing for their championship run. Your best athletes—and possibly coaches—will have divided attention during the most critical preparation period.

Varsity claims athletes can continue with all-star teams “during the inaugural season,” but anyone who’s managed elite athletes knows this promise rings hollow.

How does an athlete maintain peak performance for both professional competitions and Worlds preparation? When professional team practice conflicts with all-star training, which takes priority? These aren’t hypothetical concerns—they’re scheduling nightmares that will fracture teams and force impossible choices.

The coaching impact may prove even more disruptive. If your top coaches get pulled toward professional teams—either as athletes or support staff—your entire program suffers. The industry already faces a qualified coaching shortage, and this league will exacerbate the problem by creating competing demands for limited talent.

Forward-thinking gyms should negotiate coaching arrangements now, before the professional teams lock in their staff. Create clear policies about conflict resolution and priority setting. Consider developing specialized tracks where some teams focus on traditional all-star competition while others prepare athletes for professional tryouts. The gyms that acknowledge this fundamental split early will adapt most successfully.

Financial opportunities exist for strategic gyms

While challenges dominate, smart gym owners can find significant opportunities in this restructuring. The four partner gyms—Stingray, Cheer Athletics, Top Gun, and California All Stars—gained enormous advantages through facility partnerships, but they’re not the only potential winners.

New revenue streams emerge for gyms positioned correctly. Professional athlete training camps and clinics command premium pricing. “Pro-prep” programs targeting ambitious 16-17 year olds can charge 30-50% above standard tuition. Equipment partnerships, merchandise sales, and content creation opportunities multiply when you’re associated with professional development.

International athlete recruitment presents an underexplored opportunity. With cheerleading’s Olympic recognition and growing global participation, 7.5 million athletes across 119 countries represent a vast market. American gyms offering professional pathway programs can attract international talent willing to pay premium prices for elite training.

The youth sports economy generates $15-28 billion annually, with families spending average of $883 per child. Parents already demonstrating willingness to invest heavily will pay more for programs with clear professional pathways. Position your gym as the regional center for professional development—even without direct league partnership—and capture this premium market segment.

Consider how gymnastics gyms evolved when elite pathways clarified. Facilities specializing in Olympic-track development command prices 3-4x higher than recreational programs. Parents pay willingly because the pathway is clear, the coaching is elite, and the possibilities seem tangible. The Pro Cheer League creates similar dynamics in cheerleading.

Partnership strategies beyond the chosen four

Varsity selected four mega-gyms as inaugural partners, but expansion is inevitable. Position your gym now for future partnership opportunities by demonstrating value to the professional ecosystem. This requires strategic thinking beyond hoping for selection.

Develop formal relationships with current partner gyms. Create athlete exchange programs, coaching education partnerships, or specialized training camps that benefit both facilities. When expansion comes, Varsity will look for gyms already integrated into their professional network. Building these relationships costs little but positions you favorably for future opportunities.

Geographic strategy matters enormously. The inaugural teams represent major metropolitan markets, but numerous large cities remain unclaimed. If you’re in Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, or Seattle, begin positioning as the obvious expansion choice. This means upgrading facilities, developing elite coaching staff, and demonstrating market dominance that makes you indispensable.

Media and content creation capabilities increasingly influence partnership decisions. Gyms with professional video production, strong social media presence, and proven ability to generate engaging content offer value beyond traditional metrics. Invest in these capabilities now—they’re table stakes for professional sports involvement.

Most importantly, maintain flexibility in your Varsity relationship. While partnership offers opportunities, it also creates dependencies. The most successful gyms will develop multiple revenue streams and maintain some independence, ensuring they’re not entirely beholden to Varsity’s strategic decisions.

Monopoly concerns shape industry dynamics

Understanding Varsity’s business model is crucial for navigating this new landscape. KKR’s $4.75 billion acquisition in August 2024 provides the capital backing this professional expansion. With Varsity generating $400+ million in annual EBITDA, they possess resources no competitor can match.

The antitrust context cannot be ignored. Varsity paid $82.5 million in 2024 and $43.5 million in 2023 settling monopoly allegations. They still face ongoing litigation in Texas. Launching a professional league while fighting antitrust claims seems audacious—or desperate, depending on your perspective.

Varsity’s vertical integration creates unique challenges for independent gyms. They control competitions, uniforms, governing bodies (through relationships with USA Cheer and USASF), and now professional opportunities. Every aspect of an athlete’s journey can occur within Varsity’s ecosystem, making it increasingly difficult for gyms to operate independently.

This control extends to seemingly minor details with major implications. Athletes need league approval for individual sponsorships. Teams use Varsity-mandated equipment. Media rights negotiations happen through Varsity’s existing ESPN relationship. Each element reinforces their market control while appearing to advance the sport.

For gym owners, this monopolistic structure presents a devil’s bargain. Partnering with Varsity provides access to resources and opportunities impossible to achieve independently. But it also means accepting their rules, their pricing, and their strategic decisions. The cheerleading industry increasingly resembles a company town where Varsity owns the store, the bank, and now the factory.

College cheerleading faces existential questions

The Pro League’s impact on college cheerleading remains uncertain but potentially transformative. With over 250 colleges offering programs but typical scholarships only $500-$1,000 annually, the financial incentive clearly favors professional opportunities for elite athletes.

College programs must evolve or risk irrelevance. The traditional model—where college cheerleading represents the pinnacle for most athletes—crumbles when professional salaries exceed scholarship values by 10-50x. Smart colleges will develop partnerships with professional teams, creating integrated pathways that benefit both institutions.

The implications extend beyond individual programs. If top athletes skip college for professional opportunities, the talent level in collegiate cheerleading drops dramatically. This could trigger a downward spiral: lower talent means less exciting competitions, reduced fan interest, and ultimately less funding. Alternatively, it might clarify college cheerleading’s role as developmental rather than elite performance.

For gym owners, this shift requires recalibrating athlete counseling and development. The conversation changes from “which college program?” to “college or professional track?” This complexity demands more sophisticated guidance and potentially different training approaches for athletes pursuing different paths.

International expansion creates new dynamics

While the Pro League launches as an American venture, international implications loom large. The International Cheer Union represents 119 member nations with 7.5 million participants globally. Olympic recognition in 2021 accelerated cheerleading’s international growth, creating a global talent pool previously disconnected from American elite pathways.

Bill Seely mentioned interest from Canadian and European athletes, but this understates the potential disruption. International athletes who previously had no professional prospects in cheerleading now see a clear target. Expect increased competition for professional spots as global talent seeks American opportunities.

For American gyms, this creates both challenges and opportunities. Competition for professional positions intensifies as international athletes enter the pool. But gyms that develop international recruitment pipelines and cultural support systems can tap into new markets. Consider how international students transformed American university economics—cheerleading could follow a similar pattern.

The regulatory complexities of international athlete participation remain unaddressed. Visa requirements, work authorization, and athlete rights create bureaucratic challenges Varsity must navigate. Gyms hoping to recruit internationally need legal expertise and administrative systems previously unnecessary in cheerleading.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Survival strategies for independent gyms

For the majority of gyms without professional partnerships, survival requires strategic adaptation rather than direct competition. You cannot outspend or outmuscle Varsity, but you can find profitable niches in the new ecosystem.

First, clarify your value proposition. If you’re not sending athletes to professional teams, what do you offer? Strong answers include: community connection, affordable excellence, diverse program offerings, or specialized training. The key is differentiation—you must offer something the professional pathway doesn’t provide.

Develop alternative competitive tracks that don’t depend on Varsity competitions. International competitions, collegiate preparation, and performance opportunities create athlete goals beyond the professional league. While Varsity dominates traditional all-star cheerleading, creative gyms can build successful programs around alternative objectives.

Financial diversification becomes critical. Gyms overly dependent on elite team tuition face severe risk. Expand into recreational programs, adult fitness, tumbling classes, and summer camps. These programs generate steady revenue less affected by professional league disruption. The most resilient gyms will derive no more than 40% of revenue from elite competitive teams.

Consider cooperative strategies with other independent gyms. Shared coaching resources, joint training camps, and collaborative competition teams help smaller gyms maintain competitiveness. While Varsity consolidates control vertically, independent gyms can create horizontal networks that provide mutual support.

The harsh reality of adaptation

The Varsity Pro Cheer League forces uncomfortable decisions on every gym owner and coach. You must choose: attempt to join Varsity’s professional ecosystem, compete independently, or pivot toward different market segments. Each path demands different strategies, investments, and acceptance of different risks.

For gyms with professional partnership ambitions, the requirements are clear but demanding. Facility upgrades alone could cost $500,000-$2 million to meet professional standards. Coaching salaries must increase to retain talent. Marketing and content creation require professional investment. These costs mount before considering the operational complexity of managing professional and amateur programs simultaneously.

Independent gyms face different but equally serious challenges. How do you maintain relevance when the sport’s pinnacle exists outside your reach? How do you motivate athletes when professional opportunities require leaving your program? How do you compete for talent when partner gyms offer professional pathways? These questions don’t have easy answers, but ignoring them guarantees failure.

The pivot toward recreational or alternative focuses might seem like retreat, but it could prove the smartest strategy. The youth sports participation market continues growing even as elite pathways consolidate. Parents increasingly seek healthy activities over hypercompetitive environments. Gyms that capture this market might find more sustainable success than those chasing professional partnerships.

Financial projections reveal sobering truths

Let’s examine realistic financial scenarios for different gym types as the professional league develops:

Scenario 1: Current Partner Gym

  • Revenue increase: 25-40% within 3 years
  • Required investment: $1-3 million in facilities and staff
  • Risk factors: Dependence on Varsity decisions, athlete burnout, market saturation
  • Probability of success: 70% given Varsity support

Scenario 2: Aspiring Partner Gym

  • Revenue impact: -10% initially, potential +20% if selected
  • Required investment: $500,000-$1 million in preparation
  • Risk factors: May never receive partnership, opportunity cost of investment
  • Probability of success: 30% given limited expansion slots

Scenario 3: Independent Elite Gym

  • Revenue impact: -15-25% over 3 years
  • Required investment: $100,000-$300,000 in program diversification
  • Risk factors: Continued athlete drain, reduced competitiveness
  • Probability of maintaining current scale: 40%

Scenario 4: Pivoting Recreational Gym

  • Revenue impact: -20% initially, stabilizing at -5% within 2 years
  • Required investment: $50,000-$150,000 in program development
  • Risk factors: Brand perception, staff expertise gaps
  • Probability of successful transition: 60%

These projections assume competent management and favorable local markets. Poorly managed transitions could result in -40-50% revenue declines or complete failure.

Time-sensitive decisions demand immediate action

The professional league launches in January 2026, but critical decisions cannot wait. Tryouts begin September 2025, meaning athlete recruitment and retention strategies need implementation now. Every month of delay represents lost opportunities and increased risk.

For gyms pursuing partnerships, begin relationship building immediately. Attend Varsity events, develop connections with current partner gyms, and demonstrate your value to the ecosystem. Waiting for Varsity to notice you is a losing strategy—proactive engagement improves your odds dramatically.

Independent gyms need even more urgent action. Diversification takes time, and cultural change happens slowly. If you’re pivoting toward recreational programs or alternative competitive tracks, begin that transition now. Your current elite athletes provide credibility for launching new programs—once they leave, building from scratch becomes much harder.

Financial preparation cannot be overstated. Whether pursuing partnership or independence, the next 24 months will strain resources. Secure credit lines, build cash reserves, and prepare for revenue volatility. Gyms entering this transition with weak balance sheets face extreme survival risk.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Disruption demands strategic response

The Varsity Pro Cheer League represents the most significant structural change in competitive cheerleading history. Whether you view it as opportunity or threat, ignoring it guarantees obsolescence. Every gym must develop a strategic response aligned with their capabilities, market position, and ownership goals.

For the chosen few partner gyms, the league offers unprecedented opportunities for growth, prestige, and financial success. These gyms will shape professional cheerleading’s future while building sustainable competitive advantages. Their challenge lies in managing complexity while maintaining program quality across amateur and professional tracks.

For aspiring partners, the path requires significant investment with uncertain returns. Success demands exceptional execution, strategic positioning, and some luck. The rewards for those who succeed could be transformative, but the majority will invest heavily without achieving partnership, making this a high-risk strategy.

Independent gyms face the hardest choices. Competing directly with Varsity’s professional ecosystem seems futile, but creative adaptation offers viable paths forward. Whether through international expansion, alternative competitive tracks, or recreational focus, successful independent gyms will find profitable niches Varsity doesn’t serve.

The uncomfortable truth is that competitive cheer’s landscape will look dramatically different in 5 years.

The professional league accelerates existing consolidation trends while creating new competitive dynamics. Gyms that acknowledge this reality and adapt strategically will survive and potentially thrive. If you resist the change or react slowly, you’ll likely face marginalization or closure.

Your response to the Varsity Pro Cheer League will likely determine your gym’s future. Choose wisely, act decisively, and remember that in times of industry disruption, strategic clarity matters more than resources. The gyms that emerge strongest won’t necessarily be the biggest or best-funded—they’ll be the ones that most clearly understand their value proposition in cheer’s new professional era.

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Coaching, Featured, Finance/Money, News

Lake Zurich Cheer Coach Theft Case

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Lake Zurich Cheer Coach Theft Case
20
Mar
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published March 20, 2025

In March 2025, two former Lake Zurich High School cheerleading coaches – head coach Kaylin Dietrich and assistant coach Gabriele N. Kelly – were charged with felony theft and money laundering after an investigation found they diverted approximately $38,000 of school funds for personal use.

Both coaches had been involved in the school’s cheer program prior to these charges. Lets take a look at each coach’s background, achievements, reputation before this incident, and how you can ensure nothing like this occurs in your program.

Kaylin Dietrich

  • Coaching History: Kaylin Dietrich served as the head cheerleading coach at Lake Zurich High School from 2020 until her departure in 2025
  • She brought extensive cheer experience to the role: Dietrich cheered in college at Southeastern Louisiana University and even competed at the UCA College Nationals during her collegiate years
  • After college, she worked for Varsity’s Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), where she was the Illinois/Wisconsin State Director in 2019–2020 
  • In October 2020, Lake Zurich High introduced Dietrich as the new head coach, praising her “wealth of knowledge, experience and passion” for cheerleading
  • Accolades and Achievements: Under Dietrich’s leadership, the Lake Zurich cheer team remained a strong competitor in Illinois. The squad consistently qualified for the IHSA state cheerleading finals (Large Team division) during her tenure

  • For example, Lake Zurich’s cheer team reached the state final competition in 2021, 2022, and 2023 with Dietrich as head coach

  • While they did not capture a state title in those years, the program’s regular state qualification and past success (Lake Zurich was the 2011 IHSA State Champion and a multi-time sectional champion) highlighted the team’s competitiveness. Dietrich’s arrival was met with optimism that her expertise would continue this tradition of excellence

  • Prior Allegations or Legal Issues: There are no known prior misconduct allegations or legal issues involving Dietrich before the 2025 case. Reports of the theft investigation did not reference any earlier incidents, suggesting this was the first time she faced such accusations. Authorities focused on the 2025 financial case, and nothing in the public record indicates Dietrich had any past disciplinary problems or criminal history before this incident.

  • Reputation: In the cheerleading community, Dietrich was generally well-regarded prior to the scandal. Her background with college cheer and UCA gave her credibility as a knowledgeable coach. Locally, she was seen as an enthusiastic leader for the Lake Zurich program – the school’s athletic department openly welcomed her expertise in 2020

  • Fellow coaches and cheer participants knew her as someone with a strong skill set and passion for the sport. Prior to the financial misconduct case, her reputation in Lake Zurich was that of a dedicated and accomplished cheer coach, with no hint of the troubles to come.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Gabriele N. Kelly

  • Coaching History: Gabriele “Gabby” N. Kelly (26) was an assistant coach with the Lake Zurich High School cheer program leading up to the 2025 incident
  • Unlike Dietrich, Kelly was not a full-time employee of Lake Zurich High outside of coaching. She worked as an English teacher at Grayslake Central High School while coaching cheer at Lake Zurich on the side 
  • A Grayslake Central student newspaper in October 2023 identified Kelly as a teacher of English II and III who also served as a cheerleading coach at Lake Zurich High School
  • Kelly is a resident of Algonquin, Illinois, and joined the Lake Zurich cheer staff sometime before or during the 2023–24 school year
  • Accolades and Achievements: Kelly’s individual accolades in cheerleading are not widely documented. As a relatively new coach, her contributions were primarily as part of the Lake Zurich coaching staff rather than as a head coach. During the 2023–24 season, while she was assisting Dietrich, the Lake Zurich team maintained its competitive standing – including qualifying for the state finals along with other top teams in their division
  • However, no specific awards or recognitions are attributed to Kelly personally in the cheer community prior to the misconduct case. Her role was supportive in nature, helping the head coach and athletes, so any team successes (such as competition placements) were shared as part of the program.
  • Prior Allegations or Legal Issues: There are no reports of any prior allegations or legal issues involving Gabriele Kelly before this incident. She was an early-career teacher and coach with no known history of misconduct until the 2025 theft and money laundering charges surfaced. Neither school officials nor news sources have indicated any previous problems in her record. Kelly’s criminal charges in March 2025 – two counts of theft and two counts of money laundering – appear to be an isolated development, without any earlier similar accusations
  • Reputation: Prior to the financial scandal, Kelly did not have a particularly high-profile reputation in the cheerleading world. She was essentially known as a young educator and assistant coach in the local area. Colleagues and students likely saw her as a normal member of the faculty and coaching staff, and there was no public controversy attached to her name before 2025. In the Lake Zurich cheer community, her presence was overshadowed by the head coach’s leadership; she was a supporter and mentor for the team rather than a prominent figure. By all accounts, Kelly’s reputation was clean and unremarkable (in a positive way) prior to this case – there were no suspicions or negative reports about her until the allegations of financial misconduct emerged.

Financial misconduct within educational athletic programs (or all-star programs) not only undermines the integrity of the institutions but also adversely affects the students and communities they serve.

