Why is TVCC So Amazing?

Posted on July 18, 2023July 26, 2023 by Steve Pawlyk

TVCC_cheer_team_in_action_at_NCA_championship

18
Jul

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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Daytona Part 2: If the Judges Disagree – Netflix CHEER! Episode 9 Recap

Posted on March 22, 2022May 13, 2022 by IPP Music

22
Mar

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published March 22, 2022

Coach Vontae starts off by going over scores for day one. As the team reviews their performance, they see exactly what they need to do. Their routine has the potential to score a 99.9. Their day one score, with the deductions, came to a 96.02. These scores are telling Trinity that the judges want it to be them, and they are ready to give them a reason.

Coach Monica is going over scores with Kailee. Their overall score with no deductions came to a 98.33. Monica knows the judges score more conservatively day one, and if you do well on day two, the scores typically go up. It is a very subjective sport, and she is prepared to work hard and review some sections.

Here we go. Day two.

Warmups have started and it’s time for both teams to get all their jitters out. As they head to the bandshell, Navarro and Trinity know exactly what they need to do.

Trinity is up first! With a team chant backstage to get them excited, they are ready to take the floor!

From the mouth of Coach Vontae:

Standing fulls, hit. Stunts, hit. Dees running pass, HIT! OOOO I have goosebumps! Baskets, hit. Time for the pyramid….HIT! With the energy they brought to the routine and dance, it’s a HIT! LET’S GO!

Navarro knows they need to hit the best routine possible! The nerves are getting the best of them, but they need to not worry about the awards and show the judges everything they have worked so hard for.

WE CAN. WE WILL. WE MUST.

Toe fulls, hit. Standing tumbling, hit. Sadly, there’s a stunt fall during stunt section. Running tumbling and pyramid HIT!

After their performance, Gill is extremely upset about her stunt fall. They are trying to stay positive and reminding themselves that they were in a good spot after day one.

Awards have finally arrived, and due to covid they did not take place live on the bandshell. Trinity is watching them from their hotel room, and Navarro is watching from a ballroom. Monica knows they got a .75 deduction and is trying to calculate what they could have got versus TVCC.

Here is the moment we have all been waiting for, your 2021 NCA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS WITH A 98.2292…….TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE! It’s time to celebrate and run to that beach!!!

Featured, Netflix CHEER, News

Jerry Pleads Guilty

Posted on February 15, 2022February 22, 2022 by Annemarie Arthurs

15
Feb

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 15, 2022

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

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

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

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

Posted on February 7, 2022February 7, 2022 by Annemarie Arthurs

07
Feb

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!

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

Posted on February 1, 2022February 1, 2022 by Annemarie Arthurs

01
Feb

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published February 1, 2022

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

Let’s dive into Miss Maddy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Cassie Bienvenue

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

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Netflix CHEER – Episode 2 Recap

Posted on January 25, 2022January 25, 2022 by Annemarie Arthurs

25
Jan

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published January 25, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Netflix CHEER Season 2: Episode 1

Posted on January 20, 2022January 20, 2022 by Annemarie Arthurs

20
Jan

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published January 20, 2022

It’s like we never left Daytona!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on September 2, 2020July 16, 2021 by Steve Pawlyk

Monica Aldama Netflix Cheer Dancing with the Stars

02
Sep

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!

For a full list of cast members click here

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

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Netflix CHEER! Snatches 6 Emmy Nominations

Posted on July 30, 2020July 16, 2021 by Steve Pawlyk

30
Jul

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 30, 2020

The Results are in…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out Navarro College’s 2019 Performance!

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Storied Legacy and Celebrated Rivalry

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The ‘CHEER!’ Spotlight

Let’s dive into Miss Maddy!

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

Netflix’s “CHEER” Emmy Nominations include: