September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Every year, September marks a significant month for children and their families around the world. It's a time when communities, organizations, and individuals come together to raise awareness about childhood cancer. This devastating disease affects the lives of countless children and their families, and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to shed light on the challenges they face, celebrate the brave young warriors, and advocate for increased research and support. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and discuss how you can help us at Dynasty make a difference in the lives of these young fighters.

The Reality of Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancer is a heart-wrenching reality that no family should ever have to face. It can manifest in various forms, from leukemia and brain tumors to neuroblastoma and sarcomas. Each diagnosis is a life-altering event for the child and their family. These young warriors, often with remarkable courage, face grueling treatments, endless hospital stays, and the emotional toll of uncertainty about their future.

Get to Know Jack

Jacks favorite state he’s ever lived in is Utah. He was born at the University of Utah hospital and is a Ute fan through and through.

Jack loves tennis, lacrosse, skateboarding, street hockey, swimming, BMX, skiing, reading, building legos and collecting random trivia.

He was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma at age 12. After 9 months of chronic hip and leg pain, and many wrong diagnosis, he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma which is a rare cancer that develops in the bone and soft tissues. We say he is 1 in a million, because 1 out of a million kids are diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma.

He’s finished 10 rounds of chemo, with 4 rounds to go. He was accepted to a trial in Ohio, and he will start the trial as soon as he is finished with his treatments in Denver.

His mom wondered how his doctor misdiagnosed him for so long, but after learning about childhood cancer, it is so rare, sometimes a pediatrician can go their whole career without diagnosing a cancer case.

The Facts and Figures

To better understand the importance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, consider the following facts and figures:

1. **Incidence**: Childhood cancer is rare compared to adult cancers, but it is still the leading cause of death by disease in children aged 1-19 in many developed countries.

2. **Types**: There are several types of childhood cancer, and they can occur at different ages. The most common types include leukemia, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumor.

3. **Survival Rates**: Over the years, advancements in medical science have improved survival rates, but some types of childhood cancer still have low survival rates, especially when diagnosed at later stages.

4. **Research**: Funding for childhood cancer research is crucial. It helps scientists develop better treatments with fewer side effects and ultimately moves us closer to a cure.

The Impact of Awareness

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month plays a pivotal role in addressing these issues. It serves as a platform to:

1. **Raise Awareness**: It educates the public about the realities of childhood cancer, dispelling myths and fostering understanding and empathy.

2. **Advocate**: Families affected by childhood cancer often struggle with medical bills and emotional burdens. Awareness campaigns can advocate for better access to healthcare and support services.

3. **Fundraising**: Increased awareness leads to more funding for research. This research is essential for finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for childhood cancer.

How You Can Make a Difference

Now that you understand the significance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, you might be wondering how you can contribute to this important cause. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:

1. **Wear Gold**: Gold is the color associated with childhood cancer awareness. Wear GOLD to cheer the week of Sept 18th-21st.

2. **Donate**: Donate to our Fundraiser for Jack! You can bring cash into the gym or venmo @kickitforjack

3. **Share Stories**: Use your voice and social media platforms to share stories of children and families affected by childhood cancer. Amplify their experiences and inspire others to take action.

Conclusion

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that even the youngest members of our society can face life's most challenging battles. It's a time to stand with these brave children and their families, to raise awareness, and to work towards a world where no child has to endure the pain of cancer. By showing your support, whether through wearing gold, donating, volunteering, or advocating for change, you can make a significant impact in the fight against childhood cancer. Together, we can bring hope to these young warriors and their families and work towards a brighter, cancer-free future for all children.

Get to Know our Coaches: Charity

Hello! My name is Charity Horne and I have been a part of Dynasty Athletics since it opened in 2016. I was also coaching at the previous cheer gym known as, Elite Academy. I started working with that program in 2010. I never thought that I would coach cheerleaders, since I was the one who made fun of them growing up. Since working with this program, I have developed a huge respect and love for the sport. I still remember the first time I watched them do a full out routine to music.... It was so incredible that I actually teared up! I secretly wanted to go back in time and be a cheerleader!