This type of misconduct is especially troubling because it can be perpetrated by coaches who, on the surface, appear professional, dedicated, and highly reputable. Individuals entrusted with leading and guiding young athletes might exploit their respected status, leveraging the trust of their community to mask unethical behavior.

The case involving former Lake Zurich High School coaches Gabriele N. Kelly and Kaylin Dietrich highlights that even seemingly trustworthy individuals are capable of stealing from their programs. Therefore, constant vigilance and proactive measures are essential to safeguard against financial wrongdoing and protect the program’s reputation and resources.

To prevent stuff like this happening in your program, consider implementing the following measures:

  1. Implement Comprehensive Financial Policies
    Establish clear financial protocols detailing procedures for handling funds, including budgeting, expenditures, and reimbursements. These policies should be documented and accessible to all relevant personnel.
    – Establish clear budgeting guidelines, specifying approval processes and limitations.
    – Define and document reimbursement procedures clearly, requiring itemized receipts and detailed explanations for expenses.
    – Create protocols for cash handling, bank deposits, and payment processes.
    – Ensure that financial policies are easily accessible and reviewed regularly with all staff involved.
  2. Conduct Regular Audits
    Schedule periodic internal and external audits to review financial records. Regular audits can identify discrepancies early and deter potential misconduct.
    – Schedule quarterly internal audits conducted by personnel separate from those handling financial transactions.
    – Arrange annual external audits by certified accounting professionals.
    – Investigate promptly any anomalies or inconsistencies uncovered during audits.
    – Publicly document audit findings to promote transparency.
  3. Segregate Financial Duties
    Divide financial responsibilities among multiple individuals to reduce the risk of misappropriation. For example, the person authorizing expenses should not be the same individual managing the accounts.
    – Assign distinct individuals to handle tasks such as expense authorization, bookkeeping, and financial reporting.
    – Avoid overlap of responsibilities, ensuring no single person controls all financial activities.
    – Rotate financial responsibilities periodically among qualified personnel to avoid familiarity leading to potential abuses.
  4. Provide Financial Training
    Offer training sessions for coaches and staff on ethical financial practices and the importance of adhering to established protocols. Educated staff are more likely to recognize and avoid unethical behaviors.
    – Conduct regular workshops and training sessions focused on ethical financial management.
    – Train coaches and staff on recognizing and reporting unethical behaviors or financial misconduct.
    – Offer resources and educational materials that highlight best practices and potential risks.
  5. Establish a Whistleblower Policy
    Create a safe and anonymous reporting system for staff, students, and parents to report suspected financial misconduct without fear of retaliation. This encourages transparency and accountability.
    – Implement an anonymous and secure reporting system for staff, students, and parents.
    – Clearly communicate the process for reporting concerns and guarantee protection from retaliation.
    – Regularly reinforce the importance of reporting unethical behavior through meetings or communications.
  6. Perform Background Checks
    Conduct thorough background checks on all coaching staff and volunteers to identify any past financial misconduct. This proactive step can prevent individuals with a history of unethical behavior from handling program funds.
    – Conduct thorough criminal and financial background checks on all coaching staff and volunteers.
    – Update checks regularly to ensure continued suitability and trustworthiness of personnel.
    – Follow up immediately on any flagged concerns identified through these checks.
  7. Foster a Culture of Accountability
    Promote an environment where ethical behavior is expected and valued. Encourage open discussions about financial integrity and make it clear that misconduct will not be tolerated.
    – Encourage open and honest conversations about ethical behavior and financial integrity.
    – Clearly outline expectations regarding ethical behavior, emphasizing zero tolerance for misconduct.
    – Publicly commend and recognize staff members demonstrating exemplary financial transparency and integrity.

By implementing these measures, cheerleading programs can safeguard their financial resources, maintain trust within the community, and ensure that funds are used to enhance the athletes’ experiences and development.

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Coaching, Info, News, Spain, Tips

Las Mejores Competencias de Cheerleading en España: Una Guía para Equipos y Entrenadores

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Las Mejores Competencias de Cheerleading en Espana Una Guia para Equipos y Entrenadores
07
Feb
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published February 7, 2025

¡Hola, entrenadores y entrenadoras! Si estáis metidos en el mundo del cheerleading en España, sabéis que este deporte se está poniendo cada vez más en la mira. Desde los entrenamientos intensos hasta esos momentos mágicos en el escenario, cada competición es una experiencia única. Hoy vamos a hablar de los mejores concursos de animadoras de España, compartiendo algunas cosas que sólo los que vivimos esta vida entenderemos. ¡Vamos a ello!

1. Evolución del cheerleading en España

En España, el cheerleading ha pasado de ser una curiosidad importada a contar con equipos consolidados y con una estructura de competiciones cada vez más sólida. Aunque sigue siendo un deporte en crecimiento, cada vez hay más entrenadores formados, gimnasios especializados y eventos anuales que atraen a equipos nacionales e internacionales.

Equipos españoles más destacados

  • Barcelona Cheer: Son pioneros en la región catalana. Han logrado varios podios en competiciones locales y han participado en torneos internacionales representando a España.
  • Madrid Flyers: Con sede en la capital, este equipo ha destacado por su alto nivel de stunts y rutinas dinámicas, logrando posicionarse bien en campeonatos a nivel nacional.
  • Tenerife Storm Cheer: Representan a las Islas Canarias y se han dado a conocer por su originalidad coreográfica. Han conseguido varios premios en los últimos años.
  • Vipers Cheerleading Sevilla: Famosos por su energía en los saltos y la coordinación de grupo, han participado en torneos regionales y cuentan con un número creciente de seguidores.
  • CheerXperience (Valencia): Destacan por sus sólidas formaciones y por llevar a cabo campamentos de entrenamiento especializados que reciben a animadores de toda España.

Estos equipos han conseguido medallas y reconocimientos en competiciones nacionales, y algunos de ellos incluso han representado a nuestro país en eventos internacionales de gran prestigio. Siguiendo sus pasos, cada vez surgen más conjuntos dispuestos a entrenar duro y a competir en la escena europea.

El Escenario Competitivo en España

1. Campeonato de España de Cheerleading

Este es, sin duda, uno de los eventos que todos seguimos con mucha expectación. El Campeonato de España reúne a equipos de todo el país, desde las escuelas de base hasta los grupos All-Star.

  • Qué esperar:
    • Categorías para distintos niveles, lo que permite que equipos con diferentes experiencias se luzcan.
    • Un ambiente cargado de adrenalina y, claro, esos nervios que te hacen querer darlo todo en el escenario
  • Dato curioso: Muchos entrenadores recuerdan cómo algunas de las rutinas más creativas nacieron en los ensayos previos a este campeonato. ¡Una auténtica fábrica de ideas!
Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

2. Principales competiciones de cheerleading en España

Aunque el calendario de competiciones se actualiza cada año, existen algunos certámenes que se han convertido en referencia para la comunidad de animación deportiva:

  1. Campeonato Nacional de Animación Deportiva
    Organizado por federaciones y asociaciones de ámbito nacional, reúne a equipos de distintas categorías (All Girl, Coed, Pom, etc.). Suele celebrarse en primavera y es una cita ineludible para cualquier club que desee medirse con los mejores.

  2. Copas Regionales (Autonómicas)
    En comunidades como Madrid, Cataluña, Andalucía y Valencia se organizan torneos clasificatorios que permiten a los equipos locales competir entre sí y prepararse para campeonatos de mayor envergadura. Son excelentes oportunidades para rodar nuevas rutinas.

  3. Campeonatos Internacionales en España
    En los últimos años, España ha sido sede de varios eventos internacionales de cheerleading auspiciados por organizaciones europeas. Estas competiciones atraen a equipos de todo el continente, ofreciendo un altísimo nivel y la posibilidad de exponer el talento local frente a un público global.

3. Preparación para la temporada de competición

Ya sea que estéis entrenando en un gran gimnasio o en un pabellón municipal, una buena preparación es clave para destacar en cualquier campeonato de cheerleading:

  • Planificación de la temporada: Marcad objetivos claros desde el inicio: ¿queréis clasificaros para un certamen nacional o internacional? ¿Buscáis experimentar en categorías específicas (All Girl, Coed, etc.)?
  • Rutinas adaptadas al reglamento: Cada competición sigue normas concretas. Es fundamental que vuestros saltos, stunts y pirámides se ajusten a los límites de dificultad y seguridad establecidos por la organización.
  • Entrenamiento físico y técnico: Combinad sesiones de fuerza, flexibilidad y trabajo cardiovascular con la práctica de técnicas de stunts y baile. Cuantos más ensayos de “run-through” (pases completos de rutina) hagáis, más seguros estaréis bajo presión.
  • Formación de entrenadores y jueces: En España hay cursos y seminarios impartidos por profesionales acreditados. Manteneros al día en técnicas, reglamento y tendencias internacionales os dará ventaja competitiva.
  • Apoyo nutricional y psicológico: Dado que el cheerleading exige explosividad, sincronización y resistencia, cuidar la alimentación y gestionar el estrés de la competición son aspectos cruciales para rendir al máximo.

4. Importancia de la música personalizada

  • El cheerleading en España, al igual que en otros países, se apoya enormemente en la música para marcar el ritmo de las rutinas. Por eso, adquirir música personalizada o incluso optar por un premade mix personalizable de IPP Music es una excelente manera de lograr una coreografía impecable y sorprender a los jueces con un gran efecto “wow”. Con la música adecuada, conseguiréis:
  • Resaltar los puntos fuertes: Al incorporar efectos de sonido que subrayen vuestros stunts y transiciones importantes, la rutina ganará fluidez y profesionalidad.
  • Crear una identidad única: Un mix original, adaptado a la esencia de vuestro equipo, os diferenciará ante el jurado y el público.
  • Enganchar a la afición: Una melodía pegadiza o una mezcla cuidadosamente enlazada motiva a vuestros animadores y atrae la atención de quienes os ven por primera vez.
  •  

Consejos Prácticos para Brillar en Competición

Planifica Tus Entrenamientos con Creatividad

  • Organiza Sesiones Específicas: Divide el entrenamiento en bloques: técnica, fuerza, flexibilidad y, por supuesto, creatividad. Así, cada área tiene su momento y el equipo se mantiene motivado.
  • Ensayos con Público: A veces es útil simular la competición con amigos o familiares como espectadores. Esto ayuda a que el equipo se acostumbre al ambiente y a los nervios del gran día.
  • Revisa y Aprende: Graba los ensayos y revísalos en grupo. Un buen feedback entre compañeros puede ser la clave para descubrir esos pequeños detalles que marcan la diferencia.

5. Consejos para entrenadores y equipos

  • Asistid a workshops y clinics: Varias ciudades españolas organizan jornadas de entrenamiento impartidas por entrenadores de prestigio, donde se practican técnicas avanzadas y se intercambian experiencias con otros equipos.
  • Seguid a los referentes nacionales: Observar vídeos y rutinas de los equipos punteros (como los mencionados Barcelona Cheer, Madrid Flyers, Tenerife Storm Cheer, Vipers Cheerleading Sevilla o CheerXperience) puede inspiraros y ayudaros a pulir vuestra propia ejecución.
  • Buscad patrocinios y colaboraciones: El cheerleading está creciendo en España, pero aún es minoritario frente a deportes más tradicionales. Contactad con empresas locales y aprovechad redes sociales para mostrar vuestro progreso y atraer apoyos.
  • Mantened el espíritu de equipo: Más allá de la competición, el compañerismo y la motivación son pilares fundamentales en el cheerleading. Un grupo cohesionado se refleja en rutinas más limpias y energéticas.

6. ¿Por qué competir en España?

España combina un ambiente deportivo en expansión con escenarios inmejorables. De un tiempo a esta parte, nuestras competiciones han ganado reconocimiento internacional gracias al profesionalismo de los organizadores y al incremento constante de equipos de alto nivel. Además, la cultura deportiva española es abierta y participativa, lo que hace que las gradas se llenen de aficionados entusiastas, generando un ambiente único en cada campeonato.

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Coaching, Events, Featured, News, Practice Tips, Rules, Tips

Navarro vs. Blinn: NJCAA, the New Era of Competitive Cheer, & How to Coach Multiple Rounds

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Navarro vs. Blinn NJCAA the New Era of Competitive Cheer and How to Coach Multiple Rounds
25
Oct
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

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Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published October 25, 2024

The first-ever NJCAA competitive cheerleading meet took place on October 19, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for junior college cheerleading. This historic meet featured two powerhouse programs, Navarro College and Blinn College, going head-to-head at the Kruse Center in Brenham, Texas. Traditionally known for their dominance at the National Cheer Association (NCA) competitions, both schools embraced the NJCAA’s shift to a structured, multi-round competition format, signaling a new era for collegiate cheer at the junior college level.

Meet Structure: A New Format for Cheer

This NJCAA meet differed from the typical one-shot routines seen at NCA championships. Instead, it featured a three-period format with multiple heats, offering more opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills in specific categories such as tumbling, stunt building, and creative tosses. The shift to this format reflects a growing emphasis on precision and consistency, requiring teams to sustain high energy and focus across multiple rounds rather than a single performance.

Performance Breakdown: Key Highlights

  1. Compulsory Tumbling (Period 1):
    • Blinn secured early wins with impressive toe tucks and standing layouts.
    • Navarro answered back with victories in standing hand tucks and round-off tucks, resulting in a tightly contested start.
  2. Creative Building and Stunts (Period 2):
    • Both teams excelled in pyramid formations and stunt sequences, splitting wins across the heats.
    • The second period also featured basket tosses and creative elements, further challenging athletes to showcase both skill and artistry.
  3. Final Compulsory Routine (Period 3):
    • The competition culminated in a one-minute compulsory routine, with Navarro narrowly edging out Blinn, 50-45.

The meet ended with Navarro scoring 154 points over Blinn’s 150, underscoring just how evenly matched these teams were throughout the event.

What This Competition Means for Cheerleading

This meet represents more than just a rivalry—it highlights a new direction for NJCAA cheerleading. Historically, junior college programs like Blinn and Navarro balanced sideline performances with NCA competitions, where they had one chance to impress. With the NJCAA format, cheerleading now emphasizes multi-round strategy, offering athletes multiple opportunities to perform and adapt throughout the meet.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

For cheer coaches and athletes nationwide, this shift offers new opportunities:

  • Development of Endurance and Versatility: Athletes must now maintain energy and composure over extended periods and adjust in real-time.
  • Increased Focus on Technique and Execution: The format rewards clean execution and strategic decision-making, fostering skill development across different areas of cheer.

• • Expanded Competitive Opportunities: Blinn’s coach expressed optimism about more NJCAA events being scheduled, opening the door for other programs to adopt the format and grow junior college cheer into a more structured sport.

Looking Ahead: A Growing Landscape

This first NJCAA meet sets a precedent for future competitions, potentially expanding the sport’s visibility and providing new pathways for student-athletes. Both Navarro and Blinn, with their storied NCA success, have proven that cheerleading at the junior college level can thrive in this evolving competitive landscape.

How to Coach Multiple Rounds: Lessons from NJCAA Cheer Meets

Coaching for multi-round cheer competitions, like those recently introduced by the NJCAA, requires a fresh approach compared to single-routine events. The Navarro vs. Blinn meet, which featured multiple heats across three periods, offers valuable insights into maintaining energy, focus, and strategy throughout these demanding events. Below is a breakdown of key coaching strategies to excel in multi-round competitions.

1. Strategic Energy Management Across Heats

In multi-round formats, it’s critical to pace your athletes to sustain energy. Unlike single-shot performances, multiple heats require athletes to perform at peak levels several times. Coaches can incorporate interval training into practice to simulate competition pacing. Rest and recovery periods should also be built between routines to ensure athletes are refreshed for each heat.

  • Tip: Rotate athletes in non-essential heats to prevent fatigue during crucial rounds, such as stunt or creative building heats later in the event.
  • Incorporate Conditioning: Endurance drills like circuit training and high-intensity interval workouts help athletes build the stamina needed to perform multiple routines successfully over extended periods.

2. Building Versatility and Flexibility

Coaches should train athletes to handle multiple roles, such as switching between positions in pyramids and stunt sequences. Versatility ensures seamless transitions between heats and gives the team more flexibility to adapt to changes or injuries during competitions. Athletes performing as both bases and flyers can become key assets in ensuring smooth routine shifts.

  • Role Assignments: Use grid systems to track athlete participation across heats and avoid overloading individuals, ensuring they can perform optimally throughout the event.
  • Skill Assessments: Evaluate each athlete’s strengths in tumbling, stunts, and pyramids before the season, giving you a strategic advantage when assigning routines.

3. Maintaining Focus Through Mental Preparation

Multi-round competitions demand more mental stamina from athletes. Coaches can use visualization techniques and breathing exercises to help athletes stay focused and calm during breaks between heats. Group mindfulness sessions during practice can also foster mental resilience, keeping athletes sharp for every round.

  • Pre-Performance Rituals: Establish routines to reduce anxiety and ensure athletes remain focused between heats.
  • Visualization: Encourage athletes to mentally rehearse routines during downtime, envisioning each heat as a new opportunity to excel.

4. Using Strategic Adjustments Between Heats

The NJCAA’s multi-heat format offers the advantage of mid-competition adjustments. Coaches can review performance trends between heats, such as timing issues or minor form breaks, and provide immediate feedback. This adaptability allows teams to recover and correct mistakes in real time, potentially turning a competition in their favor.

  • Video Analysis: If possible, film heats and review them with the team between rounds to identify areas for quick improvement.
  • Adapt Strategies: Have backup plans for stunts or routines that prove inconsistent during early heats, focusing on cleaner execution to maximize later rounds.

5. Coaching Beyond the Routine: Building Team Chemistry

Cohesive teamwork is essential for multi-round success. Coaches can foster camaraderie with team-building exercises and ensure that athletes support each other through the highs and lows of competition. A supportive team culture ensures that athletes stay motivated across multiple heats.

