Tag Archives: Varsity Spirit

Texas: The Epicenter of a Cheer Evolution

Texas The Epicenter of a Cheer Evolution

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.

Texas AllStar Cheer Dance

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.

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Licensed Cheer Music for Competition Cheer Music

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 Cheer Allstars
cheerleading competitions Texas

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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Need Competition Music Blue

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

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

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results (searchable)

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results

By Steve Pawlyk

Published February 14, 2024

The electricity in the air at the 2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship last weekend was palpable, as top cheerleading teams from across the nation gathered at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at The Walt Disney World Resort® to showcase their incredible talent, dedication, and spirit. With a record-breaking 1,183 teams from 34 states competing, this year’s championship was not just a competition; it was a celebration of cheerleading excellence, athleticism, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The air buzzed with excitement as these teams, having qualified at regional competitions throughout 2023, took to the floor to perform routines that were the culmination of countless hours of practice, all under the watchful eyes of the cheerleading world.

Live Oak High School UCA Winners

This championship, a significant event in the cheerleading calendar, has evolved since its inception in 1980 into a prestigious showcase featured on ESPN, bringing together the best high school cheerleaders to compete in categories that test every aspect of their skills, from stunting and tumbling to crowd-leading and overall performance. The anticipation was high as teams like Live Oak High School, Mater Dei High School, and Dutchtown took center stage, each aiming to leave an indelible mark on the judges and the audience.

The results were nothing short of spectacular, with Live Oak High School dazzling in the Large Varsity Division I with a score of 97.4, and Mater Dei High School’s Monarchs reigning supreme in the Small Varsity DI, capturing the title with a score of 96.1, closely followed by the impressive Owasso High School. The level of competition and the sheer talent displayed were a testament to the hard work, passion, and spirit of all the athletes and their coaches, making the 2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship a memorable event that celebrated the very essence of cheerleading.

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Licensed Cheer Music for Competition Cheer Music

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Varsity

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results (Varsity Non-Tumbling Results)

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Junior Varsity

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Junior High

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Varsity Non Building

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Varsity Coed

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Game Day LIVE

2024 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship Results - Recreational

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Need Competition Music Blue

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

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

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

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:

Music. Is. On.

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. 

Netflix Cheer! Season 2 Episode 9 Recap

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!!! 

MAJORS 2022 Competition Results

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published January 20, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Now for the results!! 

L6 Senior Coed-XSmall

1

Twist & Shout Tulsa-Diamonds

93.81671

2

CJA All Stars-Team Gunz

93.06671

3

Gymtyme Illinois-Fever

93.06671

L6 Senior Coed-Small

1

Themeon All Stars-Senior Black

94.33331

2

ACE Cheer Company-Warriors

92.08331

L6 Senior Coed-Medium

1

Woodlands Elite OR-Black Ops

93.23331

2

Prodigy All Stars-MIDNIGHT

93.03331

3

The California All Stars-Black Ops

90.18331

L6 Senior Coed-Large

1

The Stingray All Stars-Steel (COED GRAND CHAMPS)

97.53331

2

Cheer Athletics-Cheetahs

93.81671

L6 Senior-XSMALL

1

SC Cheer-Fearless

90.86671

2

Cheer Central Suns-Lady Suns

90.20001

3

The California All Stars Mesa-Vixens

89.90001

4

Twist & Shout Edmond-Obsession

87.46671

L6 Senior-Small

1

Cheer Extreme Raleigh-SSX

92.91671

2

The California All Stars San Marcos-Lady Bullets

90.05001

3

Rain Athletics-Aqua

89.60001

L6 Senior-Medium

1

Woodlands Elite OR-Generals

92.93331

2

The Stingray All Stars-Peach

90.16671

L6 Senior-Large

1

Cheer Athletics-Panthers (ALL GIRL GRAND CHAMPS)

94.10001

2

Cheer Extreme-Senior Elite

91.75001

3

The Stingray All Stars-Orange

91.25001

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

These teams will be coming in hot!!

Varsity Releases New Considerations For Competition Formats

varsity new compeititons

By Steve Pawlyk

Published July 27, 2020

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

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

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

Cheer Coronavirus Guidelines 2020

According to Varsity Spirit:

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



The formatting will possibly proceed as follows:

Varsity competition option 1

In-Person with Spectators

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

In-Person with Limited Spectators

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

In-Person with No Spectators & Virtual Awards

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

Virtual

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Varsity Releases New Considerations For Competition Formats

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Cheerleading Worlds Postponed and NCA College Nationals in Daytona Cancelled for 2020

daytona cheer 2020 cancelled

By Steve Pawlyk

Published March 16, 2020

Is Cheerleading Worlds 2020 Cancelled?

As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, last night at 9:00pm Varsity Spirit made the unprecedented and clearly difficult decision to postpone all Varsity competitions and events scheduled to take place over the next 8 weeks, including Cheerleading Worlds, originally scheduled for April 24th in Orlando.

Varsity made a statement last night via their website:

As you may have seen, the CDC just announced their recommendation to cancel or postpone events with 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. With that recommendation, we have made the decision to not proceed as planned with scheduled events for at least the next eight weeks of the 2020 competition season. We are actively exploring all options, including rescheduling events, extending the competition season, and hosting virtual competitions, to continue to provide a competition experience for the thousands of athletes who have worked so hard this year to compete.”



Are the NCA Cheerleading College Nationals in Daytona cancelled?

Unfortunately the bad news did not stop there, as this morning confirmation broke that the 2020 NCA College Nationals in Daytona will be cancelled entirely. This marks the first time in 40 years the competition will not take place.

Varsity‘s Michele Shetzer had this to say in a statement:

Dear College Cheer and Dance Coaches:
At Varsity Spirit, NCA & NDA, the health and safety of our athletes, coaches, employees, families and friend: is our top priority. We have been diligently monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and closely watching official information from public health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) and World Health Organization (“WHO”), and state and local health authorities, as well as recent announcements from colleges and universities across
the U.S., as it relates to our larger community and our events, camps and competitions.

In the best interest of the health and well-being of all those involved, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2020 NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship in Daytona Beach,
Florida. This marks the first time in 40 years that this event will not take place.

We know that this announcement is difficult for all teams and coaches that have been working tirelessly over the past several months, so we have begun to
explore video/virtual options for your routines to be seen, shared and judged. If your school and administration allows, we encourage you to continue
to prepare your competition routines in hopes that you will still have the opportunity to have your performance judged in comparison to the other team:
from around the country. We will be communicating more details in the near
future. NCA & NDA will provide full refunds or the option to reallocate those funds to your summer cam balance. Please contact Michele Shetzer at
mshetzer@varsity.com to communicate your
preference.

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Is the 2020 NCA Cheerleading College Nationals in Daytona Beach cancelled?

On March 15 2020, Varsity Spirit announced that the 2020 NCA College Nationals will be cancelled for the first time in 40 years and will no longer take place, as planned, April 4th and 5th in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Is Cheerleading Worlds 2020 cancelled?

The ICU World and Junior World Cheerleading Championships are officially postponed, as are the Cheerleading Worlds originally scheduled for April 24th in Orlando

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