Tag Archives: Monica Aldama

Monica Aldama Retires: Celebrating a Legacy of Triumphs and Resilience in Navarro College Cheerleading

monica almada retires from cheerleading and navarro college

By Steve Pawlyk

Published December 1, 2023

Monica Aldama, the renowned coach of the Navarro College cheerleading team, has announced her retirement, marking the end of an illustrious career that redefined cheerleading at the collegiate level. Aldama’s journey with Navarro College, her contributions to the sport, and the controversies that surrounded her tenure offer a compelling narrative of triumph, challenge, and transformation in the world of competitive cheerleading.

Monica Aldama: A Legacy in Cheerleading

Alright, let’s dive into Monica Aldama’s incredible journey in cheerleading. Think about this: she steps in as the coach of the Navarro College cheer team in the late ’90s, and what she does next is nothing short of remarkable.

Imagine taking a team and not just making it good, but turning it into a national sensation, a real powerhouse in the world of cheerleading. That’s exactly what Aldama did. Under her guidance, Navarro College became a name synonymous with excellence in cheerleading. It’s like she had the Midas touch, but for cheer routines!

monica almeda navarro cheer retires

Now, let’s talk numbers because they’re just mind-blowing. Seventeen National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) National Championships in the Advanced Large Co-Ed Division. That’s not just winning; that’s dominating. And six “Grand National” Championships! Think about it — her teams weren’t just beating other community colleges; they were outscoring the big guns, the NCAA Division I teams. That’s like a David and Goliath story, but David keeps winning year after year.

What’s really cool about Aldama’s legacy is how she changed the game. It wasn’t just about the physical aspects of cheerleading, the stunts, and the routines. She brought in this level of strategy, precision, and team spirit that elevated the whole sport. It’s like she looked at cheerleading and said, “Let’s take this to the next level.”

Her impact goes beyond just the trophies and the titles. She inspired a generation of cheerleaders and coaches. With Aldama at the helm, Navarro cheerleaders knew they weren’t just part of a team; they were part of a legacy. That’s a powerful thing. It’s about building something that lasts, something that others look up to and aspire to be a part of.

So, the year 2000 was a big one for them. They didn’t just win at the NCA College Nationals; they smashed records. We’re talking an all-time high score kind of smashing. That’s like hitting a home run in the bottom of the ninth in the World Series, but in cheerleading. It was a huge moment and really put them on the map in a big way.

Rise to National Prominence

Monica Aldama and her Navarro cheer squad, they were something else. You know how some teams are just good, and then there are those that are like a force of nature? That was them under Aldama’s leadership.

So, the year 2000 was a big one for them. They didn’t just win at the NCA College Nationals; they smashed records. We’re talking an all-time high score kind of smashing. That’s like hitting a home run in the bottom of the ninth in the World Series, but in cheerleading. It was a huge moment and really put them on the map in a big way.

And Aldama, well, she wasn’t just a coach. She was a builder of champions. Her approach, her dedication, it wasn’t just about creating a winning team for a season. She was all about setting this incredibly high standard that would last. It’s like she had this recipe for success, and she kept refining it year after year.

Her impact was so huge that in 2019, she was inducted into the Navarro College Athletics Hall of Fame. That’s a big honor, you know. It’s like the college saying, “You’re not just a part of our history; you helped write it.” For Aldama, it was a recognition of not just the titles and the trophies, but of the legacy she was building in cheerleading. She wasn’t just a coach at that point; she was a legend in the sport.

navarro college cheerleading

So, yeah, the rise of Navarro under Aldama was something special. They didn’t just win; they set the bar. And that kind of excellence, it resonates. It inspires. It’s like they were showing what’s possible when you mix talent, hard work, and a bit of that Aldama magic.

navarro college cheer team

“Cheer” – A Pop-Culture Phenomenon

Now let’s talk about “Cheer!” You know, before this Netflix docuseries hit the screens in 2020, most people didn’t really get a behind-the-scenes look at competitive cheerleading. But “Cheer” changed all that. It was like suddenly flipping on a light in a room that most of the world didn’t even know existed.

This show wasn’t just about stunts and pom-poms. It dove deep into the blood, sweat, and tears that go into those routines. Monica Aldama and her Navarro cheer team, they were the stars of this show. It gave us a glimpse of their world – the intense training, the dedication, and the sheer willpower it takes to be at the top of this sport. We’re talking about grueling practices, personal sacrifices, and a kind of team spirit that’s really more like a family.

And Monica Aldama, she wasn’t just a coach on this show. She came off as a mentor, a mother figure, and a tough-love giver all rolled into one. Viewers got to see how her leadership and passion were key ingredients in the team’s success. It was inspiring, really.

The impact of “Cheer”? Huge. I mean, Aldama and her team went from being champions in the cheer world to becoming household names. They were on talk shows like Good Morning America and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Imagine going from cheering on the sidelines to being the one everyone’s cheering for on national TV!