  • Team Bonding Sessions: Activities like group dinners or team outings before competitions can build trust and communication among athletes.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small victories after each heat to keep morale high, even if adjustments are needed for later rounds.

6. Looking Forward: NJCAA’s Impact on Competitive Cheer Coaching

The NJCAA’s adoption of multi-round formats brings a new dimension to cheerleading, providing athletes with more opportunities to showcase their skills and perform under varied conditions. This shift requires coaches to rethink traditional training methods, focusing on endurance, mental resilience, and strategic planning. As this format grows, coaches will need to emphasize flexibility and adaptability to remain competitive.

As the NJCAA aims to host more events like this, expect other programs to join in, creating a national circuit that could further elevate the sport at the collegiate level. This moment marks the beginning of a more inclusive and competitive cheer environment, where athletes have more chances to showcase their skills and teams can develop more comprehensive strategies to succeed.

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Featured, News, South Korea

How Korean Cheer Just Took Over TikTok

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
How Korean Cheer Just Took Over TikTok
30
Aug
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 30, 2024

Alright, so let’s talk about these Korean cheerleaders who are absolutely blowing up on TikTok right now. If you’ve been scrolling through your feed and suddenly found yourself hypnotized by a group of cheerleaders doing a super chill dance routine, you’re not alone. These videos have been flooding social media, and it’s all thanks to the cheer squad for the Kia Tigers, a baseball team in Korea.

Picture this: the routine kicks off with some catchy drum beats, then you hear sneakers squeaking on a gym floor. Suddenly, a thumbs-up pops into view, bobbing up and down like it’s keeping time with the music. This little dance, often called the “Pikki Pikki” dance, has become a viral sensation. We’re talking millions of views on TikTok, all for a dance that’s simple, repetitive, and kinda low-key. But man, is it addictive!

Now, if you’re thinking about the high-energy routines we’re used to in American cheerleading—like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders rocking out to “Thunderstruck”—this Korean routine might surprise you. The Kia Tigers’ cheerleaders are all about subtlety. They’re not throwing big stunts or flipping around. Instead, they’re gently moving their elbows, mostly staying in one spot, and if we’re being honest, they look a little… bored?

But here’s the thing—that laid-back vibe is totally on purpose. According to Lee Si-Young, the founder of the company that reps the cheer squad, the whole point is to match the chill tone of the music and make it easy for the fans to follow along. They wanted something that felt casual, not over-the-top.

The moves themselves are pretty basic—mostly just dancing with two thumbs up—but when you see it performed deadpan in front of 16,000 fans, over and over during a game, it’s got this weirdly captivating charm. It’s that unassuming nature that’s drawn in fans from all over the world and left a lot of people scratching their heads, wondering what’s so special about it.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

The truth is, this dance has been around since 2022, but it’s only recently exploded in popularity. Why now? Well, it turns out that the Korea Baseball Organization (K.B.O.) is seeing record-breaking crowds, especially with more young women buying tickets. More fans mean more eyes on the cheerleaders—and that means more viral moments like this.

K.B.O. games are known for being super high-energy, and the cheerleaders play a huge role in that. But the strikeout dance is a bit more subdued since it’s performed when the Tigers are on the field, not when they’re up to bat. Tickets to these games are super affordable, too—around $5 to $10—so it’s a great way for younger fans to enjoy a day out, complete with their own food and drinks. And trust me, the atmosphere at a Korean baseball game is like a rock concert compared to the more laid-back vibe of Major League Baseball here in the States.

The song that’s got everyone hooked? It’s called “Lecon Studios” by Olive Beat, and it’s actually a sample from “My Lecon” by the Korean boy band JTL. The cheering staff calls it the “strikeout song,” but fans started calling it “Pikki Pikki” because of the squeaky sound effects. And just like that, a viral dance was born.

This whole thing has even sparked a wave of imitators, with people all over the world trying to mimic the cheerleaders’ blank stares and hip sways. Some folks, like British model and influencer Melissa Minh, have even poked fun at the lack of enthusiasm, but they still admit that these cheerleaders are pretty darn captivating.

It’s kind of wild to think that this is the first time a K.B.O. cheerleading routine has gone viral like this, but the squad is definitely feeling proud of their newfound fame. One cheerleader in particular, Lee Ju-Eun, has become a breakout star. She’s got this bouncy hair and barrettes that have made her a fan favorite in some of the most-watched videos.

Apparently, she’s a little dazed by all the attention, but she’s taking it in stride, enjoying the fun, and seeing it all as a positive experience. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t?

In some of the videos, you might even catch her freshening up her makeup or fanning herself off before jumping into the dance. It’s like she’s almost too cool to care—until the music hits, and then it’s game on. The dance itself is only done when the Tigers are on the field, so the cheerleaders are basically chilling between strikeouts. But when the beat drops, they come alive just enough to do their thing, then slip back into their nonchalant vibe. It’s that mix of effortlessness and charm that’s got everyone talking.

So there you have it—the “Pikki Pikki” dance, the viral sensation you didn’t know you needed, straight from the baseball fields of Korea to the endless scroll of your TikTok feed.

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Australia, Coaching, Events, Featured, Japan, News, Norway

The Worldwide Rise of Cheer: Spotlight on Japan, Australia, and Norway at 2024 ICU Championships

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Global cheerleading expansion top cheerleading nations 2024
19
Aug
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 19, 2024

Cheerleading has long been associated with American sports culture, but the sport has been experiencing a significant global expansion in recent years. This trend was particularly evident at the 2024 ICU World Cheerleading Championships, where several countries showcased their prowess, signaling a shift in the competitive cheerleading landscape. Among the standout nations were Japan, Australia, and Norway, each making significant strides and proving that cheerleading is truly becoming a global sport.

Team Japan: Rising to the Top in International Cheerleading

Japan’s ascent in competitive cheer has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past decade, Japan has evolved from a country primarily known for its success in dance categories to a formidable contender in cheerleading, particularly in the Coed Elite division. This transformation is a testament to the country’s dedication to excellence and the strategic efforts made by Cheer Japan, the organization responsible for nurturing and developing the nation’s cheerleading talent.

Evolution

Cheerleading in Japan has a rich history, supported by several key organizations, including Cheer Japan, which was founded in 2010. Initially, Japan made a strong impact in dance categories, such as Freestyle Pom and Hip Hop, where they consistently placed in the top ranks at international competitions. However, the nation’s ambitions extended beyond dance, leading to the formation of All-Girl and Coed Elite teams that would eventually compete at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships.

Japan’s Coed Elite team made its debut in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2023 that they secured their first gold medal, a historic moment that marked Japan’s emergence as a top contender in cheerleading. This victory was the result of meticulous preparation, including nationwide tryouts and rigorous training sessions held weekly. These efforts paid off, with the team making it to the finals for the first time and ultimately taking home the gold

Standout Athletes and Coaches

The success of Japan’s cheerleading teams can be attributed to both the athletes’ dedication and the expertise of their coaches. For example, Sonoka Kasahara, the head coach of the Coed Elite team, played a crucial role in leading the team to their historic victory in 2023. Under Kasahara’s guidance, the athletes engaged in a disciplined training regime that included stunt and tumbling homework, as well as intensive practice sessions in Florida just before the championship. This level of preparation was unprecedented for the team and demonstrated a new level of commitment that propelled them to the top

Additionally, the athletes themselves have shown remarkable resilience and skill. Many of the team members had never competed at such a high level before, making their achievement even more impressive. The win in 2023 is likely just the beginning. They clearly have momentum 🙂

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Team Australia: A Consistent Cheer Powerhouse

Australia has cemented its place as a formidable force in the cheerleading world, particularly in the Coed and All-Girl divisions. The country’s consistent performances at international competitions, especially at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, highlight the depth of talent and the strong cheerleading culture that has been cultivated over the years.

A Legacy of Success

Australia’s cheerleading history is marked by steady growth and increasing success on the global stage. The Australian Cheer Union (ACU) has played a pivotal role in this development, bringing together the nation’s top talent to compete at the highest levels. The ACU’s strategic approach includes rigorous selection processes, where athletes from across the country are chosen to represent Australia in various international events. This method has proven effective, as seen in their impressive performances at the 2023 and 2024 ICU World Cheerleading Championships.

In 2023, Australia had one of its most successful showings, with all teams placing in the top five in their respective divisions. The All Girl Elite team secured a historic gold medal, marking Australia’s first World Championship title in this category. Meanwhile, the Coed Elite team earned a silver medal, showcasing the country’s competitive edge across multiple divisions. These achievements were not just a testament to the athletes’ skills but also to the exceptional coaching and preparation that went into these performances.

Standout Athletes and Coaches

Key to Australia’s success has been the dedication and expertise of its coaches, such as Derrick Turner, the head coach of the All Girl Elite team, and Eddie Davey, who leads the Coed Elite team. These coaches have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what Australian cheerleading can achieve, focusing on refining techniques, building team cohesion, and fostering a competitive spirit that has propelled the teams to international success.

Athletes from Team Australia have consistently demonstrated their prowess, with many standout performances that have caught the attention of the global cheerleading community. The training regimen for these athletes is intense, with preparation involving multiple training camps across Australia and final practice sessions held just before major competitions in the USA. This level of commitment from both coaches and athletes has been a significant factor in Australia’s rise as a cheerleading powerhouse

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Team Norway Cheer: Emerging Contenders

Norway has been making significant strides in the international cheerleading scene, particularly in the All-Girl and Coed Premier divisions. While the country may not have traditionally been seen as a cheerleading powerhouse, recent performances at global events like the ICU World Cheerleading Championships have shown that Norway is quickly becoming a formidable contender.

A History of Growth and Success

Norway’s cheerleading journey began with a slow and steady rise, primarily driven by the efforts of teams like the Viqueens Cheerleaders. The Viqueens, one of Norway’s most prominent cheerleading clubs, have played a pivotal role in elevating the country’s status on the world stage. Their team, Viqueens Spirit, has been competing internationally since 2011, steadily improving their performances over the years. In 2024, they achieved a monumental victory by winning their first-ever gold medal at The Cheerleading Worlds in the L7 International Open division. This win was the culmination of over a decade of hard work, dedication, and a strong culture of excellence within the team

Standout Teams and Athletes

The Viqueens Spirit team is known for its rigorous training and the exceptional talent of its athletes. Notably, many members of this team also represent Norway at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships, demonstrating their versatility and high skill level across different competitions. In 2024, the Norwegian All-Girl Elite team, which included several athletes from the Viqueens, secured a spot on the podium, finishing just behind the United States and Finland. This achievement highlighted the depth of talent in Norway and underscored the country’s growing competitiveness on the international stage

Coaching and Development

The success of Norwegian cheerleading can be largely attributed to the quality of its coaching. Coaches like Nathalie Brøndrup, who have a deep connection to the sport both as former athletes and now as coaches, have been instrumental in building a culture of hard work and resilience. Brøndrup, for example, emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong, fighting spirit within the team, which has been a cornerstone of their success

In addition to coaching, Norway’s national cheerleading programs have benefited from structured development strategies, including regular training camps, participation in European and global championships, and a focus on technical skill development. Events like the ICU European Cheerleading Championships, hosted in Norway in 2024, have further provided a platform for Norwegian teams to compete at a high level and gain invaluable experience

As cheer continues to evolve, these countries are likely to remain at the forefront, inspiring others to elevate their programs. The future of cheerleading is undeniably global, and the sport is better for it.

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Events, Featured, News

UCA Summer Camps 2024 highlights

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
UCA Summer Camps 2024 highlights winners
15
Aug
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 15, 2024

The 2024 Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) summer camps have wrapped up, leaving a trail of incredible performances, standout athletes, and team successes across the country. From coast to coast, teams of all levels showcased their skills, teamwork, and determination at these prestigious camps, earning accolades and preparing for a competitive season ahead. Today, let’s take a closer look at some of the teams and athletes that shined this summer.

Northside Varsity Cheer: Building Bonds and Breaking Barriers

Northside Varsity Cheer attended the UCA camp at East Carolina University from July 8-10, alongside 12 other schools. The team focused on enhancing their stunting, jumps, dances, and overall choreography. Five of their cheerleaders—senior captains Sierra Minor, Trinity O’Neal, and Addy Davenport, along with juniors Khloe Hewitt and Mackenzie Conoway—were selected as UCA All-Americans. Their success didn’t stop there—Northside also clinched first place in the Medium Varsity Division for cheer and crowd leading and received the prestigious “Tradition Award” for inspiring leadership on and off the field. This camp was not only a competition but a vital team-bonding experience that left the girls stronger and more confident.

ULM Cheerleading and Hawkline: Stepping Up to Nationals

ULM Cheerleading’s Hawkline made a powerful statement at the UCA/UDA camp at Southern Methodist University from July 19-21. Their relentless effort paid off as they earned blue ribbons across the board and were awarded the Most Improved title, securing a silver bid to Nationals in Daytona, Fla., in April 2025. Hawkline dancers Amelia Long and Haley Hoover also earned All-American honors. The camp marked a significant milestone in ULM’s growth, with all three spirit groups, including Ace the Warhawk, winning Most Improved awards—a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Minot North: Rising Stars in Varsity Cheer

Minot North’s cheer team, only in their second year as a varsity squad, made waves at the UCA camp on August 2-3. The team excelled in various workshops, earning a gold ribbon for their camp cheer routine and a superior squad trophy. Six members—Jaidyn White, Ashley Carr, Vreelyn Nygaard, Winter Getzlaff, Payton Stolba, and Alina Kibler—were named UCA All-Americans. This remarkable achievement highlights the talent and potential of this young team as they head into their first year cheering at home games in their own school.

Watseka Community High School: A Tradition of Excellence

Watseka Community High School’s varsity cheer squad attended UCA camp at Purdue University from June 18-21, where they brought home the camp championship trophy for their routine, which featured a dance with a building pyramid. The squad also earned two superior blue ribbons during the week. Three cheerleaders—Marisa Clark, Siara Sansone, and Summer Yarneau—were selected as All-Americans, and Clark and Sansone were invited to apply for the UCA staff. Watseka’s strong performance at camp is a testament to the squad’s talent and dedication, and they are poised to bring this momentum into the upcoming sports season.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Mainland High School: All-American Honors Abound

Mainland High School celebrated eight of its cheerleaders being named UCA All-Americans this summer. Among the honored athletes were G’lia Foster, Kelsi Jenkins, Amari Langford, Amyah Watlington, Aysia Thompson, Kamya Sampson, Terrianha Williams, and Aniyah Ray. These athletes now have the opportunity to perform at prestigious events across the globe, including parades in Philadelphia, Orlando, London, and Rome. Mainland’s success at UCA camp reflects their dedication to excellence and their role as ambassadors of cheerleading.

Butler County High School: Excelling in Competition

The Butler County High School (BCHS) cheerleading squad had a stellar showing at the UCA camp in July, where they earned first place in the cheer competition and took second in the camp routine. Their performance not only earned them trophies but also set the stage for a promising season ahead. BCHS cheerleaders, including standout athletes Sara Peyton Dospapas and Emily Clark, are proving themselves as formidable competitors in every arena they enter.

Coahoma Community College: Preparing for Greatness

Coahoma Community College (CCC) cheerleaders are gearing up for an exciting season after attending the UCA College Cheer and Dance Camp at the University of Alabama from July 18-21. This prestigious camp offered CCC cheerleaders the chance to learn from top-tier instructors, focusing on advanced techniques in stunting, tumbling, and performance. The experience has left the team well-prepared and motivated for the challenges of the upcoming academic year.

Rainier High School: Small But Mighty

Rainier High School cheerleaders brought home multiple accolades from the UCA camp at Great Wolf Lodge in Centralia, held from July 15-18. Competing against 14 other schools, Rainier earned first place in their camp routine and second place in the game-day routine. Additionally, four cheerleaders—Briella Davenport, Peyton Thomas, Marian Jackson, and Samantha Cohen-Olson—were selected as All-Americans. Despite being one of the smaller teams at the camp, Rainier’s cheerleaders demonstrated that size is no barrier to success. Thomas was especially thrilled to be selected as an All-American this year after initially hesitating to try out in 2023.

Bemidji High School: Consistent Excellence

Bemidji High School saw eight of its cheerleaders earn All-American honors at the UCA camp held from July 29-31. Among the recognized athletes were Abby Loebs, Kennedy Rasmus, Kaiahna Martell, Lola VanEngelenhoven, Taylor Joy, Natasha Chastek, Zaquia Williams, and Lauren White. Loebs, Rasmus, and Williams earned the distinction for a second time, showcasing their consistent excellence in the sport. Bemidji’s cheerleaders have consistently demonstrated their skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork, earning them opportunities to perform on global stages from Florida to Hawaii and even in Europe.

Graham High School: A Winning Team Spirit

Graham High School’s cheer squad made a statement at the UCA camp at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine from July 11-14. Six cheerleaders were named All-Americans, including senior Sara Peyton Dospapas, junior Emily Clark, and sophomores Ella Andrade, Aiyana Gideon, Emma Hamm, and Bayleigh McGee. Additionally, Dospapas was invited to try out for a UCA staff position next year following her graduation. Graham’s team also won multiple awards, including three spirit sticks and superior ribbons, and placed first in the Game Day Routine, earning them a bid to the UIL State Cheerleading event in January 2025.

Ingleside High School: Dominating the UCA Camp

Ingleside High School cheerleaders had a fantastic showing at the UCA camp at Moody Gardens in Galveston from July 28-31. Seven varsity cheerleaders—Paityn McCombs, Allison Howland, Aleeah Lopez, Haylie Perez, Vivian Davis, Giselle Hernandez, and Bailey Patton—were named All-Americans. The junior varsity squad also earned superior trophies and All-American recognition for juniors Shayleigh Williams, Leah Stearns, Cheyenne Witt, sophomore Lilly Cordova, and freshman Gabriella Castillo. Ingleside’s success at the camp is a reflection of their hard work and dedication, setting them up for a successful year ahead.