I was born in Magna, UT but spent most of my years in middle school, high school, and some of college in St. George, UT. Soooo, I claim it as my home town. When I was younger, I was a very shy kid and kind of socially awkward. My mom put me in a gymnastics program, just for something to do. It was totally my thing!! She never thought it would evolve the way that it did. I was involved in gymnastics on and off until I was about 24. Many years of gymnastics led me to walk on to the Women's Gymnastics team at Southern Utah University in 2003 and get a full ride scholarship 2004. I graduated with honors from SUU in 2005 and with a major in Elementary Education and a Minor in reading.

Soon after graduating, I married my hubby Rich Horne. He works at Les Olson company and is the Business Develop Manager. Funny story about us... we met on the freeway. I was driving with my friends sitting in the back seat and saw some hot guy driving next to me. I held up my phone number in the window and he called me. I was moving to SUU that weekend and he had been going to school there for the last few years (small world). So, we pulled over and talked. A year and a half later we were married. We have 3 handsome boys; Wes (17), Drew (17) and Will (13). Wes and Drew are seniors this year at RIverton High School. Wes plays competitive basketball for a program here in Salt Lake City. Drew plays football at Riverton High School and is on the Varsity team. My youngest son, Will, is in 8th grade at Oquirrh Middle School and plays football for the Riverton Little League program. I am very involved in their sports, and love watching them grow and develop into amazing athletes and human beings.

These days I am a 1st Grade Teacher at Mountain Point Elementary in Bluffdale and I absolutely LOVE IT! I am also on the Board of Directors for Riverton Little League Football (6 years), I have been on the Executive Board for the last 4 years. I love serving and helping this program become what it is today. I love to hang out with my family, watch movies, work out, get pedicures, watch football, go shopping, and eat chocolate. Some nights and on the weekends I still love to coach. I do lots of private lessons and work with girls on our Dynasty Cheer teams.  I also work with lots of girls who are involved in High school Cheer, Drill team, Dance Company or even girls who are in gymnastics and want to improve their tumbling. 

What I love about coaching.... I love the relationships I build with these girls! They make me laugh and bring a light into my life that I just can't explain! I love watching them set goals, work hard, conquer their fears, and help them achieve things that they didn't think were possible. I love running into these girls in public, some even many years later, and they still remember me. I love going through my phone and seeing all of these random silly selfies these girls take on my phone (this is when they should be working and not messing around lol). I LOVE IT ALL!!!

I am so grateful to be a part of the DYNASTY staff! We have some amazing coaches that work soooo hard for these girls! I can't wait to see what we do this year!! GO DYNASTY!!

Get to Know our Coaches: Kaydence

Hey! My name is Kaydence and I have been with Dynasty Athletics since we started as Elite Academy. Before I did cheer, I was a dancer at Elite and had a lot of fun there! One day when I was at dance practice, we got asked to go into the cheer gym and watch a team do a full out, and that's when I knew I wanted to try cheer. I’ve been an athlete for around 13 years and I’ve loved every minute of it. Like Sydney, I’ve had Mogan as my coach almost every year except for 2. She has taught me so many life lessons that I hope to pass down to the athletes I coach. She’s like the older sister that I never had (I’m the oldest child in my family haha), and I’ve always looked up to her. now I’ve had the opportunity to coach both of her daughters! Speaking of coaching, this will be my first year coaching an All-Star team, Fearless, and I’m super excited!!!

I’m usually working for my dad’s business with my best friend Kali when I’m not coaching. I actually met Kali years ago when we were on the same team at Dynasty! I’ve always been the artistic one in my family and everyone around me says I should have a career in that field, so I’ve been thinking about doing a nail apprenticeship later sometime next year

When I’m not working, I like to do a bunch of things at home. I like to take naps, do diamond paintings, play video games, watch tv, and I LOVE to color digitally and physically. I’m not usually the type of person to go out when I have a day off, but when I do, I like to workout and go to Target with Kali haha.

I am incredibly happy that I decided to switch over to cheer when I did dance. Doing this sport has taught me so many things. I always felt like it was my second home and everyone that was on my team felt like my second family. I’m so glad that I get to learn tips and tricks from the coaches at Dynasty because they are all so good at what they do. Not only do they want their athletes to succeed, they want to see them grow into amazing people that are kind, hard-working, and to know that we are family. I am super excited to see my athletes go out on stage and see them perform because they are so talented and I want to see their hard work pay off.

