Tag Archives: Cheer Athlete Development

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

USASF 2026 2027 cheer rules 1

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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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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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

The College Cheer Boom: New Opportunities for High-School Programs

The College Cheer Boom New Opportunities for High School Programs

By Steve Pawlyk

Published November 5, 2025

Across the US, more colleges are expanding or relaunching competitive cheer programs. St. Philip’s College just introduced a stomp-and-shake squad that celebrates HBCU culture, and the University of the Pacific, is now rebuilding its cheer presence after years away. These moves mark a cultural and competitive shift: the college cheer landscape is diversifying, and that means every high-school and all-star coach needs to rethink how they’re preparing athletes for what’s next.

college cheer expansion 2025

Stomp and Shake Goes Mainstream

At St. Philip’s College, Coach Zenobia Tucker is introducing Texas audiences to a rhythmic, chant-driven, dance-heavy style historically rooted in HBCUs. It’s energetic, expressive, and unapologetically cultural-a far cry from the rigid precision of traditional competitive cheer. As more colleges adopt unique styles, recruiters are valuing individuality, showmanship, and rhythm just as much as raw difficulty.

Why it matters for feeder programs

High-school and all-star programs that expose athletes to multiple cheer “dialects”-traditional, game-day, stomp-and-shake, STUNT-will produce more adaptable, recruitable talent. Versatility is the new differentiator.

The University Reboot Trend

The University of the Pacific’s decision to relaunch its squads mirrors a national wave of collegiate re-investment. Programs once considered “sideline only” are now aligning with varsity athletics, offering scholarships, and competing nationally. For high-school coaches, this translates into new pipelines, scholarship opportunities, and higher stakes for athlete readiness.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1
3 Drills to Prep Athletes for College Cheer Tryouts
3 Drills to Prep Athletes for College Cheer Tryouts mobile

1. Style-Switch Routines

Goal: Train adaptability.
Have athletes perform a 45-second routine twice – first in traditional all-star style (tight motions, sharp lines, classic facials), then immediately in stomp-and-shake format (rhythmic, grounded, call-and-response energy).

Coaching cue: Focus on body control and facial engagement. College recruiters love athletes who can switch tempo and tone seamlessly.

2. Game-Day Command Challenge

Goal: Develop leadership and projection.
Run a “crowd-call gauntlet.” Each athlete must step to center mat and deliver a 15-second game-day call using full voice, clear diction, and eye contact – then lead a quick sideline sequence.

Coaching cue: Evaluate vocal power, presence, and clarity. College squads, especially those in HBCU or STUNT programs, value commanding communicators as much as tumblers.

3. Athlete-to-Coach Drill

Goal: Build teaching and teamwork skills.
Pair athletes and have each teach the other a short 8-count motion or jump combo. The “coach” must cue safely, correct form, and give feedback in under two minutes.

Coaching cue: This mimics the peer-teaching dynamic found in college programs and shows who can communicate technically under pressure.

Cheer Readiness Checklist

What High-School and All-Star Coaches Should Do Now

1. Treat cheer like a career pipeline

Build relationships with nearby college coaches. Encourage your juniors and seniors to attend collegiate combines or open practices. Maintain updated highlight reels-colleges now scout via Instagram and YouTube as often as in-person events.

2. Cross-train for multiple cheer styles

Mix in stomp-and-shake elements or game-day chant blocks during off-season practices. Athletes who can adapt their style to fit different collegiate cultures stand out immediately in tryouts.

3. Focus on communication and leadership skills

College programs prioritize athletes who can lead, teach, and engage crowds-not just throw elite skills. Assign captains to run warm-ups, mentor younger athletes, and manage social-media content responsibly.

4. Educate parents on the new recruiting landscape

Scholarships now appear at a wider range of schools, from D-II programs to community colleges like St. Philip’s. Host a “college cheer night” each spring where families can explore new programs, financial-aid paths, and travel expectations.

5. Track academic alignment

As more cheer teams earn varsity or club-sport recognition, GPA and credit load requirements are tightening. Help your athletes stay academically eligible early.

cheer recruiting tips

A Broader, More Inclusive Future

The expansion of competitive cheer isn’t just about more teams-it’s about more voices. HBCU-style programs like St. Philip’s introduce cultural diversity and expression that’s long overdue in collegiate cheer. This shift also challenges high-school coaches to broaden their athletes’ experiences: not every great cheerleader fits one mold, one uniform, or one choreography style.