Rio Rancho High School: Masters of the Camp

Rio Rancho High School’s varsity cheer team found success at the UCA Masters Camp in Loveland, Colorado, from July 10-13. The team placed second in both cheer and stunt sequences and won first place in the camp routine. The squad also celebrated 10 All-American selections, including standout athletes Sean Barnes and Austin Erwin, and a male jump-off champion. With such a strong performance, Rio Rancho is ready to chase a state title in the upcoming season.

Rock Springs High School: Sixteen All-Americans and Counting

Rock Springs High School’s Tigers Cheer Team had an outstanding performance at the UCA camp, with 16 cheerleaders being named All-Americans. The honored athletes include Bridgette Taylor, Braylynn Greene, Nevaeh Anderson, Azalia Ruiz, Masen Werkele, Sean Barnes, Austin Erwin, Gavin Tongate, Brooke East, Alexus Bowles, Adyson Sellers, Aizlynn Abram, Aliza Ransom, Noelle Moser, Jensyn Cordova, and Ireland Lew. The team also received a superior rating, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. Head Coach Dena Douchant expressed immense pride in her team’s accomplishments, which have set the stage for a successful season ahead.

Pike County Middle School: Young Stars on the Rise

Pike County Middle School cheerleaders proved their mettle at the UCA camp at Great Wolf Lodge, with six athletes—Kelsey Sirmon, Taryn Hancock, Jersey Wright, Carsyn Everitte, Ansley Boes, and Brooklyn Kneringer—earning All-American titles. Their outstanding performances have earned them the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade, a significant achievement for these young cheerleaders.

St. Mary’s and Fredericksburg Middle School: Preparing for the Season Ahead

Cheer teams from St. Mary’s and Fredericksburg Middle School joined forces at a UCA camp from May 30 to June 1, focusing on enhancing teamwork and performance skills. With summer training camps in full swing, these squads are gearing up for the competitive season ahead, ready to bring their best to the cheerleading stage.

As the summer camps come to a close, these remarkable teams and athletes have set the tone for a thrilling cheer season. Their hard work, dedication, and achievements at UCA camps nationwide highlight the spirit of cheer and the incredible talent within these squads. As they move into the 2024-25 season, we can expect to see these teams continue to excel and inspire on the sidelines and beyond.

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Featured, News, Olympics

The Ridiculousness of Competitive Cheer not being in the 2028 Olympics

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
will cheerleading be in the 2028 olympics?
29
Jul
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

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By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 29, 2024

We were all hopeful when the cheer was granted full recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on July 20, 2021. However, the recent announcement that competitive cheer will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games has everyone wondering why. I’m going to run through the criteria the IOC demands for a sport to be included and how cheer meets every measure of this criteria.

The Criteria for Olympic Inclusion

To be considered for the Olympics, a sport must meet several criteria set by the IOC. These include:

  1. Environmental Sustainability: The sport must have minimal environmental impact.
  2. Scoring Complexity: The sport must have an easy to understand scoring system
  3. Universality: It should be practiced widely across the globe.
  4. Gender Equality: The sport must promote and ensure gender equality.
  5. Integrity and Fairness: The sport must have clear rules and be governed by a body that ensures fair play.
  6. Popularity: The sport should have a significant following and be popular in various regions.
  7. Host Country Interest: The host country’s interest in the sport can influence its inclusion.
  8. Athlete Safety: The sport must ensure the safety of its participants.
  9. Cost: The cost of hosting the sport should be reasonable

Okay, that’s the Olympics’ list of criteria for inclusion, now let’s break down each point and show why cheer fits each one.

1. Environmental Sustainability: The Sport Must Have Minimal Environmental Impact

One of the criteria for a sport to be included in the Olympics is its environmental sustainability. This means the sport should have a minimal environmental impact, aligning with the Olympic Movement’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of our planet.

Understanding the Criterion

The IOC’s emphasis on environmental sustainability includes considerations such as:

  • Resource Usage: The sport should not require extensive use of non-renewable resources or cause significant environmental degradation. This includes considerations of the materials used in equipment and facilities.
  • Energy Consumption: The sport should not have high energy demands that could lead to excessive carbon emissions. This includes both the energy needed to host the event and the energy required for day-to-day training and operations.
  • Waste Management: The sport should have effective waste management practices in place, minimizing waste generation and ensuring proper disposal and recycling.
  • Biodiversity Impact: The sport should avoid activities that harm local ecosystems or wildlife.

The Ridiculousness of this

While the intention behind this criterion is laudable, applying it uniformly across all sports can seem ridiculous, especially in the context of competitive cheer. Here’s why:

  1. Competitive Cheer’s Low Environmental Impact: Unlike sports that require large fields, specialized infrastructure, or significant travel, competitive cheer typically takes place in existing facilities like gyms or multipurpose arenas. The environmental impact of competitive cheer events is minimal compared to other sports like golf, which can involve maintaining extensive courses, or motorsports, which have high fuel consumption and emissions.
  2. Equipment and Facilities: The equipment used in competitive cheer, such as mats and uniforms, does not have a significant environmental footprint, especially when compared to the extensive gear needed for sports like cycling or skiing.
  3. Energy Consumption: competitive cheer competitions and practices do not demand high energy usage. They are typically held indoors and do not require the intense lighting, heating, or cooling that some other sports do.
  4. Waste Management: competitive cheer events generate minimal waste compared to large-scale outdoor sports events, which often involve significant waste from spectators and participants.
  5. Biodiversity Impact: competitive cheer activities do not interfere with natural habitats or wildlife, unlike sports that take place in natural settings, such as sailing or equestrian events.

Comparisons with Other Sports

To illustrate the absurdity of applying this criterion strictly to competitive cheer, consider the following comparisons:

  • Golf: Maintaining golf courses requires vast amounts of water, pesticides, and fertilizers, all of which have significant environmental impacts. Despite this, golf is included in the Olympics.
  • Sailing: Sailing events often impact marine ecosystems and involve extensive travel and logistics.
  • Equestrian Sports: These require substantial land use and maintenance, along with the care and transportation of horses.

2. Complex Scoring System: A Barrier to competitive cheer’s Olympic Inclusion

One of the critical reasons competitive cheer was not included in the 2028 Olympic Games is its complex scoring system. This intricacy poses a significant barrier to the sport’s appeal among the general public and decision-makers. Let’s dive deeper into why the scoring system is considered complex, how it impacts competitive cheer’s visibility and popularity, and why this reason is arguably ridiculous.

Understanding competitive cheer’s Scoring System

competitive cheer routines are judged based on a variety of elements, each contributing to the final score. These elements include:

  1. Difficulty: The complexity of stunts, pyramids, tumbling passes, and jumps. Teams are rewarded for incorporating more challenging skills.
  2. Execution: How well the team performs the routine, focusing on technique, precision, and synchronization.
  3. Creativity: The uniqueness and innovation of the choreography, including formations and transitions.
  4. Overall Performance: The energy, enthusiasm, and engagement of the team throughout the routine.
  5. Deductions: Penalties for mistakes such as falls, incomplete stunts, or safety violations.

Each of these categories is scored on a detailed rubric, which can vary between different competitive cheer organizations and competitions. Judges need to assess numerous aspects within a short time frame, leading to a detailed and multifaceted scoring process

The Complexity for Viewers

For viewers unfamiliar with the sport, this scoring system can be overwhelming and difficult to follow. Unlike sports where the scoring is straightforward (e.g., a goal in soccer or a basket in basketball), competitive cheer’s scoring involves understanding technical elements and subjective judgments. This complexity can lead to several issues:

  1. Lack of Immediate Clarity: Spectators might find it challenging to understand why one routine scores higher than another, especially when the differences are based on nuanced technicalities.
  2. Engagement: The difficulty in understanding the scoring can reduce viewer engagement. Sports with transparent scoring systems tend to attract more viewers because the audience can easily follow the progression and stakes of the competition.
  3. Appeal to Broad Audiences: For a sport to be included in the Olympics, it needs to appeal to a broad, global audience. The complexity of competitive cheer’s scoring can make it less accessible to new viewers, limiting its widespread appeal.

Why This Reason is Ridiculous

Despite the points above, the argument that competitive cheer’s complex scoring system is a reason for its exclusion from the Olympics is arguably ridiculous for several reasons:

  1. Precedent of Complex Sports: Many Olympic sports have complex scoring systems that have not prevented their inclusion. Gymnastics, figure skating, and diving, for example, all have intricate scoring that requires expert understanding. These sports have been part of the Olympics for years, and their complexity is managed through comprehensive commentary and educational efforts.
  2. Educational Opportunities: The complexity of competitive cheer scoring can be mitigated with proper education and commentary. Broadcasters can explain the scoring elements, much like they do for gymnastics and figure skating, making it easier for viewers to follow and appreciate the performances.
  3. Engagement Through Innovation: Sports with complex scoring can still engage viewers through innovative presentation. Real-time scoring graphics, detailed breakdowns, and interactive features can help demystify the scoring process for audiences.
  4. Growing Popularity: competitive cheer is rapidly growing in popularity worldwide, with increasing participation and viewership. Its inclusion in the Olympics could further boost its visibility and understanding, similar to how gymnastics and figure skating have benefitted from Olympic exposure.

Comparisons with Other Sports

To further illustrate the point, let’s compare competitive cheer’s scoring system with that of other sports:

  • Gymnastics: While gymnastics also has a detailed scoring system, it benefits from a longer history in the Olympics and a more established public understanding. Commentators often help demystify the scoring by explaining deductions and bonuses in real-time.
  • Figure Skating: Similar to gymnastics, figure skating has a complex scoring system but is well-supported by commentators who explain the intricacies to the audience. Over time, viewers have become more familiar with the scoring elements.
  • Diving: Diving involves judges scoring based on execution and difficulty, but the criteria are simpler and more consistent, making it easier for viewers to grasp.
Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

3. Universality: It Should Be Practiced Widely Across the Globe

Explanation: The IOC requires that a sport be widely practiced across the globe to ensure it has a universal appeal and representation. This means the sport should have active participation and recognition in numerous countries.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Growing Global Presence: competitive cheer is rapidly expanding worldwide. The International Cheer Union (ICU) boasts 119 member national federations and has over 10 million athletes globally. This shows a significant level of international engagement and participation.
  • Comparable Sports: Many sports included in the Olympics are not universally practiced. For instance, sports like curling and equestrian have a limited number of participating countries yet remain in the Olympics. competitive cheer’s growing global presence should more than qualify it under the universality criterion.

4. Gender Equality: The Sport Must Promote and Ensure Gender Equality

Explanation: The IOC emphasizes gender equality to promote fairness and equal opportunity for all athletes, regardless of gender.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Equal Participation: competitive cheer promotes gender equality, with both male and female athletes actively participating. Many competitive cheer teams are coed, and the sport celebrates and encourages participation from all genders.
  • Historical Disparities: Some Olympic sports have historically been male-dominated or have struggled with gender equality, yet they are still included. competitive cheer, on the other hand, has made significant strides in balancing gender representation and should be recognized for its efforts.

5. Integrity and Fairness: The Sport Must Have Clear Rules and Be Governed by a Body That Ensures Fair Play

Explanation: Sports included in the Olympics must have well-defined rules and be overseen by a governing body that maintains the integrity of the sport.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Established Governing Bodies: The International Cheer Union (ICU) is the recognized governing body for competitive cheer, ensuring that the sport adheres to clear and fair rules. The ICU’s governance is on par with other sports federations that oversee Olympic sports.
  • Comparable Issues: Many existing Olympic sports have faced issues with fairness and integrity, such as controversies in judging in figure skating or boxing. These sports are not excluded despite these challenges, making it unreasonable to single out competitive cheer.

6. Popularity: The Sport Should Have a Significant Following and Be Popular in Various Regions

Explanation:

To ensure high viewership and engagement, the IOC prefers sports that are popular and have a significant following.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Rising Popularity: competitive cheer has seen a tremendous rise in popularity, especially with events like the competitive cheer Worlds and the ICU World Championships drawing large audiences. The sport’s popularity is growing in regions outside North America as well.
  • Olympic Sports with Limited Popularity: Several Olympic sports have niche followings, yet they remain included. Sports like modern pentathlon and synchronized swimming do not have massive global followings but are still part of the Olympics. competitive cheer’s growing fan base should make it a viable candidate.

7. Host Country Interest: The Host Country’s Interest in the Sport Can Influence Its Inclusion

Explanation: The interest and popularity of a sport in the host country can play a role in its inclusion to boost local engagement and viewership.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Strong U.S. Support: competitive cheer is incredibly popular in the United States, the host country for the 2028 Olympics. This local interest should work in competitive cheer’s favor, making its exclusion based on this criterion even more puzzling.
  • Precedent: Other sports have been included primarily due to host country interest, such as karate in Tokyo 2020 and breakdancing in Paris 2024. competitive cheer’s exclusion despite strong U.S. support seems inconsistent with this precedent.

8. Athlete Safety: The Sport Must Ensure the Safety of Its Participants

Explanation: The IOC prioritizes the safety of athletes, ensuring that the sports included do not pose undue risks.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Improved Safety Measures: competitive cheer has significantly improved its safety standards with regulations, training programs, and safety protocols. The ICU and other governing bodies have implemented measures to reduce injury risks.
  • Inherent Risks in Other Sports: Many Olympic sports carry significant risks, such as gymnastics, boxing, and skiing. These sports are not excluded despite their high injury rates, making the exclusion of competitive cheer on safety grounds appear inconsistent and unreasonable.

9. Cost of Hosting Competitive Cheerleading

Explanation: The IOC considers the financial feasibility of hosting a sport, favoring those that are cost-effective.

Why This Is Ridiculous:

  • Low-Cost Sport: Hosting competitive cheer is relatively inexpensive compared to many other Olympic sports. It requires standard indoor venues, which are often already available and used for other sports. The specialized equipment needed, such as mats and uniforms, is minimal and not cost-prohibitive.
  • Venue Versatility: Cheer can be accommodated in multipurpose arenas that do not require significant modifications or additional infrastructure. This makes it an economically viable option for host cities, reducing the financial burden associated with preparing and maintaining venues.
  • Comparable Costs: Many existing Olympic sports entail substantial costs for venues and equipment. For example, building and maintaining facilities for sports like swimming, cycling, or equestrian events can be extremely expensive. Given this context, cheerleading’s relatively low cost for infrastructure and equipment makes its exclusion on financial grounds unjustifiable.

The criteria used to exclude competitive cheer from the 2028 Olympics are not only unreasonable but also inconsistent when compared to the inclusion of other sports. competitive cheer meets or exceeds many of these criteria, and its exclusion highlights a need for a more inclusive and equitable approach in the selection process for Olympic sports. By addressing these inconsistencies, competitive cheer can improve its prospects for future inclusion in the Olympic Games.

The Sports That Made the Cut

The LA28 Organizing Committee added five sports to the 2028 Olympics: cricket, flag football, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and squash. These sports were chosen based on their global popularity, simplicity, and alignment with Olympic values.

  • Cricket: With over a billion fans worldwide, cricket is a sport with a vast following, especially in countries like India, Australia, and England.
  • Flag Football: Supported by the NFL, flag football has grown rapidly and is seen as a safer alternative to traditional American football.
  • Breakdancing: “Breaking” as they prefer it to be called will be a sport in this year’s Olympics…crazy
  • Lacrosse: Known for its fast-paced and exciting gameplay, lacrosse has a growing global presence.
  • Squash: Squash is played in over 185 countries and has a strong professional circuit.

Competitive cheer’s journey to Olympic inclusion is inevitable. While it did not make the cut for LA 2028, the sport’s recognition by the IOC and its growing global presence are promising signs for the future. Though, it seems, for the moment, there is a bias against including our sport. My guess is we’re too bad-ass, but 🤷‍♂️

…Flag Football 🤦‍♂️ ….for real

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Featured, News

The Shifting Landscape of Cheer Championships

Posted on by IPP Music
The Shifting Landscape of Cheer Championships
23
Jul
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 23, 2024

There have been recent legal developments that are reshaping the cheer landscape. One of the most significant recent changes is the ruling by a judge in Florida declaring that the USASF’s claim to trademark the word “worlds” is not exclusive. This decision, which precedes a trial scheduled for September, has significant implications for the All-Star cheerleading community and beyond.

The Trademark Ruling: Implications for Cheerleading

For many years, the All-Star cheerleading community has operated under the assumption that there is only one legitimate “world” championship event, a belief strengthened by the ICU’s recognition by the IOC. The ICU World Championships have always been considered the only true world event due to this association. In contrast, other cheerleading events have had to rebrand, often using “cup” instead of “worlds” in their titles. This legal development could indicate a similar shift for All-Star cheerleading events.

The Role of USA Cheer and USASF

In recent years, USA Cheer has emerged as the official governing body for all facets of cheerleading in the United States. Meanwhile, USASF has evolved in its function and authority, continuing to support the All-Star community in various ways. The preliminary ruling on the trademark issue raises several critical questions:

  • If USASF is a membership organization and not a federation, what does this mean for its role in hosting world championships?
  • If the “world championships” are not legally recognized as the official and exclusive world championship, how does this affect event producers (EPs) worldwide who have struggled to secure bids due to their relationship (or lack thereof) with their national federation?
  • The significance of federation relationships may be limited to the ICU Championship and official sport business.

The Need for True Leadership

True leaders bring people together, speak the truth, and do not exploit their authority for personal gain. It’s time to move beyond the playground politics that have plagued our sport. As someone who lives in a federated country, I respect the hierarchical structure and the recognitions gained through the IOC. However, the recent domestic litigation advances American commercial interests at the expense of the global cheerleading community.

Lisa Aucoin, an eight-time World Champion Cheerleading Coach, emphasizes that the international cheerleading community expects more from its leaders. She notes, “It’s time for them to invest the thousands/potentially millions they are spending in legal fees fighting each other and start making our sport better.” If we measure effectiveness by goodwill and progress rather than commercial success, how successful would our leaders be?

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

The Global Impact and Future of Cheerleading

We have built an impressive sport for young people worldwide, yet there is still so much more to achieve. If this ruling remains unchallenged, it could have vast implications for the All-Star facet of our sport globally. The world championships are already diluted, and our best wins may be behind us. The landscape of our sport is changing, and it is crucial to consider what we want it to become.