Get to know our Coaches: Rian

Hey, my name is Rian! I have been involved with Dynasty from basically the beginning. I truly love all the staff and the athletes I get to work with here.  I spent my younger years dancing and when I was 8 years old, I decided I wanted to give cheer a try. I started cheer at Elite Academy and cheered at Elite until I transferred into high school cheerleading. Many of the coaches at Dynasty today coached me when I was growing up like Steph, Morgan, Sierra, Bailee, Charity, and Hillary. It's so fun to still be involved with all of them and watch them grow this program throughout the years.

I cheered at Riverton High School and was a captain all 3 years I was on the team. My team took home 3 regional, 2 state and 1 national title. I absolutely loved my time being a cheerleader with both all-star and high school. Cheer was literally my entire life for over 10 years and shaped me into the person I am today, it was definitely bittersweet to leave it behind. After I graduated high school, it was time for me to chase my other dreams and start working towards my career and getting involved with scholarship pageants. I currently attend school at Weber State University. I have a minor in advanced radiologic sciences, and I am majoring in radiation therapy. I will be graduating from my radiation therapy program in August of 2024. I'm so happy to be where I am today, as this field is very competitive and took me several years to get here. I currently work at Utah Orthopaedic Specialists and Riverton Hospital as an X-Ray Technologist. I have been involved with scholarship pageants for 6 years and currently hold the title of Miss Utah Sweetheart.  During competition season, I’m also an ‘official’ for the Utah High School Activities Association and judge high school cheer divisional and state competitions. I also enjoy CrossFit, traveling and love animals.

This upcoming season will be my 12th year helping and/or coaching Legends. I started helping with “Angels” at Elite Academy from the very first year Morgan started this program. I'm very fortunate and grateful to still be involved with this team and to coach the countless athletes that we have crossed paths with. I truly love this team and it's something I look forward to every week! I’m so excited for this upcoming season and can't wait to see what this season brings!

Get to Know our Coaches: Sydney

Hi my name is Sydney! I have been coaching at Dynasty for 6 years and cheering at dynasty and elite academy since I was 6 years old. When I first started at elite I tried a few dance classes and the teacher pulled me aside and told me I had a lot of energy and suggested I tried I cheer or tumbling class. That was definitely the right choice for me haha. I did a few years of rec cheer and then moved up to all star where morgan was my coach. I only had one year when I was not coached by morgan for my 8 years of all star. I always looked up to morgan and wanted to be just like her and now we get to coach together and it is so much fun!! Side story morgan actually gave me a Future Coach Award at an end of year banquet when I was younger. My first year coaching was in 2019, it was a Y2 team called jewels and no one could have asked for a better first year. Jewels had an awesome year and they ended up taking 2nd at summit. plus I got to coach with Hill and everyone knows she’s freakin amazing. I have coached levels 2-5 loved every minute of it. My teams have taken 2nd, 3rd and 6th at summit, still waiting for the 1st place *wink wink* This year is the first time I am coaching 2 teams, passion and reputation and it has been so much fun getting to know new athletes and prepping for this new season. 

I work in an office right now but I feel like I have a hundred jobs with all of my hobbies! I had a custom sugar cookie business that I started in high school. I have done vinyl printing, embroidery, planned and decorated charity events, made hand stamped jewelry and so many others that I can’t even name. I love to be creative and I am always coming up with new craft things to do. I have always said I would make a great team mom haha. I love making little gifts or planning fun games for my teams to bring a little bit more fun into practice. 

When I am not at the gym i’m usually up at my cabin boating or fishing with my family or at an utah football game. I am about to move into my first house in September with my boyfriend Nathan. I am a disneyland addict and will go as much as I can, my dream job would be a disneyland holiday decorator and make disney Christmas decor all year long. 

Cheer has always been apart of my life, I learned so much growing up with steph and morgan. I always felt like I had a safe space to go when I was having a bad day. It was my home away from home. I became a coach because I wanted to be a role model for other kids like my coaches were for me. I want to be their biggest supporter, who they come to when they are having a hard time, and help them become the best people they can be. My biggest goal for this season is for everyone on my teams to achieve their personal goals and feel proud of themselves. If that’s means learning to kick over in out of that backbend, learning a new stunting position or being in the front of dance section. One of the best things in the world is to watch an athlete achieve something they never thought they could do and seeing how proud they are when they finally reach that goal. All of my athletes are so talented this year and I have no doubt they will be super successful. I am so excited for comp season to start!