And then Aldama on “Dancing with the Stars”? That was like the cherry on top. She took her competitive spirit from the gym mat to the dance floor, showing a whole new audience her talent and charisma. It’s one thing to coach athletes to be their best, but it’s another to put yourself out there and compete in a totally different arena.

So, “Cheer” was more than just a docuseries. It was a cultural phenomenon that put cheerleading in the spotlight, showed the world the real deal about this sport, and turned Monica Aldama and her Navarro team into icons. It’s amazing how a show can not only entertain but also change perceptions and bring well-deserved recognition to a sport and its athletes.

Challenges and Controversies

Monica Aldama’s time as the coach of Navarro College’s cheerleading team was quite a rollercoaster, you know. It wasn’t all just about winning championships and Netflix fame. The world of cheerleading, especially at the elite level where Navarro competed, came under a lot of scrutiny, and Aldama’s team was right in the middle of it.

First off, there was this major shockwave sent through the cheer world with the Jerry Harris case. Harris, a former member of Aldama’s Navarro cheerleading squad, got into serious legal trouble for soliciting sex from minors. This was a huge deal because it raised a lot of questions about safety and oversight in cheer programs. I mean, here was this rising star in cheerleading, featured on a popular Netflix show, and suddenly he’s in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. It really shook the community and undoubtedly put a lot of pressure on Aldama as the coach.

Then, there’s this whole lawsuit saga. A former cheerleader at Navarro brought up some pretty serious allegations against Aldama, accusing her of covering up a sexual assault case. That’s a heavy accusation, right? And it’s not just about Aldama herself, but it also puts the spotlight on how these kinds of situations are handled in cheerleading programs. Navarro College, where Aldama coached, flat-out denied any wrongdoing, but the lawsuit did highlight something important. It showed that maybe there’s a need for stronger measures to protect athletes in cheerleading, to make sure their well-being is always top priority.

cheer netflix series monica coach

So yeah, while Aldama’s career had its high points, it also had these significant challenges. They kind of serve as a reminder that even in something as spirited and competitive as cheerleading, there are serious issues that need attention. It’s not just about the glitz and the trophies; there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that we need to think about.

competitive cheerleading

Legal Battles and Public Statements: A Closer Look at Monica Aldama’s Response to Controversies

Monica Aldama’s tenure as the head coach of the Navarro College cheerleading team was marked not only by her achievements but also by significant legal challenges and public scrutiny. The controversies centered around allegations related to the conduct within her team and her response to these issues. These incidents not only tested her leadership but also brought to light the complexities of managing a high-profile athletic program.

The Allegations and Legal Challenges

The legal challenges Aldama faced were significant. In May 2023, a former cheerleader from Navarro College filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and a cover-up of sexual assault. The lawsuit accused Aldama of discouraging the cheerleader from reporting a sexual assault incident. This lawsuit, along with other issues, led to Aldama’s temporary suspension from USA Cheer, the national governing body for sport cheering in the United States.

Aldama’s Public Defense

Aldama’s response to these challenges was both public and assertive. She took to various platforms, including social media, to defend herself against the allegations. Aldama criticized the investigation process, pointing out what she perceived as flaws and a lack of communication. Her defense was not just verbal; she indicated her readiness to present substantial evidence, including surveillance videos, text messages, and emails, to support her narrative and refute the allegations.

Dismissal of the Lawsuit and Closure of the Complaint

The turning point in these legal battles came when the civil lawsuit against Aldama was dismissed. Additionally, the complaint lodged against her by USA Cheer was also closed. This closure marked a significant moment in Aldama’s career, as it allowed her to move past these allegations and focus on her legacy and future endeavors. Aldama’s public statements following the dismissal of the lawsuit and the closure of the complaint were of relief and vindication, indicating a desire to move forward from these controversies.

Reflection on the Impact of Legal Challenges

These legal battles and public statements highlight a crucial aspect of Aldama’s career. They underscore the complexities and pressures of leading a high-profile athletic program. Aldama’s situation illustrates how coaches in the limelight must navigate not only the challenges of training and competition but also legal and ethical issues that can arise. Her ability to withstand these pressures, defend her reputation, and ultimately see the allegations dismissed speaks to her resilience and commitment to her role as a coach and leader.

Monica Aldama’s response to the legal battles and controversies she faced was a testament to her strength and determination to protect her reputation and legacy. While these challenges were undoubtedly a difficult part of her career, her ability to confront and overcome them adds a complex but essential layer to her story as one of the most influential figures in the world of competitive cheerleading. As she retires, these experiences form a significant part of her narrative, shaping how she is remembered in the cheerleading community and beyond.

Aldama’s Enduring Impact

Aldama’s retirement signifies the end of an era for Navarro College’s cheer program. Her impact on the sport, marked by her dedication to building a world-class team and fostering a championship mindset, leaves an indelible mark on cheerleading.