Call to Action

It’s time for our voices to be heard. Speak with your sports leaders, reach out to your federation, and have conversations with your peers. As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Key Considerations

  • The full impact of the ruling may not be known until the trial proceeds.
  • Legal interpretations should be considered with a legal expert’s input.
  • A domestic judge in Florida may not have the authority to make a decision impacting an international event and community.
  • An appeal could change the outcome.

Transparency and truth are crucial. All stakeholders in cheer have the capacity to understand this information and deserve the opportunity to ask questions

The Commercial Landscape: Varsity’s Antitrust Challenges

The billion-dollar All-Star cheerleading industry, long dominated by Varsity, is beginning to see a more open market. Antitrust litigation against Varsity and the disruptions of covid have created a more competitive landscape. Recent events, such as the Open Championship Series (OCS), have shown that independent productions can rival Varsity’s dominance.

Varsity has faced significant challenges, including antitrust lawsuits accusing the company of monopolistic practices. These lawsuits, filed by parents, gym owners, and event producers, claim Varsity has driven out competition and driven up consumer costs. The Open Championship Series, founded in 2019, represents a collective of independent event producers offering a more price-conscious and flexible option for cheerleading competitions. The face of this movement is undoubtedly Heidi Weber. She has made significant contributions to making cheer competitions more affordable and accessible. Heidi directs the Celebrity Cheer and Dance Championships and is a leader in the All-Star cheer community. She’s also just kinda awesome.

The Path Forward

Despite the challenges, the cheerleading community has shown resilience and adaptability. Independent event producers have risen to the occasion, providing alternatives and fostering a more competitive market. The pandemic has highlighted the need for innovation and customer-focused experiences, pushing organizations like Varsity to reexamine and improve their offerings.

The future of cheerleading depends on collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to the sport’s growth and integrity. As we navigate these changes, it is essential to keep the community united and focused on what truly matters: the athletes, the sport, and the shared passion for cheerleading.

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Passion and Sacrifice: The Allure and Challenges of Becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

Posted on by IPP Music
Passion and Sacrifice The Allure and Challenges of Becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
12
Jul
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 12, 2024

Cheerleading at the professional level, especially for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), is a dream for many dancers and athletes across the globe. The Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts” and the long-running CMT reality show “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team” provide an in-depth look into the lives of these cheerleaders.

The Dream of Dancing for “America’s Team”

For many dancers, becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is seen as the pinnacle of their dance careers. This dream is often fueled from a young age, with families investing significant time and money into dance training. The competition is fierce, with hundreds of hopefuls vying for just 36 spots each season, making the acceptance rate comparable to that of Ivy League schools. The allure of being part of an iconic squad, performing at NFL games, and representing a globally recognized brand drives many to endure grueling audition processes and intense training regimens.

The Harsh Realities Behind the Glamour

Despite the prestige, the path to becoming a DCC is fraught with challenges. The cheerleaders often juggle demanding day jobs with their rigorous training schedules. The compensation, though improved after a lawsuit in 2018, remains modest compared to the wealth of the organization they represent. Cheerleaders earn approximately $500 per game and $15 to $20 per hour for practices, which, while better than in previous years, is still not commensurate with their contributions

The docuseries highlights the immense physical and mental pressures these women face. Cheerleaders like Victoria Kalina and others have spoken about the toll that maintaining the DCC’s stringent appearance standards can take, often leading to severe issues such as eating disorders (Vanity Fair). The pressure to remain slim and fit into the iconic DCC uniform, which they must return at the end of each season, exacerbates these struggles. This pressure is compounded by the public scrutiny they face, both from the team’s management and the broader audience.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

The Passion That Keeps Them Going

Despite these challenges, many cheerleaders continue to pursue this dream out of sheer passion for dance and performance. The love for the art form and the desire to be part of something bigger than themselves often outweigh the financial and personal sacrifices. The DCC’s rigorous standards and the high-stakes environment push these dancers to their limits, but for many, the experience is worth every struggle (New York Times).

Victoria Kalina’s journey, as depicted in the docuseries, exemplifies this passion and dedication. Despite facing rejection and battling personal demons, she remained committed to her goal, ultimately deciding to pivot her dreams towards becoming a Rockette. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of these cheerleaders, who often must navigate the fine line between personal aspirations and professional demands (Vanity Fair).

 

A Call for Better Support and Compensation

While the passion of these cheerleaders is undeniable, there is a growing call for better support and compensation. The organization has made some strides, such as providing sponsorships that cover expenses like haircuts and spray tans. However, these perks do not fully address the financial and emotional challenges faced by the cheerleaders. Advocates argue for a more comprehensive approach that includes fairer pay, better mental health support, and respectful treatment from the organization

The journey of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is one of passion, sacrifice, and resilience. The allure of performing on a grand stage and being part of a storied legacy drives many to pursue this challenging path. However, the realities highlighted by documentaries and docuseries call for a reevaluation of how these talented individuals are compensated and supported. As the cheerleading world continues to evolve, it is crucial to ensure that these athletes receive the respect, recognition, and compensation they deserve.

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Documentary Spotlight: REDEMPTION: USA Cheer vs. The World

Posted on by IPP Music
REDEMPTION USA Cheer vs The World documentary is it good
08
Jul
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By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 8, 2024

Since 2018, the Premier US National All Girl Team has fallen short to Team Finland at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships. In this six-episode limited series, REDEMPTION: USA Cheer vs. The World, we follow the team from its inception to the 2023 ICU World Cheerleading Championship.  The team is on their journey to take back the gold medal, and it is not an easy road.

“This film shows cheerleading on a whole other level. I am obsessed!!” –Maddy Brum, Netflix CHEER Season 2

In this documentary, you can expect the raw, unfiltered, and true version of what the training experience is like for the athletes and coaches. Every cheerleader responds differently when they hear “cheerleading isn’t a sport” but for these girls, they prove that cheerleaders are athletes too. 

Buckle Up for an emotional roller coaster; this shows the true dedication of blood, sweat, and tears! -Morgan Simianer, Netflix CHEER

Being put on mat in the beginning of training does not solidify your position through the end. Changes are made only days before taking the mat, and the coaches have tough decisions to make to ensure that the right combination take the floor at ICU in Orlando. Let’s meet some of the characters in REDEMPTION: USA Cheer vs. The World.

Head coach Tony Nash is one of the best cheerleading coaches in the world, and he even was a part of innovating cheerleading in the United States. But what many do not know is that Tony is facing a medical battle that puts life into perspective for him and his family. Tony is not only a coach, but a dedicated father and husband whose main focus in life is to be the best he can be for his family. While searching for redemption on the mat, he is also searching for answers when it comes to his health. 

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Mark Coleman, head coach of Morehead State University, plays a complex role in the narrative of the documentary. As a mentor coach for Team Finland, Mark brings his vast experience and expertise to help elevate the Finnish team’s performance at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships. However, this dual role creates a challenging dynamic, as Mark also coaches some athletes on the USA All Girl team who cheer for him over at Morehead State.

Mark’s involvement with both teams adds an intriguing layer to the series, illustrating the interconnected world of competitive cheer. It underscores the importance of integrity, commitment, and the delicate balance required to excel in such a fiercely competitive world.

Madelyn is from the University of West Georgia and the USA Cheer training process is pretty tough on her both physically and mentally. Madelyn is also facing challenges outside of cheer, and something happens right before Finals at ICU in 2022 that could take over her whole demeanor.

Journey is a powerhouse athlete, but even the best of the best face tough challenges. Journey’s back is a constant struggle for her, and ultimately it affects her ability to be able to compete. This results in a chain reaction of events for the team at the 2022 ICU World Cheerleading Championship. 

You will learn that USA All Girl assistant coach, Asia, was also an athlete on the team before becoming a coach. Her first year in 2018 was the first time the team did not win a Gold medal. Asia has never won Gold before, so her will to win is at an all time high. 

Assistant coach, Lindsey, was also an athlete on the team before becoming a coach. But Lindsey has won a Gold medal before, so she knows what it feels like for all of your hard work to be worth it. She is determined to help the team get back to the top where they belong. 

Cora never imagined herself on a team like USA. From being an alternate, to the opportunity to compete, big dreams come true for this NC State athlete.

Blake isn’t just the teams’ choreographer, but a close friend of head coach Tony. Blake is close to Tony’s family and ultimately helped Tony get through a tough stage of his life. 

Blake helped Tony get through a challenging period marked by his medical battle. Tony is one of the best cheerleading coaches globally, but faced significant health issues that added immense pressure and stress to his life. Blake was crucial in his support and friendship to helping Tony navigate this tough stage and stay focused on his family and coaching.

Paige and Michaiah are two strong leaders and exceptional athletes. 

They not only excel in their cheer skills but also play a crucial role in maintaining team cohesion and morale during the grueling training sessions. Their leadership extends beyond mere words of encouragement; they lead by example, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their craft and pushing their teammates to strive for greatness.

What adds an intriguing layer to their dynamic is that, while they are united as teammates on the USA Cheer National Team, they are still, currently, fierce rivals in the college circuit. This rivalry fuels a healthy competition between them, driving each to perform at their absolute best. Their ability to balance this rivalry with their shared goal of leading the USA team to victory highlights their maturity and dedication. Despite competing against each other in college, Paige and Michaiah put aside their differences to work together, showcasing the true spirit of teamwork and unity.

Their journey in the documentary reveals the complexities of balancing personal ambitions with team objectives, making their story an inspiring testament to the power of leadership and collaboration in achieving common goals.

The Soundtrack of Determination

At IPP Music, we are incredibly proud to be the official music provider for the USA Cheer National Team. Our custom mixes, designed to inspire and energize, play a pivotal role in this documentary, underscoring the intense training and triumphant moments of the team. It’s an honor to contribute to such an extraordinary journey.

Watch REDEMPTION: USA Cheer Vs The World on FloCheer 

The series is a FloStudios production, sponsored by EZ Flex Mats. 

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Events, Featured, News

From Silver to Gold: The Remarkable Journey of Extreme All Stars Lvl X

Posted on by IPP Music
The Remarkable Journey of Extreme All Stars Lvl X
14
Jun
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published June 14, 2024

For Extreme All Stars gym owner Mandy Field, winning a world championship was a dream that seemed almost unreachable. The team has always worked tirelessly, season after season, but the talent pool in competitive cheer is vast… and let’s say…formidable. However, after clinching the silver medal at the 2023 Cheerleading Worlds, she sensed that her team was on the cusp of something extraordinary.

A Season Fueled by Determination

“Every single athlete after awards were like, ‘We’re doing it next year. Next year is our year!’” Field recalls. “From our first practice, they were declaring they were going to be World Champions.” This unwavering confidence set the tone for the entire season, with the team adopting the motto, “Speak it into existence.”

Overcoming Adversity

The road to the 2024 Cheerleading Worlds was anything but smooth. The season was marked by significant challenges, including numerous injuries. As a D2 gym, Extreme All Stars didn’t have the luxury of a large pool of substitute athletes. This meant long, grueling practices and additional training days. Despite these hurdles, the team’s dedication never wavered.

“We had a time in the season that we practiced for 30 days straight,” Field explained. “We never had a day off because we were having one injury after another. We are a smaller gym, so it was a big challenge, but the kids never batted an eye. It’s been their mission all season, and they made sure it happened. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Building Momentum

The team’s determination began to pay off at the CHEERSPORT Nationals, where Lvl X hit zero deductions on both days and secured first place out of 11 teams. This victory was a turning point and a manifestation of their world champion aspirations. “We passed around a piece of paper, and everyone wrote on it, ‘I am going to be a World Champion,’” Field said. “We ended every practice saying, ‘We are World Champions.’”

The Final Push

As the 2024 Cheerleading Worlds approached, the team faced yet another setback: a serious injury to a key athlete. The uncertainty was palpable, but the athlete managed to compete, albeit without tumbling, delivering an incredible performance.

“It was a stressful weekend for us,” Field said. “She was able to compete but just not tumble and pulled off an amazing routine.”

The Moment of Truth

All the stress, hard work, and determination culminated in a defining moment. Lvl X was in first place after the semi-finals in the L6 Limited Senior XSmall Coed division. They returned for the finals and delivered a flawless zero-deduction routine. The anticipation was electric as the announcers declared, “And your 2024 World Champions… Extreme All Stars Lvl X!”

“It took 26 years of building the gym for that to happen,” Field reflected. “It was always my ultimate goal with coaching, but it almost didn’t seem real. You work so hard for that moment, put in so much time and passion, and then when it happens, you almost need to pinch yourself to make sure it’s real. I was so grateful that the kids actually got to see the reward of hard work.”

A Journey Come Full Circle

This victory marked the program’s first-ever World Championship win, a testament to the team’s perseverance and belief. From D2 Summit titles, NCA titles, competing in level 6, stepping back to level 5, and ultimately taking second place in 2023, the journey of Extreme All Stars Lvl X has been nothing short of remarkable.

“They stuck with it. They didn’t go somewhere else; they trusted that we would one day pull it back together. They worked every day just as hard on a level 5 team as they did when we got to level 6 again,” Field said.

The story of Extreme All Stars Lvl X is a powerful reminder that hard work and determination do pay off. Their journey from silver to gold, overcoming countless obstacles, and achieving their dream of becoming world champions, is an inspiration to cheerleaders everywhere. As Field puts it, “It’s been their mission all season, and they made sure it happened. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

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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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Events, Featured, News, Results

2024 Daytona NCA Nationals Results (searchable)

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Daytona NCA Nationals 2024 Results Scores
14
Apr
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published April 14, 2024

This year’s NCA College Cheer Nationals, held from April 11-13 in Daytona Beach, Florida, proved that not even stormy skies could dampen the spirit of collegiate cheerleading. Originally slated for the picturesque outdoor setting by the iconic Daytona Coquina clock tower, inclement weather forced the event indoors, turning it into an unexpected yet equally thrilling display of cheer excellence.

Adapting to Change:

The sudden venue change tested the adaptability and focus of competing teams. Inside the confines of the alternative indoor venue, the atmosphere turned electric, with teams and spectators rallying to make the most of the challenging situation. The echo of cheers and the stomp of routines filled the air, creating a memorable spectacle of resilience and cheer spirit.

Highlights and Performances:

Despite the weather setbacks, the competition was fierce, featuring top-notch performances that pushed the boundaries of collegiate cheerleading. Teams from various divisions showcased their skills, executing intricate stunts and synchronized routines with precision and flair.

Winning Teams and Programs:

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Reflections on the Event:

The 2024 NCA College Cheer Nationals not only showcased the athletic prowess of collegiate cheerleaders but also highlighted their remarkable ability to adapt and excel under unexpected pressure. The last-minute shift indoors due to the inclement weather could have unsettled many, but instead, it reinforced the strength and resilience of all participating teams. The enclosed setting of the venue added a unique intimacy to the event, amplifying the spirit and energy of each performance. This closeness allowed athletes and spectators alike to connect more deeply, feeling every chant and cheer right in their bones, making every stunt and formation seem more impactful.

As the vibrant echoes of the 2024 Nationals slowly fade, the robust spirit of the event firmly lingers—a vivid testament to the unyielding passion and resilience within the cheer community. This year’s unexpected challenges only deepened the bonds among teams and spectators, showcasing that the heart of cheerleading thrives on both competition and camaraderie. Looking forward to next year, the NCA College Cheer Nationals aims to return under clearer skies, promising to leverage the extraordinary experiences of this year to elevate the event further. No matter the setting, the essence of the Nationals will always revolve around fierce competition, unwavering support, and the shared love for cheer

