The End of the Cheer Era
Three years ago, I got to be a visionary partner on a new All Star Cheer program. Others with far more experience took the reins on operations and coaching, while I blissfully stayed tucked in the background helping design a brand, learn scoresheets
to offer feedback on routines, and support practice and comp day chaos. The last few weeks have lead to making some tough decisions, so bear with me as I process through words. Especially since there are some wild mistruths being told.
When we started the goal was to prioritize a positive gym culture for All Star cheer student-athletes and families. Over the years I’ve found so much joy:
celebrating their skill development
taking pictures of their unbelievable bonds
having one-on-one conversations when the mental blocks hit
breathing through the jitters with them before taking the mat
laughing hysterically as they bust out the most random dances, statements, and ideas
being available with huge hugs when the routine hit…and especially when it didn’t
This season I chose to step back to exist more in the role of Mom and I’m so glad I did. It let me savor the moments alongside the other families. It also let me reflect on why bringing this vision to life was so important, what I’ve learned, and recognize why it’s now time to move to our next adventure.
For those that didn’t get to know me, I can assure you of one thing; I am always going to advocate for what’s best for kids over appeasing adults. My life’s work is centered around being an advocate for children. They learn and grow when they are physically and psychologically safe. Whether it’s in schools, in extracurriculars, or in an everyday conversation. I’m no stranger to leaving unhealthy environments, personally and professionally.
As this chapter comes to a close for our family, I’d be lying if I didn’t say my heart is heavy. Every time I look at pictures of the girls and families the tears come back. Personally, this has always been about something way bigger than cheer.
I love these kids. {damnit, here come the tears again}
Since making this decision I’ve heard the word “puppet master” being thrown around about me. While I do like puppets, I think there is a distinction between being unproductively calculated versus being an intuitive and empathetic creative. Who also happens to be a professional, entrepreneur, and author who is highly educated, experienced working with kids and adults, and has a very well respected track record of good relationships with people from my past and present. I don’t always like to address the negativity, but it’s disheartening when someone tries to drag the name of the person by their side from the start simply because they are hurt. I’m not the first person they’ve talked about, and sadly I know we aren’t the last. Speaks volumes as to why we are leaving.
The decision for us to leave something we have been so committed to from the start does not come easily and most certainly don’t happen overnight. I can assure you:
When we see you at comps, we will be cheering for you.
When we see you on the sidelines at your schools, we will be waving at you.
When we see you moving on from cheer, we will be rooting for your success in whatever you do.
Teams are temporary.
The lessons, challenges, and friendships are yours to keep.
So what’s next? Cheer will still be part of our life. As our girl heads into high school there’s a lot of excitement for the opportunities ahead. After watching the Pro Cheer League finals live in Nashville she said, “I want to be on that team.” This girl has the heart, drive, and coachability to make it happen. She’s excited to get those advanced skills locked in.
It has been nothing short of amazing for this team to get to practice within the walls of Z Company Arts. There is no denying what makes them excel as a dance studio and why they continuously see growth. Zandra, Aly, and Tina opened space to a new form of movement, offering their business knowledge, experience, and time to nurture it in the early stages. I will be forever grateful for all I have learned from them {and watching our girl even get a little itch for dance through her tumbling classes with Victoria}.
Goodness knows I am always finding new opportunities to create spaces where kids can find their spark and confidently be their best selves. There’s always something new up my sleeves. But for the moment, I am going to catch a breath.
Lots of love to all those we didn’t get a chance to say “see ya later” to. It’s most certainly not goodbye. If you have questions, ask me. Hearsay is never going to give you the truth.
The countless pictures I’ve collected tell the story through the moments many didn’t get to see.
The ones off the mat where memories and friendships were made.
Incredible things happen when you wrap these little humans in love.
“He said, "Son, I've made a life
Out of readin' people's faces
Knowin' what the cards were
By the way they held their eyes
So if you don't mind my sayin'
I can see you're out of aces
For a taste of your whiskey
I'll give you some advice’
…
You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done”