Monica Aldama’s career at Navarro College stands as a testament to her commitment to excellence in cheerleading. Her ability to create a championship-caliber team, navigate the challenges of newfound fame, and address the controversies head-on demonstrates her resilience and dedication to the sport. As she steps down, her legacy continues to inspire future generations of cheerleaders and coaches, emphasizing the importance of leadership, integrity, and excellence in competitive cheerleading.

cheerleading coach career

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Why is TVCC So Amazing?

TVCC_cheer_team_in_action_at_NCA_championship

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 18, 2023

In the realm of cheerleading, an arena characterized by its intense energy, discipline, and passion, some institutions have carved a niche for themselves. Among them, the Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) cheer program stands tall. With a legacy of numerous National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) championships and an integral feature in the second season of Netflix’s ‘CHEER!’, the TVCC cheer program shines brighter than most. This article delves into the reasons that set TVCC apart, shaping it into a titan of collegiate cheerleading.

Storied Legacy and Celebrated Rivalry

The legacy of TVCC cheer is a tapestry of hard-won victories, relentless training, and an insatiable drive to excel. This program has consistently outshone other colleges with its unrelenting streak of NCA championships, positioning itself firmly in the cheerleading hall of fame. A significant portion of this illustrious history intertwines with the rise of its celebrated rival, Navarro College.

Navarro and TVCC have come to personify the zenith of junior college cheerleading, an exceptional feat considering the multitude of cheer programs nationwide. TVCC was the original powerhouse with its dominant victories in 1989, ’90, ’91, and ’93. When Monica Aldama took the helm of Navarro’s cheer team in 1995, the stage was set for a rivalry that would not only push the boundaries of the sport but also captivate audiences worldwide. The intense competition between the two, documented in Netflix’s ‘CHEER!’, has thrust both programs into the global spotlight, becoming the essence of collegiate cheerleading’s biggest battle.

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High-Intensity Training and Exceptional Coaching

Key to the continuous success of the TVCC cheer program is its commitment to rigorous training regimens under the guidance of an experienced and devoted coaching staff. These coaches, including the dynamic Vontae Johnson who joined in 2017, leverage their vast industry experience to deliver innovative techniques, instill advanced safety precautions, and foster mental toughness in their athletes. This approach has led to the creation of teams that are not just athletically excellent but also capable of maintaining composure under high-pressure situations.

TVCC_cheerleaders_featured_in_Netflix_CHEER_show

Emphasis on Academic Excellence

While many cheer programs focus primarily on physical aptitude, TVCC cheer takes a more comprehensive approach. The program underscores the importance of strong academic performance alongside athletic prowess, promoting a balanced approach to success. This encourages athletes to excel not just on the cheer mat but also in the classroom, nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to face any challenge.

Unwavering Community Support

TVCC’s cheer program flourishes with the backing of a community that truly supports and celebrates its athletes. From ardent fans to dedicated alumni, the TVCC community offers an unwavering support system that boosts team morale, motivation, and ultimately, performance.

Superior Facilities

TVCC is home to state-of-the-art cheer facilities that aid in honing the skills of its athletes. With top-notch equipment and amenities, the program provides a safe and effective training environment, reflecting its commitment to its athletes’ success.

Strong Emphasis on Teamwork

One of TVCC cheer’s unique aspects is its emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie. Beyond individual brilliance, the program nurtures a sense of unity among the cheer squad, resulting in performances where each routine is an impeccably coordinated spectacle.

All-Round Development

TVCC cheer’s commitment extends beyond the athletic realm, offering opportunities for comprehensive growth of its athletes. The program aids in developing leadership skills, work ethics, and emotional intelligence, ensuring that TVCC cheerleaders succeed not only on the cheer stage but also in their personal and professional lives.

The ‘CHEER!’ Spotlight

The TVCC cheer program’s excellence was brought to international attention through its feature in the second season of Netflix’s ‘CHEER!’. This worldwide exposure not only solidified TVCC’s position in the global cheerleading landscape but also offered an insightful behind-the-scenes look into the dedication and hard work that drives its success.

In essence, the TVCC cheer program sets the standard in cheerleading through its rich legacy, high-quality coaching, holistic approach to success, strong community backing, superior facilities, focus on teamwork, and commitment to comprehensive development. Its spotlight in Netflix’s ‘CHEER!’ and the riveting rivalry with Navarro College have only served to further enhance its reputation as a leading cheer program, setting the stage for exciting developments in the future.

Coach_Vontae_Johnson_guiding_TVCC_cheer_squad-ipp

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

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 17, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 9, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 7, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

As the music says,

Let’s go out with a bang!

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

Monica Aldama Netflix Cheer Dancing with the Stars

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 2, 2020

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

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




Monica Aldama Navarro Cheer Netflix NCA Winner Trophy

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




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

Monica Aldama with Oprah

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




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