landscape mode

2024 Daytona NCA Collegiate Nationals Results - Finals

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Division Program/Team Max Deductions Raw Performance Event Score Rank
1 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Large Coed Division IA Weber State University 100 0.25 99.20 98.95 98.52 1
2 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division II Tarleton State University 100 0.00 98.00 98.00 97.81 1
3 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I North Carolina A&T State University 90 0.25 88.30 97.86 97.64 1
4 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Southern Methodist University 90 0.25 87.77 97.27 97.26 1
5 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Dallas Baptist University 90 0.75 88.13 97.18 97.25 1
6 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I Stephen F Austin State University 90 0.25 87.63 97.12 97.20 2
7 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Large Coed Division IA Texas Tech University 100 0.75 98.07 97.32 96.97 2
8 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Oklahoma Baptist University 90 0.00 87.47 97.19 96.74 2
9 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Florida Atlantic University 90 0.25 87.37 96.82 96.55 2
10 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced All-Girl Division II Davenport University 100 0.25 96.53 96.28 96.49 1
11 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Large Coed Junior College Trinity Valley Community College 100 1.00 98.23 97.23 96.42 1
12 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division IA University of Florida Competition Club 100 0.00 97.00 97.00 96.36 1
13 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Mississippi State University 90 0.75 87.33 96.29 96.33 3
14 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division IA University of Michigan 100 0.00 97.10 97.10 96.28 2
15 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division II Texas A&M University – Kingsville 100 0.00 96.30 96.30 96.28 2
16 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Lindenwood University 90 0.75 86.97 95.88 96.17 3
17 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Large Coed Junior College Tyler Junior College 90 0.25 86.80 96.19 96.15 1
18 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division IA Mississippi State University 100 1.25 97.20 95.95 96.14 3
19 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III Christopher Newport University 90 0.00 86.63 96.26 96.03 1
20 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I California Baptist University 90 0.25 86.80 96.19 96.01 1
21 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division I Niagara University 100 0.00 96.30 96.30 95.94 1
22 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA The Ohio State University 90 0.00 86.17 95.74 95.72 1
23 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Small Coed Division I Weber State University 100 0.00 95.87 95.87 95.71 1
24 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I University of Central Arkansas 90 0.00 86.70 96.33 95.58 3
25 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced All-Girl Division II Oklahoma Baptist University 100 0.00 95.90 95.90 95.58 2
26 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Morgan State University 90 0.00 86.10 95.67 95.55 2
27 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA WVU Competitive Cheer Club 90 0.00 87.07 96.74 95.51 2
28 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA University of Tennessee Club Team 90 0.75 86.70 95.58 95.43 3
29 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Small Coed Division IA Texas Tech University 100 0.25 95.97 95.72 95.41 1
30 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Slippery Rock University 90 0.75 86.70 95.58 95.33 4
31 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division IA Michigan State University Competitive 100 0.00 95.60 95.60 95.30 4
32 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Lubbock Christian University 90 0.00 86.00 95.56 95.27 5
33 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I Missouri State University – Springfield 90 0.00 86.13 95.70 95.25 4
34 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Large Coed Junior College Navarro College 100 1.25 97.27 96.02 95.23 2
35 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Large Coed Division IA University of Missouri – Columbia 90 0.00 85.83 95.37 95.22 1
36 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Large Coed Junior College Pratt Community College 90 0.00 86.70 96.33 95.17 2
37 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division III Bridgewater State University 90 0.00 86.03 95.59 95.13 1
38 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Coed Division II University of Arkansas Fort Smith 90 1.00 86.30 94.89 95.10 1
39 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division II University of Texas – Tyler 100 0.00 95.20 95.20 95.08 3
40 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA University of Pittsburgh 90 0.00 85.70 95.22 95.05 4
41 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Game Day Division IA University of Michigan 100 0.00 95.67 95.67 95.03 1
42 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Small Coed Division IA NC State 100 0.25 95.83 95.58 95.01 2
43 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced All-Girl Division I California Baptist University 100 1.25 95.87 94.62 95.01 1
44 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Coed Division II Lindenwood University 90 1.00 86.57 95.19 94.96 2
45 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Small Coed Division IA Brigham Young University 100 0.00 95.17 95.17 94.91 3
46 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Large Coed Division IA University of Louisville 100 1.00 96.60 95.60 94.79 3
47 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Texas A&M 90 0.00 85.93 95.48 94.71 4
48 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Game Day Division IA Brigham Young University 100 0.00 95.63 95.63 94.69 2
49 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Game Day Division II Dallas Baptist University 100 0.00 95.27 95.27 94.67 1
50 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Old Dominion University 90 0.00 85.47 94.96 94.63 5
51 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Northeastern University 90 0.00 85.37 94.85 94.55 3
52 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Game Day Division I Utah Valley University 100 0.25 95.23 94.98 94.55 1
53 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Coed Division II Saginaw Valley State University 90 0.00 85.27 94.74 94.52 3
54 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Florida State University 90 0.00 85.53 95.04 94.48 5
55 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Junior College Dodge City Community College 90 0.00 85.83 95.37 94.43 1
56 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I Jackson State University 90 0.25 85.47 94.71 94.37 5
57 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA New Mexico State University 90 0.75 86.23 95.06 94.37 6
58 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA NC State Club Cheer 90 0.25 85.27 94.49 94.36 6
59 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Georgia Southern University 90 1.25 86.47 94.82 94.32 7
60 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced All-Girl Division IA University of Louisville 100 1.50 95.80 94.30 94.24 1
61 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division II Lindenwood University 100 0.25 94.60 94.35 94.24 4
62 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced All-Girl Division IA Oklahoma State University 100 0.25 94.97 94.72 94.23 2
63 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Spirit Rally Division I Texas Southern University 100 0.75 94.40 93.65 94.21 2
64 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Large Coed Division IA Oklahoma State University 100 0.00 94.17 94.17 94.06 4
65 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Small Coed Division I Kennesaw State University 100 0.00 94.70 94.70 94.05 2
66 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced All-Girl Division I Kennesaw State University 100 0.25 95.90 95.65 93.95 2
67 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Kent State University 90 0.75 85.37 94.10 93.93 8
68 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Sam Houston State University 90 0.00 85.67 95.19 93.82 7
69 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Valdosta State University 90 1.50 85.83 93.87 93.80 6
70 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III Curry College 90 0.75 85.00 93.69 93.78 2
71 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III University of Massachusetts – Boston 90 1.50 85.13 93.09 93.55 3
72 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I UC Santa Barbara 90 0.25 84.70 93.86 93.44 4
73 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Sacramento State 90 0.00 84.60 94.00 93.42 5
74 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Large Coed Division IA East Carolina University 90 0.25 84.90 94.08 93.41 2
75 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Florida A&M University 90 0.25 84.83 94.01 93.41 6
76 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Small Coed Junior College Dodge City Community College 100 0.50 94.40 93.90 93.31 1
77 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA University of North Texas 90 1.00 85.40 93.89 93.21 8
78 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Small Coed Junior College Trinity Valley Community College 100 1.00 94.13 93.13 93.20 2
79 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced All-Girl Division IA Clemson University 100 2.00 94.57 92.57 93.18 3
80 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Coed Division II Slippery Rock University 90 0.25 84.17 93.27 93.16 4
81 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville 90 1.00 84.67 93.07 93.14 7
82 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Small Coed Division IA University of Louisville 100 1.00 95.17 94.17 93.09 4
83 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Game Day Open Navarro College 100 0.00 93.70 93.70 93.07 1
84 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I University of New Hampshire 90 0.00 83.67 92.96 93.04 6
85 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I American University 90 0.00 83.77 93.07 92.98 8
86 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Large Coed Division IA Georgia Southern University 90 0.00 84.33 93.70 92.97 3
87 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Saint Joseph’s University 90 1.25 84.40 92.53 92.87 9
88 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced Small Coed Division IA University of Kansas 100 1.00 93.70 92.70 92.86 5
89 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed NAIA Roosevelt University 90 1.00 84.13 92.48 92.81 1
90 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III Piedmont University 90 0.50 84.43 93.31 92.70 4
91 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Large Coed Division IA Kansas State University 90 0.50 84.13 92.98 92.70 4
92 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Merrimack College 90 0.75 84.67 93.32 92.61 10
93 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Large Coed Division IA Florida Atlantic University Club 90 0.00 83.90 93.22 92.56 5
94 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Coed Division II University of Arkansas Monticello 90 0.25 83.63 92.68 92.51 5
95 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Mascot University of Missouri- Truman The Tiger 60 1.50 56.40 92.50 92.50 1
96 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Advanced All-Girl Division III Alma College 100 0.25 93.50 93.25 92.50 1
97 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Northern Illinois University 90 0.75 84.00 92.58 92.49 9
98 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA University of Georgia Club Cheer 90 0.00 84.17 93.52 92.48 9
99 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Jacksonville State University 90 0.75 84.03 92.62 92.43 10
100 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:31 PM Intermediate Large Coed Junior College Riverside City College 90 0.75 83.93 92.51 92.43 3
Division Program/Team Rank

2024 Daytona NCA Collegiate Nationals Results - Prelims

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Division Program/Team Max Deductions Raw Performance Event Score Rank
1 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Dallas Baptist University 90 87.73 0.00 97.48 0.97 1
2 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I Stephen F Austin State University 90 87.70 0.00 97.44 0.97 1
3 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division II Tarleton State University 100 97.50 0.25 97.25 24.31 1
4 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Large Coed Division IA Weber State University 100 97.73 0.50 97.23 24.31 1
5 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Southern Methodist University 90 87.50 0.00 97.22 0.97 1
6 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division II Davenport University 100 97.10 0.00 97.10 24.28 1
7 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Lindenwood University 90 87.33 0.00 97.04 0.97 2
8 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I North Carolina A&T State University 90 87.73 0.50 96.98 0.97 2
9 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division IA Mississippi State University 100 97.20 0.50 96.70 24.18 1
10 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Mississippi State University 90 86.80 0.00 96.44 0.96 2
11 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division II Texas A&M University – Kingsville 100 96.20 0.00 96.20 24.05 2
12 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division I California Baptist University 100 96.43 0.25 96.18 24.05 1
13 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Large Coed Junior College Tyler Junior College 90 86.87 0.50 96.02 0.96 1
14 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Large Coed Division IA Texas Tech University 100 97.93 2.00 95.93 23.98 2
15 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division I Texas Southern University 100 95.90 0.00 95.90 23.98 1
16 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Coed Division II University of Arkansas Fort Smith 90 86.40 0.25 95.75 0.96 1
17 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Florida Atlantic University 90 86.60 0.50 95.72 0.96 3
18 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA The Ohio State University 90 86.10 0.00 95.67 0.96 1
19 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I California Baptist University 90 86.80 1.00 95.44 0.95 1
20 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Oklahoma Baptist University 90 85.87 0.00 95.41 0.95 3
21 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III Christopher Newport University 90 85.80 0.00 95.33 0.95 1
22 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Small Coed Division I Weber State University 100 95.50 0.25 95.25 23.81 1
23 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Morgan State University 90 85.67 0.00 95.19 0.95 2
24 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division IA Clemson University 100 95.03 0.00 95.03 23.76 1
25 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA University of Tennessee Club Team 90 86.13 0.75 94.95 0.95 2
26 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III University of Massachusetts – Boston 90 85.43 0.00 94.93 0.95 2
27 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division I Niagara University 100 95.10 0.25 94.85 23.71 2
28 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Large Coed Division IA University of Missouri – Columbia 90 85.53 0.25 94.79 0.95 1
29 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division II University of Texas – Tyler 100 94.70 0.00 94.70 23.68 3
30 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division II Oklahoma Baptist University 100 94.60 0.00 94.60 23.65 2
31 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Slippery Rock University 90 85.10 0.00 94.56 0.95 4
32 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA University of Pittsburgh 90 85.07 0.00 94.52 0.95 4
33 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Small Coed Division IA Texas Tech University 100 94.73 0.25 94.48 23.62 1
34 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division IA University of Florida Competition Club 100 94.70 0.25 94.45 23.61 2
35 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Lubbock Christian University 90 84.97 0.00 94.41 0.94 5
36 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division IA Michigan State University Competitive 100 94.40 0.00 94.40 23.60 3
37 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Coed Division II Lindenwood University 90 85.97 1.25 94.27 0.94 2
38 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Small Coed Division IA Brigham Young University 100 94.40 0.25 94.15 23.54 2
39 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division IA University of Louisville 100 95.57 1.50 94.07 23.52 2
40 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III Curry College 90 84.87 0.25 94.05 0.94 3
41 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Large Coed Junior College Trinity Valley Community College 100 95.97 2.00 93.97 23.49 1
42 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA NC State Club Cheer 90 84.57 0.00 93.96 0.94 3
43 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division II Lindenwood University 100 93.90 0.00 93.90 23.48 4
44 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I Missouri State University – Springfield 90 85.40 1.00 93.89 0.94 3
45 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Saint Joseph’s University 90 85.17 0.75 93.88 0.94 3
46 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Coed Division II Saginaw Valley State University 90 84.70 0.25 93.86 0.94 3
47 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed NAIA Roosevelt University 90 85.10 0.75 93.81 0.94 1
48 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division IA University of Michigan 100 94.30 0.50 93.80 23.45 4
49 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Large Coed Division IA Oklahoma State University 100 94.50 0.75 93.75 23.44 3
50 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division III Bridgewater State University 90 85.03 0.75 93.73 0.94 1
51 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Northeastern University 90 84.97 0.75 93.66 0.94 4
52 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Old Dominion University 90 85.40 1.25 93.64 0.94 5
53 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division II Valdosta State University 90 85.37 1.25 93.60 0.94 6
54 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA University of Houston 90 85.10 1.00 93.56 0.94 6
55 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Kent State University 90 84.30 0.25 93.42 0.93 4
56 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Small Coed Junior College Trinity Valley Community College 100 94.67 1.25 93.42 23.35 1
57 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Division I Sacramento State 100 93.40 0.00 93.40 23.35 3
58 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division I University of New Hampshire 100 94.13 0.75 93.38 23.35 2
59 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I Jackson State University 90 84.90 1.00 93.33 0.93 4
60 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville 90 84.90 1.00 93.33 0.93 5
61 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Small Coed Division IA University of Kansas 100 93.83 0.50 93.33 23.33 3
62 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I University of Central Arkansas 90 86.00 2.25 93.31 0.93 5
63 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Small Coed Division IA NC State 100 94.80 1.50 93.30 23.33 4
64 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division I University of New Hampshire 90 83.93 0.00 93.26 0.93 6
65 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Game Day Division I Utah Valley University 100 93.23 0.00 93.23 23.31 1
66 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Mercer University 90 83.87 0.00 93.19 0.93 6
67 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division I Utah Valley University 100 93.63 0.50 93.13 23.28 3
68 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Game Day Division IA University of Michigan 100 93.13 0.00 93.13 23.28 1
69 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Game Day Division II Dallas Baptist University 100 92.87 0.00 92.87 23.22 1
70 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III Endicott College 90 84.47 1.00 92.85 0.93 4
71 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Large Coed Junior College Navarro College 100 95.10 2.25 92.85 23.21 2
72 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Eastern Michigan University 90 83.77 0.25 92.82 0.93 7
73 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Florida State University 90 84.20 0.75 92.81 0.93 5
74 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Georgia Southern University 90 84.43 1.00 92.81 0.93 5
75 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Coed Division II Slippery Rock University 90 83.53 0.00 92.81 0.93 4
76 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division IA Oklahoma State University 100 93.77 1.00 92.77 23.19 3
77 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I American University 90 83.67 0.25 92.71 0.93 7
78 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Small Coed Division II Davenport University 100 92.60 0.00 92.60 23.15 1
79 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Texas A&M 90 84.97 2.00 92.41 0.92 7
80 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Florida International University South 90 83.17 0.00 92.41 0.92 7
81 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Large Coed Division IA University of Louisville 100 95.10 2.75 92.35 23.09 4
82 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Texas State Competitive Cheer 90 83.27 0.25 92.27 0.92 8
83 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA New Mexico State University 90 85.97 3.25 92.27 0.92 8
84 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Small Coed Junior College Blinn College 100 92.20 0.00 92.20 23.05 2
85 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA Northern Illinois University 90 83.20 0.25 92.19 0.92 9
86 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Large Coed Junior College Riverside City College 90 83.87 1.00 92.19 0.92 2
87 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I UC Santa Barbara 90 83.63 0.75 92.18 0.92 8
88 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced Small Coed Division I Kennesaw State University 100 93.10 1.00 92.10 23.03 2
89 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Coed Division II University of Arkansas Monticello 90 82.80 0.00 92.00 0.92 5
90 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III Fitchburg State University 90 83.20 0.50 91.94 0.92 5
91 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III New York University 90 83.60 1.00 91.89 0.92 6
92 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Game Day Division IA Brigham Young University 100 91.87 0.00 91.87 22.97 2
93 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Small Coed Division IA Jacksonville State University 90 82.90 0.25 91.86 0.92 10
94 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate Large Coed Division IA Kansas State University 90 83.57 1.00 91.85 0.92 2
95 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division IA WVU Competitive Cheer Club 90 84.67 2.25 91.82 0.92 10
96 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division IA University of Missouri – Columbia 100 92.57 0.75 91.82 22.95 4
97 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Advanced All-Girl Division IA University of South Carolina – Columbia 100 93.07 1.25 91.82 22.95 5
98 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Spirit Rally Open Penn State Behrend Competitive Cheer 100 91.80 0.00 91.80 22.95 1
99 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division III Keene State College 90 82.80 0.25 91.75 0.92 7
100 tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM tbitties 04/14/2024 01:36 PM Intermediate All-Girl Division I Sacramento State 90 83.20 0.75 91.69 0.92 9
Division Program/Team Rank

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Coaching, Events, Featured, News

Texas: The Epicenter of a Cheer Evolution

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
Texas The Epicenter of a Cheer Evolution
26
Mar
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published March 26, 2024

Ever since Joe Rogan packed up his stuff in LA and set his sights on Austin, Texas, he kinda started a whole new trend. Now it seems like everyone from every corner of the country is eyeing Texas as their next big move. This Lone Star State migration isn’t about barbecue and cowboy boots (though I’m def on board with both lol). It’s sparking a massive transformation across various industries, including the cheer scene, which, as we all know. has exploded into a billion-dollar behemoth in the last 10 years or so. Texas is 100% leading the charge, turning what used to be sideline spectacle into a competitive, global powerhouse.

From Sidelines to Center Stage

The narrative of cheerleading’s rise is epitomized by the journey of Bill Seely, a former collegiate athlete who, after a skiing accident, found his calling in cheerleading. His ascent to the presidency of Varsity Spirit symbolizes the sport’s transition from an underestimated activity to a competitive, global enterprise. Varsity Spirit, under Seely’s leadership, epitomizes the industry’s success, generating substantial revenue and influencing cheer culture worldwide.

Dallas-Fort Worth: A Hub of Cheerleading Excellence

Dallas-Fort Worth has played a crucial role in cheerleading’s explosive growth. Hosting over 40 competitions annually, including the prestigious National Cheerleader’s Association’s All-Star National Championship, the region not only showcases athletic prowess but significantly contributes to the local economy. These events, drawing thousands of participants and spectators, underscore the area’s significance in the cheerleading world.

Texas’ Premier Cheer Gyms and Programs

Texas is home to a plethora of esteemed cheer gyms and programs that have consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport. These institutions serve as the backbone of the cheer community, offering training and competitive opportunities for athletes at all levels.

Texas has solidified its position as a hotbed for the competitive cheer industry, a sector that’s increasingly recognized for its athleticism, discipline, and entertainment value. The state’s enthusiasm for cheerleading is reflected in its myriad of gyms and programs that are dedicated to fostering talent from the grassroots level to elite competitive teams. This thriving ecosystem is not just about the athletes but also includes a cadre of experienced coaches and supportive communities that together fuel the cheerleading fervor across the Lone Star State.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

One standout gym is Texas Cheer Allstars, celebrated for its commitment to empowering athletes of all skill levels. The gym prides itself on creating a nurturing environment where every athlete feels valued, fostering not just physical skills but also character and self-esteem through the sport. Texas Cheer Allstars has made a significant mark by winning several National Championships, testament to their excellence in training and athlete development​​.