Get to know our Coaches: Sierra

Hey, I’m Sierra. Where to start…I started cheer when I was 5 years old at Elite Academy. Steph was indeed my coach. I continued to cheer, but also fell in love with dance. I did both at Elite Academy until I moved on to high school. I was on varsity all 3 years at Bingham High School and was captain my senior year. During that time I could not get enough of Elite Academy I was able to coach there with Bailee. We taught the tiny team and we loved it! It was/is the perfect job.

After high school I went on to cheer at Weber State. I cheered for one year and danced for one year. At that point I decided college was not for me lol. I also was a member of the United spirit association (USA) for 4 years. Teaching cheer camps and working competitions.

After that I got married and moved to Logan, Utah where my husband was going to school. I worked as a collection agent and guess what, I hated it and had an itch to get back to cheer. I was able to move back down and start coaching at Dynasty. I also started coaching at Bingham High School at that time, and was there for about 5 years!

Life has since gotten a little crazier! I now have a family and more responsibilities :) Remi is my oldest, she is 5 and is now in cheer and dance. It has been so fun to share my passion with her. She is my rule follower.. ya know typical oldest sibling. Nova is 3, and she keeps us all on our toes. She is wild and crazy but also so sweet and sensitive. McCoy is almost 9 months now and we are all obsessed with him. He is the happiest baby. Boys are new to me so I was a little nervous, but I really didn’t know what I was missing out on! He is the best.

My husband is a software engineer. He builds android apps. 🤓 yes, he is kind of a nerd. Funny story, we started dating when I was cheering at Weber state. He came to my first game and was also going to be meeting my parents. I look up from cheering and he had a rubrics cube that he was doing the entirety of the football game.🤦🏼‍♀️ somehow he still won me over.

I also have a passion for fitness and nutrition. I started doing bikini competitions after I was married as a side hobby and fell in love with it. I loved learning and the challenge of it all. I started working at Ideal Lean, with Trainer Lindsey. (If you don’t follow her, you should) and have since continued to work along side of her. I now take on my own clients and absolutely love watching people transform not only physically but mentally and emotionally.

With Respect having so many new athletes (on a level 3) it can be hard and scary to learn so many new things and feel comfortable with it. My goal for the year is to have the girls feel confident and ready each time they go out on the floor. I also want to create a fun and safe environment for the girls to know they can rely on each other and on me.

I am so excited for the new season, I know respect is going to kill it👊🏻

Get to Know our Coaches: Bailee

Hi! My name is Bailee and I grew up cheering my whole life! I started cheering when I was 5 years old and had next to zero coordination, it’s a miracle I loved it as much as I did, but I fell in love the second I walked through those doors and never looked back! I cheered for 7 years before I came over to cheer at Elite Academy with Steph as my coach, and many of the coaches we have now were my teammates! I also was on the Bingham High School cheer team. I cheered on Varsity all 3 years and was a captain my senior year… And because I couldn’t get enough cheer in my life, I coached at Elite Academy all through my high school days as well. I even coached some of our older athletes when they were on our tiny team :D It has been so much fun to see how they have all grown up and become amazing athletes!

College took me away from my favorite people, but I was able to cheer at Dixie State University (Utah Tech University - whatever we are calling it these days) for one semester. It was so much fun to cheer at college football games, but I decided I just wanted to focus on school at that time. I received my bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communications and have now become a full time corporate event planner for a technology company.  

I am engaged to my very best friend, Anthony, and we are planning to get married next September! (Yes, I know its forever away! HA!) We have 2 little fur babies that keep us extra busy, Chanel and Louis. (Yes, they are as high maintenance as their names make them out to be.) Well, one that is easy as cake and one that keeps our hands extra full. As some of you may know, Anthony and I impulsively adopted our puppy in January when one of my cheerleaders knew of a puppy that needed a good home. We labelled him our team mascot and the girls still tease me for never bringing him around, but when he is a 55 pound ball of energy, it makes things difficult! Outside of cheer, I absolutely love the water. Whether it’s the ocean, a lake, a pond, I don’t care! If I can be outside soaking up the sun, I’m in! I also LOVE Justin Bieber, which I think most of you know. I have been his number one fan for as long as I can remember and still feel the same. Everyone else has also mentioned their love, or hate (Kass), for Diet Coke.. so of course I have to say that I love it as well!