The best feeder programs in 2025 will be those that teach adaptability-technical mastery with cultural fluency. The future of college cheer looks more inclusive, more athletic, and more expressive than ever.

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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! 

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

Southwest Baptist University Welcomes Cheyanne Matlock as Co-Head Stunt and Cheer Coach

Southwest Baptist University Welcomes Cheyanne Matlock as Co Head Stunt and Cheer Coach

By Steve Pawlyk

Published December 12, 2023

Bolivar, MO – In a significant move for its athletic department, Southwest Baptist University has announced the hiring of Cheyanne Matlock as the Co-Head Stunt and Cheer coach. This decision marks a new chapter for the university’s cheerleading program, signaling a commitment to excellence and innovation in the rapidly evolving world of competitive cheerleading.

A Local Talent with a Rich Cheerleading Background

Born and raised in Bolivar, Cheyanne Matlock is no stranger to the local cheer scene. A graduate of Bolivar High School, Matlock brings over 15 years of cheerleading experience, including impressive stints at Iowa Western Community College and Southwest Baptist. Her local roots and extensive experience in the sport provide her with unique insights into the needs and aspirations of young cheerleaders in the region.

A Vision for the Future

Matlock’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the cheerleading program at Southwest Baptist University. With cheerleading gaining recognition as an NCAA sport, there is a growing need for coaches who can navigate the complexities of this competitive field. Matlock’s role will be pivotal in shaping the future of the university’s stunt and cheer program, especially as the sport continues to evolve at both the national and collegiate levels.

Need Competition Music Blue 1
Need Competition Music Blue 1

A Dynamic Duo

Matlock, with her extensive background in competitive cheerleading, brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh ideas. Her experiences as a competitor and coach at various levels give her a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in this demanding sport. This, combined with her local roots and understanding of the community, makes her an invaluable asset to the program.

On the other hand, Mandy Hancock’s existing role and experience with the team provide continuity and stability. Her established rapport with the athletes and understanding of the program’s history and culture are critical for maintaining a positive and productive environment. Hancock’s expertise in coaching and athlete development complements Matlock’s skills, creating a well-rounded leadership team.

Together, Matlock and Hancock are poised to elevate the program to new heights. Their combined strengths promise a holistic approach to coaching, focusing not only on physical training and routines but also on mental toughness, team dynamics, and strategic competitive planning. This partnership is expected to introduce innovative training methods, foster a culture of excellence, and build a program that is not only competitive but also nurturing and inclusive.

Matlock and Hancock’s partnership symbolizes a forward-thinking approach, where adaptability, creativity, and a deep understanding of the sport’s demands are key to success. Their combined experience, passion for the sport, and complementary coaching styles are likely to be a successful combo.

The Promise of New Beginnings

With this appointment, Southwest Baptist University reaffirms its commitment to providing its athletes with top-tier coaching and training opportunities. Matlock’s expertise and passion for cheerleading are set to invigorate the program, offering new opportunities for growth and success. As the sport of cheerleading continues to gain prominence and recognition, coaches like Matlock will be at the forefront, shaping the next generation of cheerleading talent.

Embracing the Challenge

From her early days as a local cheerleader to her competitive achievements at the collegiate level, Matlock’s career has been driven by a profound love for the sport. Her experiences have equipped her with invaluable skills and insights, which she is now ready to impart to the next generation of cheerleaders at Southwest Baptist University. This transition from athlete to coach is a challenging yet rewarding progression in her career, allowing her to influence and shape the futures of young athletes.

Her leadership is anticipated to bring a renewed vigor to the university’s stunt and cheer program. With Matlock at the helm, the program is well poised to do big things. Furthermore, Matlock’s return to Southwest Baptist University as a coach is symbolic of the life cycle in sports careers – where former athletes return to their alma maters to give back to the programs that shaped them. This full-circle moment is a testament to the lasting impact of collegiate sports programs on their athletes and the enduring connections they foster. We wish them luck in the coming year 

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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