Another notable mention is Texas AllStar Cheer & Dance, serving the North Austin/Pflugerville/Round Rock/Hutto area as a premier competitive cheer gym. Their mission centers around promoting the sport of cheer and developing athletes to their highest potential within a positive environment that encourages discipline, commitment, and integrity. Offering a variety of competitive cheer teams, tumble classes, as well as preschool and after-school training programs, Texas AllStar Cheer & Dance exemplifies the comprehensive approach to athlete development​​.

The Cheer Factory in Baytown, Cheer Station in Austin, and Cheer Texas in Amarillo further exemplify the diversity and reach of competitive cheer in Texas. Each gym brings its unique strengths to the table, from Cheer Factory’s emphasis on all levels of cheerleading​​, to Cheer Texas’s impressive track record of over 60 National Titles and appearances at the Cheerleading Worlds​​.

Texas Elite Allstars, located in Converse, aims to offer a team for every skill level, from novices to advanced athletes aiming for level 4 competitions. Their detailed programming ensures athletes are placed on teams that match their abilities, ensuring both personal growth and competitive success​​.

Express Cheer in Frisco further highlights the cheerleading culture in Texas, with programs that cater to both elite competitors and those new to the sport. Their comprehensive offerings, including the Express All-Stars elite competitive cheer program and various tumbling classes, showcase their dedication to training champions and changing lives​​.

Full Force Cheer distinguishes itself with all levels of all-star cheerleading, including a Level 6 Worlds Team, showcasing their “large gym” skills despite being a smaller facility. Their focus on competitive cheerleading and dedication to creating the ultimate team sport experience speaks to the depth of talent and commitment within Texas’ cheerleading community​​.

Cheer’s Economic and Cultural Impact in Texas

Beyond the athletic achievement, cheerleading has become a significant economic force in Texas. The sport’s ability to draw large crowds and fill hotels and restaurants during competitions speaks to its financial impact. Moreover, the presence of cheerleading companies and apparel manufacturers in the state further amplifies its economic contribution.

Looking Ahead

With cheerleading recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the sport is on the brink of even greater global expansion. Texas, with its rich cheerleading culture and infrastructure, is poised to play a central role in this growth. The state’s commitment to nurturing talent and hosting premier events will undoubtedly influence cheerleading’s trajectory on the world stage.

Texas’ role in the evolution of cheerleading is undeniable. From fostering grassroots enthusiasm to hosting world-class competitions, the state has become synonymous with cheerleading excellence. As the sport continues to grow, both in popularity and economic significance, Texas will undoubtedly remain at its epicenter, driving innovation and inspiring future generations of cheerleaders.

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Events, News, Results

2024 UCA All Star National Championship Recap and Results

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
2024 UCA Nationals Championships Results Recap cheerleading
12
Mar
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published March 12, 2024

SCROLL TO RESULTS

This past weekend, the cheerleading world turned its gaze towards Orlando, Florida, as the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex played host to the highly anticipated 2024 UCA All Star National Championship. A spectacle of athleticism, teamwork, and spirit, this year’s championship was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing the best of the best in the cheer community.

A Venue of Victory

At the heart of the excitement was the prestigious ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. Over the course of March 9-10, 2024, teams from across the nation gathered to compete for top honors, with the event offering a total of 4 paid bids and 12 at-large bids to the most elite teams.

Triumphs and Trophies

The competition was fierce, with squads giving their all to impress the judges and captivate the audience. In the end, several teams rose to the occasion, securing their place at the top with performances that will be remembered for years to come.

Paid Bid Winners

At-Large Bid Winners

  • UKNight Training Center – Majesty made a significant impact in the L6 U18 NT division, proving that talent and dedication can indeed make dreams come true.
  • Top Gun All Stars – Lady Eve brought elegance and power to the L7 International Open division, earning their spot with a performance that spoke volumes of their commitment.
Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Champions Crowned

The final bid order and scores revealed the depth of talent present at this year’s championship. Brandon All-Stars – Senior Black, under the guidance of coaches Kyle, Erica, Joslynne, and Jarrod, showcased a blend of precision and astute athleticism and rocked the room. Their coaching staff’s ability to foster a winning focus and technical excellence was evident as they led their team to a spectacular victory with an impressive score of 98.933 in the L6 Small Senior Coed category, closely followed by Cheer Extreme – Senior Elite and Top Gun All Stars – TGLC.

Divisional Standouts

From the electrifying energy of the L6 Limited XSmall Senior division, where Cheer Express Allstars – Miss Silver emerged victorious, to the intense competition in the L6 Large Senior Coed category, topped by Top Gun All Stars – TGLC, the UCA All Star National Championship proved yet again why it’s a pinnacle of cheer excellence, with teams pushing the boundaries of athleticism and perfection

This year’s UCA All Star National Championship did not disappoint. As teams return to their home gyms, they bring back trophies, bids, and the satisfaction of executing excellence.

Big shout out to all the athletes, coaches, and fans who came together to make the 2024 UCA All Star National Championship a resounding success. Can’t wait for next year!!

RESULTS

Winners

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Division Winner Score
1 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 Limited XSmall Senior Cheer Express Allstars – Miss Silver 96.93
2 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 Limited XSmall Senior Coed Extreme All Stars – Lvl X 96.70
3 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 Limited Small Senior Coed Florida Top Dog All Stars – Rain 95.30
4 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 XSmall Senior Upper Merion All Stars – Royals 95.06
5 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 Small Senior Coed Brandon All-Stars – Senior Black 98.93
6 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 Medium Senior Top Gun All Stars – Lady Jags 97.83
7 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 Large Senior Cheer Extreme – Senior Elite 98.42
8 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 Large Senior Coed Top Gun All Stars – TGLC 98.31
9 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 International Open Coed Large Top Gun All Stars – Double O 98.21
10 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 International Global Coed Top Gun All Stars – GLOC 95.58
11 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 International Open NT Cheer Extreme – Lady Lux 97.46
12 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 International Open Coed NT Brandon All-Stars – Legacy 97.02
13 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 U18 NT FAME All Stars VA Beach – Royals 91.60
14 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L6 U18 Coed NT Cheer Extreme – COEX 96.96
15 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L7 International Open Top Gun All Stars – Lady Eve 90.03
16 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L7 International Open Coed Small Top Gun All Stars – Toxic 97.96
17 tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 12:37 PM L7 International Open Coed Large Top Gun All Stars – Guardians 97.61
Division Winner Score

Bid Information

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Type Team Division
1 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM Paid Upper Merion All Stars – Crush L6 Small Senior Coed
2 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM Paid Top Gun All Stars – Toxic L7 International Open Coed Small
3 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM Paid Top Gun All Stars – Guardians L7 International Open Coed Large
4 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM At Large UKNight Training Center – Majesty L6 U18 NT
5 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:13 PM At Large Top Gun All Stars – Lady Eve L7 International Open
Type Team Division

Final Scores and Bid Order

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at # Program/Team Score
1 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 1 Brandon All-Stars – Senior Black 98.93
2 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 2 Cheer Extreme – Senior Elite 98.42
3 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 3 Top Gun All Stars – TGLC 98.31
4 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 4 Top Gun All Stars – Double O 98.21
5 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 5 Top Gun All Stars – Toxic 97.96
6 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 6 Top Gun All Stars – Lady Jags 97.83
7 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 7 Top Gun All Stars – Guardians 97.61
8 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 8 Cheer Extreme – Lady Lux 97.46
9 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 9 ATA – GeneSIX 97.42
10 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 10 ATA – Atomic 97.09
11 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 11 Brandon All-Stars – Legacy 97.02
12 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 12 Cheer Extreme – COEX 96.96
13 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 13 Cheer Express Allstars – Miss Silver 96.93
14 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 14 Extreme All Stars – Lvl X 96.70
15 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 15 ATA – Quantum 96.22
16 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 16 Brandon All-Stars – Smoke 96.10
17 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 17 Cheer Florida All Stars – Sea Warriors 95.80
18 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 18 Upper Merion All Stars – Crush 95.67
19 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 19 Top Gun All Stars – GLOC 95.58
20 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 20 Florida Top Dog All Stars – Rain 95.30
21 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 21 Upper Merion All Stars – Royals 95.06
22 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 22 Infinity Allstars – Royals 95.02
23 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 23 TSC All Stars – Black Diamonds 94.00
24 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 24 Legendary Athletics – Lady Teal 93.82
25 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 25 FAME All Stars VA Beach – Envy 93.44
26 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 26 FAME All Stars VA Beach – Royals 91.60
27 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 27 Top Gun All Stars – Lady Eve 90.03
28 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 28 Showtime Elite Atlanta – Atomic Kitten 88.30
29 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 29 Ohio Cheer Explosion – Fusion 87.30
30 tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM tbitties 03/12/2024 01:15 PM 30 Uknight Training Center – Majesty 87.01
# Program/Team Score

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Featured, News, Rules

New USASF Rules and Age Grids for the 2024-2025 Season

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
New USASF Rules and Age Grids for the 2024 2025 Season
23
Feb
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

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By Steve Pawlyk

Published February 23, 2024

On February 22nd, the United States All Star Federation (USASF) has announced significant changes to the rules and age grids for both Cheer and Dance competitions for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. These adjustments are pivotal for coaches, athletes, and programs as they plan for the next competitive year. In this article, we’ll dive deep into these changes, providing clarity and insights to help you prepare effectively.

CHEER 2024-2025: A Closer Look at the Changes

Cheer Age Grid Adjustments:

  • Calendar Year Update: The Approximate Ages remain constant, but the Calendar Years will advance by one, moving from 2023 to 2024. This ensures age categories remain aligned with athletes’ birth years.
  • International Division Requirements: A minimum of 16 athletes is now required for all International divisions, emphasizing the importance of team size in competition.
  • Division Removals: The International Global Level 6 and International Global Coed Level 6 divisions are being phased out, reflecting a shift in competitive focus.
  • New Worlds-Eligible Divisions: Introduction of International Open NT Level 7 and International Open Coed NT Level 7 through USASF CHEER, opening new opportunities for elite teams.
  • Exhibition Team Clarifications: Exhibition teams must adhere to the Age Grid and Rules, ensuring consistency across all competition levels.
  • Minimum Athlete Penalties: Teams taking the floor with fewer than the minimum required athletes may face penalties, stressing the importance of full team participation.

Cheer Rules Updates:

The updates primarily consist of adjustments to the Calendar Year and the removal of references to Global divisions, streamlining the rules for clarity and consistency.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

DANCE 2024-2025: Unpacking the Updates

Dance Age Grid Enhancements:

  • Calendar Year Adjustment: Similar to cheer, Dance will see an update in the Calendar Years, moving from 2023 to 2024 while keeping Approximate Ages the same.
  • Kick Category Description: An addition to this category offers further detail to guide teams in preparation and choreography.
  • Crossover Rules Addition: Athletes are now restricted from crossing over from one club to another during the same event, aiming to maintain fairness and integrity.

Dance Rules Grid Changes:

  • Rule Relocations and Additions: Adjustments include the relocation of Mini Rule 2.c for accuracy and additions to Youth Rules enhancing the complexity and safety of airborne skills.
  • Prep and Novice Division Separation: A clear distinction between Prep and Novice Rules now exists, along with added progressions across divisions, aiding in developmental clarity.

Glossary Updates:
The glossary has been updated to include new definitions and additions, such as Hip-Over-Head Rotation and Blind Landing, ensuring a common understanding of key terms.

The early release of these changes by USASF is designed to aid clubs and teams in their planning for the 2024-2025 season. While some policies are still under review and may see updates in the Final Release, these adjustments signal a significant shift in the competitive landscape for both Cheer and Dance. Coaches, athletes, and program directors are encouraged to review these changes thoroughly to adapt their strategies and routines accordingly. Stay tuned for the full searchable grids to be added below, which will offer an in-depth look at the new age and rule adjustments, ensuring your team is as prepared as possible for the upcoming competitive season.

For further details, teams and coaches are encouraged to visit the official USASF website and reach out to USASF representatives for clarification on any specific concerns. Let’s gear up for another exciting season of Cheer and Dance with positivity and anticipation!

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Events, Featured, News

Fusion Elite All Stars vs Varsity Brands

Posted on by IPP Music
Varsity vs Fusion Elite Decision
17
Jan
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 17, 2024

Competitive cheer has been significantly impacted by a major antitrust lawsuit, Fusion Elite All Stars, et.al. v. Varsity Brands LLC, et.al. This case, which has garnered substantial attention within the cheerleading community, involves allegations of monopolistic practices against Varsity Brands, a prominent company in the All Star Cheerleading industry. The lawsuit was brought forth by All Star gyms and All Star event spectators, accusing Varsity Brands of unfair business practices in collaboration with the US All-Star Federation (USASF).

Background of the Case

Varsity Brands, known for its influence in the cheerleading competition and apparel markets, has been accused of colluding with the USASF to monopolize the All Star Cheer Events market. The plaintiffs in the case alleged that Varsity Brands engaged in systematic acquisitions of rival event companies, imposed exclusionary contracts and loyalty programs on All Star gyms, and used the USASF to control bids to key national championships.

Settlement and Its Terms

In a significant development, Varsity Brands agreed to pay $43.5 million to settle this long-running antitrust class action. As part of the settlement, Varsity and USASF agreed to several conditions to reduce Varsity’s influence over the sport’s governing body. Notable terms include preventing Varsity board members from simultaneously serving on USASF’s board, limiting Varsity’s participation in USASF’s board and sanctioning committee, and restrictions on requiring attendance at All Star events for receiving rebates or discounts.

Implications for Competitive Cheerleading

The implications of the Fusion Elite All Stars v. Varsity Brands case for competitive cheerleading are profound and multifaceted, affecting market dynamics, governance, fairness, and legal precedent. Let’s delve deeper into each of these aspects:

1. Market Dynamics

The settlement in this antitrust lawsuit is expected to significantly alter the competitive landscape of cheerleading events. Prior to this case, Varsity Brands held a dominant position in the market, which may have limited competition and innovation. With the new terms set by the settlement:

  • Increased Competition: There will likely be more opportunities for new and smaller event organizers to enter the market. This could lead to a greater variety of competitions, potentially at different price points and with varied formats, benefiting teams and athletes.
  • Diverse Event Offerings: Teams and athletes might have access to a wider range of events, including those with different judging criteria or focusing on various aspects of cheerleading, such as stunting or choreography.
  • Enhanced Innovation: With increased competition, event organizers might innovate more in terms of event management, athlete experience, and audience engagement.
Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

2. Governance and Fairness

The case underscores the critical need for fair and transparent governance within sports organizations. As a result of the lawsuit:

  • Governance Reforms: The cheerleading industry might see reforms in how governing bodies like USASF operate, with a push for more democratic and transparent decision-making processes.
  • Athlete-Centric Policies: There could be a shift towards more athlete-centric policies, ensuring that the needs and rights of athletes are at the forefront of all decisions.
  • Fair Access and Opportunities: The case may lead to more equitable rules regarding team participation in events, ensuring that all teams have a fair chance to compete and succeed, regardless of their affiliation with specific organizations.

3. Legal Precedent

The settlement sets a significant legal precedent, particularly concerning antitrust issues in amateur and semi-professional sports:

  • Broader Implications for Sports Law: This case may influence future antitrust cases in other sports, serving as a reference point for how monopolistic practices are addressed in the sporting domain.
  • Empowering Smaller Entities: Smaller teams and organizations now have a precedent to reference if they face similar issues, potentially leading to more legal challenges against dominant players in various sports.
  • Awareness and Education: The publicity surrounding this case raises awareness among athletes, coaches, and sports administrators about antitrust laws and their applicability to the sports sector.

The Fusion Elite All Stars v. Varsity Brands case marks a turning point in the cheer industry. Its resolution not only impacts Varsity Brands and the USASF but also sets a framework for how competitive sports organizations should operate in a fair and competitive environment. As the cheerleading community adapts to these changes, it paves the way for a more equitable and dynamic future for the

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Events, Featured, News, Results

The Majors 2024 Results and Recap

Posted on by IPP Music
The Majors 2024 cheer competition recap results
14
Jan
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 14, 2024

The Majors 2024, held on January 12 in the bustling Indianapolis, IN, at the Indiana Convention Center, epitomized the zenith of all-star cheerleading. This year’s event marked a unique convergence of athleticism, artistry, and sheer competitive spirit, inviting the best of the best in the Senior Level 6 division to showcase their skills.

The event witnessed participation from 29 top-level teams, each demonstrating remarkable prowess and flair. The competition was fierce, with teams battling it out for the coveted Majors Hall of Fame. Notably, all eight reigning Majors 2023 champions were back to defend their titles, amplifying the excitement and competitive tension.

Venue and Atmosphere

The Indiana Convention Center, renowned for its excellent facilities, offered a perfect backdrop for this high-energy event. The convenience of the location was unmatched, with over 7,000 hotel rooms in the vicinity, ensuring ease of access for participants and spectators alike. The arena buzzed with anticipation and energy, reflecting the passion and dedication of the cheerleading community.

Notable Performances and Results

The competition was stiff, with each team pushing their limits. Cheer Extreme SSX, celebrated as the 2024 Majors Grand Champions, demonstrated impeccable skill and coordination. Spirit of Texas Royalty, known for their dynamic routines, clinched the title in the Medium Senior Coed division. In the Large All Girl category, Cheer Extreme Senior Elite shone brightly, living up to their reputation with a mesmerizing performance.

 

Team Highlights

– XSmall Senior: South Coast Cheer – Fearless took the top spot with a score of 144.20, showcasing their remarkable talent and synchronization.

– Small Senior Coed: MACS All Star Cheer – SENIOR STARZ, with their score of 142.20, proved their mettle in a highly competitive division.

– Medium All Girl: Spirit of Texas – A-Team led the pack with a score of 133.60, a testament to their hard work and precision.

– Large Coed: Cheer Athletics – Cheetahs emerged victoriously, scoring an impressive 134.90.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Innovations and New Challenges

This year’s Majors introduced the USASF Senior Club Score Sheet, aligning more closely with the scoring system of The Cheerleading Worlds. This change offered a broader scoring range and comparative scoring, providing a small preview of what to expect at The Cheerleading Worlds 2024.

The Majors 2024 was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the spirit of cheer. The event showcased the incredible talent and sportsmanship of the best cheerleaders from around the nation. It was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion that defines the sport. As teams head back to their training, they carry with them not only their scores and titles but also the unforgettable memories and experiences of The Majors 2024

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MAJORS 2024 RESULTS

wdt_ID Division Rank Program Name Team Name Score
1 XSmall All Girl 1 South Coast Cheer Fearless 144
2 XSmall All Girl 2 California All Stars Mesa Vixens 131
3 XSmall All Girl 4 Cheer Express Miss Silver 91
4 XSmall Coed 1 Gymtyme Illinois Fever 127
5 XSmall Coed 2 Twist & Shout Diamonds 127
6 XSmall Coed 3 Cheerville Anarchy 122
7 Small All Girl 1 Cheer Extreme Raleigh SSX 147
8 Small All Girl 2 ICE Lady Lightning 131
9 Small All Girl 3 ECE Bombshells 127
10 Small All Girl 4 Woodlands Elite Generals 121
11 Small All Girl 5 Rain Athletics Aqua 118
12 Small Senior Coed 1 MACS All Star Cheer SENIOR STARZ 142
13 Small Senior Coed 2 Brandon All Stars Senior Black 139
14 Small Senior Coed 3 KC Cheer Fierce Five 123
15 Small Senior Coed 4 Woodlands Elite Black Ops 118
16 Small Senior Coed 5 Cheer Athletics Charlotte RoyalCats 103
17 Medium All Girl 1 Spirit of Texas A-Team 133
18 Medium All Girl 2 Stingrays All Stars Peach 125
19 Medium All Girl 3 Top Gun All Stars Lady Jags 113
20 Medium Coed 1 Spirit of Texas Royalty 137
21 Medium Coed 2 Prodigy All Stars Midnight 129
22 Medium Coed 3 Stingrays All Stars Steel 119
23 Medium Coed 4 The California All Stars Livermore Black Ops 114
24 Large All Girl 1 Cheer Extreme Senior Elite 141
25 Large All Girl 2 Cheer Athletics Panthers 138
26 Large All Girl 3 World Cup Shooting Stars 124
27 Large All Girl 4 The Stingray Allstars Orange 120
28 Large Coed 1 Cheer Athletics Cheetahs 134
Division Rank Program Name Team Name

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Coaching, Featured, News, Tips

The Remarkable Ascendancy of Saucon Valley High School’s Cheer Squad

Posted on by IPP Music
Saucon Valley High Schools Cheer Squad
11
Jan
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 11, 2024

The Saucon Valley High School Competition Cheerleading Team‘s journey is a tale of resilience, determination, and team spirit. From a hiatus to making a striking comeback, the team has not only returned to the competitive cheerleading landscape but has also carved a name for itself in prestigious championships.

Comeback and Recent Achievements

In 2023, the cheerleading team, under the leadership of head coach KristiJoy Lutte, embarked on a remarkable journey that would leave an indelible mark in the world of competitive cheerleading. Their return to the competitive circuit was met with exceptional performances, leading to a series of achievements that drew the attention of the cheerleading community.

UCA Regionals: A Striking Comeback

The team’s resurgence was most evident at the UCA Regionals held in Harrisburg in November 2023. Despite their relatively short time back in the competitive arena, they clinched an impressive third place in their division. This outstanding performance not only showcased their talent but also secured them a coveted spot at the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida.

National High School Cheerleading Championship: The Ultimate Stage

Competing at the National High School Cheerleading Championship is a dream for many, and this cheerleading team made it a reality. Their journey from a comeback to a national stage was an inspirational tale of dedication and hard work.

District XI Championship: Historic Achievement

As 2024 dawned, the team continued to shine. At the District XI championship in January 2024, they achieved a remarkable second-place finish. This was more than just another medal; it was a historic moment for their school. For the first time in its history, the team earned the opportunity to compete at the PIAA State Championship in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

PIAA State Championship: A Triumph of Determination

The PIAA State Championship is the pinnacle of high school sports in Pennsylvania. For this cheerleading team, it was a testament to their determination and resilience. Competing on this grand stage was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the unwavering guidance of Coach KristiJoy Lutte.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

Team Spirit and Dedication

What sets the Saucon Valley cheerleaders apart is their unyielding spirit and commitment to the sport. Their drive to learn new skills, adapt to changes, and unite as a cohesive unit on the mat underscores their dedication. The coaching team, comprising KristiJoy Lutte, Gianna Corda, and Tara Matus, takes pride in mentoring these young athletes, guiding them towards excellence in cheerleading.

Community and Fundraising Efforts

The team’s journey to championships like the Nationals is self-funded, emphasizing their commitment and the community’s support. They have engaged in various fundraising activities, including organizing events at local eateries and setting up a GoFundMe page to cover competition entry fees and travel expenses.

The Saucon Valley High School Competition Cheerleading Team‘s story is more than just about winning titles; it’s about a group of young athletes who have shown remarkable perseverance and team spirit. Their story serves as an inspiration not just to aspiring cheerleaders but to all young athletes who dare to dream big and work tirelessly towards their goals.

For those interested in supporting the Saucon Valley High School Cheerleading Team, please visit their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/saucon-valley-cheerleading-team-nationals-2024 and consider contributing to their journey.

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Events, Featured, News, Results

2024 Spirit Cheer Super Nationals Results (Searchable)

Posted on by Steve Pawlyk
2024 Spirit Cheer Super Nationals
09
Jan
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Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 9, 2024

(updated january 31)

 

As the lights dimmed in the Atlantic City Convention Center, the stage set for the Spirit Cheer Super Nationals 2024, an air of anticipation was palpable. The crowd held its breath, ready to be dazzled by the spectacular display of cheerleading prowess. What unfolded was nothing short of a theatrical spectacle – a blend of athleticism, artistry, and sheer determination, as teams from across the nation vied for the top spot. This prestigious competition, streamed live on Varsity TV, was an opportunity for teams to earn points for The League by Varsity All Star and secure bids for various end-of-season championships.

 

While dozens of teams showcased their skill and passion, certain performances stood out as the epitome of cheer excellence. These remarkable teams captivated the audience with a blend of flawless execution, innovative choreography, and unwavering team spirit. So today let’s go through some of the highlights of the event, spotlighting these outstanding teams and their performances. Let’s go! 🙌

East Celebrity Elite – Bombshells

The head-turners this year was East Celebrity Elite’s Bombshells in the  Small Senior 6 category. Lead by Coach Steve Belanger, the Bombshells performance was a mesmerizing blend of tight floor work and pinpoint stunts. Executed flawlessly with unique musically timed choreography that gave a sense of perfect symmetry throughout the routine. They captivated the audience and judges alike, earning them a final score of 97.7333 and zero deductions. It was a routine that spoke volumes of the expertise and quality of ECE’s program; only made more evident by ECE’s Bomb Squad’s zero deductions, 96.8292 performance in Small Senior Coed 6.

South Jersey Storm – Celsius

Not to be outdone, South Jersey Storm’s Celsius excelled in the Small Senior Coed category with a final score of 97.2208, hitting zero and earning them a Full Paid Bid. Their high-energy routine, marked by precision tumbling and unique pyramids that seemed to hypnotically weave in and out of each other. They are undeniably a team of exceptional caliber.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

World Cup – Omni

Shifting to the International U18 Non-Tumbling Coed 6 division, World Cup Omni emerged as the dominant force. Their routine, marked by its innovative choreography began with a truly remarkable throw, and incorporated several unique pyramid executions, earning them a final score of 94.2334 and zero deductions. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement – a testament to their creative prowess and technical mastery.

Port City Athletics – Lux

In the intensely competitive Limited XSmall Senior Coed division, it was Port City Athletics’ Lux that hit zero and claimed victory. Scoring a phenomenal 95.8042, their routine was an exhilarating display of dynamic stunts and complex choreography, showcasing not just their skills but the seamless coordination and unity of the team.

Xtreme Cheer – Inferno

In the International Open Coed Non-Tumbling category, Xtreme Cheer’s team Inferno stole the show. Capturing the top spot with a score of 97.5476, their routine was a captivating fusion of athletic agility and creative choreography, leaving the audience in awe.

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AT-LARGE BIDS:

Upper Merion All Stars – Royals

Coached by Kylie Franks, the Upper Merion All Stars’ team Royals showcased a commendable performance at the Spirit Cheer Super Nationals, earning them an “At Large” Bid. Securing 2nd place in the Extra Small 6 division with a score of 91.8125, their routine was a testament to their rigorous training and synchronization. Despite a deduction of 2.25, the team’s great floor work stood out. Their routine was characterized by exceptional synchronization, a factor that resonated strongly with their audience and judges alike. The Royals’ performance was a clear display of their dedication and potential, making them a team to watch in future competitions.

South Jersey Storm – Snow Angels

The South Jersey Storm’s team Snow Angels delivered an impressive performance at the Spirit Cheer Super Nationals, securing an “At Large” Bid. Finishing 2nd in the International U18 Non-Tumbling 6 division with a score of 90.2947 and no deductions, their performance was a display of impeccable timing and innovative choreography. The routine began with a unique sequence that immediately captured the attention of the audience, setting the tone for their high-caliber performance. The team’s ability to “hit zero” – a term used in cheerleading to denote a routine with no deductions or errors – was particularly noteworthy. Their execution and the originality of their choreography made their performance memorable, positioning the Snow Angels as a promising team in the cheerleading landscape.

As the curtains fell on this grand spectacle, the audience was left spellbound, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this thrilling saga of cheerleading excellence. And below, you’ll find the detailed results (which are searchable), complete with scoring, deductions, and the coveted bids, all testament to the extraordinary talent that graced the stage at the Spirit Cheer Super Nationals 2024.

Spirit Cheer Super Nationals 2024 Results (Final Day)

Results (Day 1)

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Events, News

The Big Showdown: A Look at The MAJORS 2024’s Top Cheer Teams

Posted on by IPP Music
The MAJORS 2024 Top Teams
08
Jan
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 8, 2024

Get ready for The MAJORS 2024, the ultimate cheerleading showdown happening on January 12th in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event is a big deal in the cheer world – it’s where the best of the best come to compete. This year, we’re talking about top teams like GymTyme Illinois Fever, Twist & Shout Diamonds, CheerVille Anarchy, and the California All Stars Vixens. These squads are the cream of the crop, and they’ve worked super hard to get here​​​​​​​​.

Who’s Who at The MAJORS

GymTyme Illinois Fever (XSmall Coed 6): These guys are known for bringing it every time. Their routines are tight, full of energy, and they always nail their moves.

Twist & Shout Diamonds (XSmall Coed 6): Talk about wow factor! This team’s performances are all about high-flying stunts and some seriously tough tumbling.

CheerVille Anarchy (XSmall Coed 6): They bring the power and the passion. Watching them perform is like seeing cheerleading at its most intense.

California All Stars Vixens (Extra Small Senior 6): This squad is all about blending skill with style. They make tough routines look graceful and easy.

Brandon All Stars Senior Black (Small Coed 6): This squad is known for their strong team dynamics and exceptional coed stunts. They bring a combination of power and artistry to their routines.

Cheer Extreme SSX (Small Senior 6): A team with a reputation for their precision and creativity, Cheer Extreme SSX is always a crowd-pleaser with their high-energy performances.

Prodigy All Stars Midnight (Medium Coed 6): Prodigy All Stars Midnight stands out with their intricate routines and flawless execution, making them a top contender.

Top Gun Lady Jags (Medium Senior 6): Known for their iconic style and high-flying skills, Top Gun Lady Jags are a powerhouse in the cheerleading community.

Cheer Athletics Panthers (Large Senior 6): This team is celebrated for their athleticism and innovative routines, consistently pushing the limits of the sport.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

The Venue and What to Expect

The Indiana Convention Center, set to host The MAJORS 2024, is more than just a venue for a cheerleading competition; it’s a stage for an extraordinary spectacle of skill and spirit. This iconic center, located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, becomes a bustling hub for the best cheerleading teams from around the country.

Imagine walking into a venue pulsating with energy, where the air is electric with anticipation. The stage is set for teams like GymTyme Illinois Fever, Twist & Shout Diamonds, CheerVille Anarchy, and California All Stars Vixens to showcase their impeccable routines. But it’s not just about what happens on the mat. The Indiana Convention Center offers a complete experience, combining the thrill of top-tier cheerleading with the vibrant atmosphere of Indianapolis.

This bustling city, known for its deep sports heritage, offers an array of attractions. From delightful eateries to cultural hotspots, there’s plenty to explore in Indianapolis, making the trip to The MAJORS 2024 about more than just cheerleading. Attendees can enjoy the city’s diverse culinary scene, rich history, and lively downtown area, all while being part of one of the most prestigious events in competitive cheerleading.

The MAJORS 2024 is a celebration of excellence in cheerleading, where teams not only compete for top honors but also display the culmination of their hard work, talent, and dedication. For cheer enthusiasts, this event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a chance to witness the pinnacle of cheerleading performance in an environment that is as exciting as the competition itself. It’s an event that encapsulates the essence of cheerleading – athleticism, teamwork, and the sheer joy of performance.

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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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Events, Featured, Japan, News

タイトル: 熊本大学の快挙！日本初の世界チアリーディング選手権金メダル

Posted on by IPP Music
Kumamoto Universitys Remarkable Achievement Japans First World Cheerleading Championship Gold Medal 2024
07
Jan
Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

Steve Blog Circle

Byline Steve Pawlyk

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 7, 2024

言語/Language

こんにちは、チアリーディングファンのみなさん！今日は、とってもワクワクするニュースをお届けしますよ。熊本大学が、なんと世界チアリーディング選手権で日本初の金メダルを獲得したんです！これはすごい快挙ですよね。

もちろんです、こちらがその内容を日常的な日本語での翻訳です。

やあ、みんな！今回は、2023年11月に群馬県の高崎アリーナで開催された第11回世界チアリーディング選手権のすごい話をしよう。この大会、コロナの影響でしばらく開催されなかったんだけど、久しぶりに戻ってきて、18カ国から100以上のチームが集まったんだよ。

そしてね、熊本大学チアリーディングクラブの藤森勇気さんが、混合小グループ部門で金メダルを獲得したんだ。これ、日本人としては初めての快挙なんだよ！コロナのせいで練習もままならない中、彼とチームはあきらめずに頑張って、世界大会で目立つ成績を収めたんだ。

高崎はチアリーディングを熱くサポートする街として知られていて、この大会を3回目の開催。競技はエネルギッシュで、創造性とアスリートの才能が詰まったパフォーマンスで、観客を魅了したんだ。

しかも、この大会は第35回全日本大学選手権と同時に行われて、国際的な選手と国内の選手が同じステージで腕を競い合ったんだよ。そのせいで、もっと多くの人が集まって、さらに盛り上がったんだ。

今年の大会の大成功で、もう次の世界選手権への期待も高まっているよ。これからもチアリーディングの世界は、もっとワクワクする展開が待ってるはずだね！

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1
チームワークは、熊本大学チアリーディングチームが世界選手権で金メダルを獲得する上で重要な要素でした。チームメンバーは高校生から社会人まで幅広く、関東や関西など遠方から集まっていたため、信頼関係の構築と技術の磨き上げが特に重要でした。これは、チアリーディングが個々の技術だけでなく、メンバー全員の協力によって成り立つスポーツであることを示しています。
 
藤森勇気さんは、11回目の世界チアリーディング選手権にて混合小グループ部門で日本代表として参加し、金メダルを獲得しました。彼の成功は、チームメンバー間の強い絆と共同の努力の結果でした。大会中、会場からの「日本！日本！」という声援がチーム全員に力を与え、パフォーマンス終了後の勝利発表時には、チームメンバーとコーチが喜びで抱き合いました。
 
チアリーディングでは、スタントやタンブリングなど、ほとんどの技術が複数人での協力を必要とします。練習や大会でのサポート、意思決定、責任感の共有、指導とフィードバックはチームワークを構築する上で不可欠な要素です。これらの要素は、チームの成功に寄与するだけでなく、個人の成長にも大きく貢献します。日本のチアダンス界では、チームワークが強みとされ、これが国際大会での成功につながっています。
 

このように、熊本大学チアリーディングチームの成功は、単に技術の高さだけでなく、チームワークという大きな力によってもたらされたものです。彼らの情熱とコミットメントは、学校に誇りをもたらすと同時に、日本のチアリーディング界に新たな光を当てています。

Kumamoto University's Historic Win: Japan's First Gold in World Cheerleading Championships

I’m excited to share the historic achievement of Kumamoto University at the World Cheerleading Championships, where they secured Japan’s first gold medal.

Event Recap:

The 11th World Cheerleading Championships, held in Takasaki Arena, Japan, in November 2023, was a milestone event. Returning after a COVID-19 hiatus, it drew over 100 teams from 18 countries, showcasing the sport’s global appeal.

Standout performer Yuki Fujimori, from Kumamoto University’s Cheerleading Club, made history in the mixed small group division. Overcoming the pandemic’s challenges, his gold medal win marked a first for Japan in this category and highlighted his resilience and dedication.

This victory was more than just a personal success; it was a significant moment for Japan on the international cheerleading stage. Fujimori’s performance, uplifted by enthusiastic audience support, reflected the sport’s competitive spirit and underscored the importance of teamwork and national pride.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

The Championships also coincided with the 35th Japan National College Championships, creating a unique atmosphere that combined national and international talent. This blend of competitions heightened the excitement and attracted a larger audience, emphasizing cheerleading’s growing recognition as a competitive sport.

Takasaki, known for its vibrant cheerleading community, hosted the event for the third time, providing a perfect setting for the high-energy and creative performances that captivated the audience.

With this year’s championship’s success, anticipation for future World Championships is already building, promising even more thrilling developments in cheerleading.

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

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
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