After taking way too much time away from the cheer world, I honestly forgot how much I needed it in my life. Coming back last year was exactly what I needed! I forgot about just how much I loved and needed all the relationships, the commitment, the dedication, and everything else that come along with this sport. These athletes mean the world to me, and I am so excited to be back and share my love of this sport with the girls I coach! I can’t pick one specific memory that is my favorite, I have far too many, so I will just say all of last year was a year I’ll never forget. I had never coached a senior level 1 team and I was a little nervous going into the year, but it exceeded all expectations. Watching the work and dedication these girls gave all year was inspiring. Most of them came in with almost no cheer experience, but you would have never known. They all were so determined to improve, and that is exactly what they did! My goal for this season is to be intentional – For both myself and the athletes. Every action we take hold purpose, no matter how small or seemingly mundane, there is always a greater reason as to why we are doing something! I am so excited for this year and can’t wait to get to competition season!

Get to Know our Coaches: Hillary

Hey, my name is Hillary! I have been with Dynasty forever and was with Elite Academy before we broke off. I grew up dancing and cheering at Elite Academy! I am still friends with the girls that I grew up cheering with there and love that our kids get to dance and cheer together now. I was on the cheer team and dance company at Cyprus High School. After high school I danced on the Utah Blaze dance team, it was so much fun performing at the games! I also traveled to China with a dance team, where we performed at international basketball games. I am so grateful for all the opportunities that dance and cheer have brought to me!

I love coaching and have had so many amazing years as a coach! I coached the 5 year undefeated Tiny Team at Elite Academy. They were also the West Coast Cup Champions in 2016! It was so much fun working with those littles. I coached Dynasty’s first team to place in the top 3 at the D2 Summit, that year of Jewels was so much fun and so special! I also have been choreographing for many years and love that I get to use that creative side of cheer to make routines come to life! I love coaching because I get to watch kids of all ages learn and grow and achieve their goals. I love getting to know the athletes and watching them grow up into wonderful people!

I am also a Cosmetologist. I have been doing hair for 13 years and I love it! So many of my clients have come from Dynasty Families and I am so grateful for that. I have two little girls, Iva and Cora, and a baby boy that should arrive any day now! Iva dances at Elite Academy and I have loved being a dance mom and watching her passion for dance grow. Cora is the silliest 2 year old and keeps us on our toes. She also started dancing last year and it is so fun to watch her perform. My favorite food is Chips and Salsa and I love a Diet Coke with lemon. I love traveling with my little family and if I could have any job in the world I would want to be a Disney Blogger! I love going to Disneyland!

I am so excited to be coaching the little ones again this season! They are so sweet and eager to work hard! They have already improved so much! My goal for this season is to have consistency in technique for the team as a whole! Its going to be a great year and I can’t wait for competitions to start!

Get to Know our Coaches: Kass

My name is Kass! I grew up doing gymnastics and tumbling and became obsessed the second I started. You could always catch me doing cartwheels everywhere we went and on every surface possible (I played softball when I was 7 and they usually stuck me wayyyy out in the outfield cause they knew I wouldn't pay attention and would just be tumbling on the grass- sorry coach!). I started cheering at Bingham High School and then went on to cheer at Utah Valley University. I got the amazing opportunity to join the Dynasty family about 6 years ago- Steph actually found me because she always went to the bank where my sister worked and after a couple times of helping Steph, my sister asked if she was hiring- and I've been here ever since! 

As all the kids know, I love Chick Fil-A and they are convinced I eat it everyday. I have 3 siblings- one of which I've gotten to coach at Dynasty as well- and am an aunt to 2 amazing kids! I am super close with my family and find every chance I can to hang out with them. Fun fact, I'm one of the only coaches at Dynasty who doesn't drink diet coke (thanks syd for taking my side on this too) and I always have to make sure to specify I want REGULAR COKE when we go out together haha! I also LOVE to read and listen to podcasts, so if you have any recommendations for either of those, let me know. 

I have loved cheer since I started at Bingham, but didn't know how much I really loved it until I became a coach. I love working with these kids and building lifelong relationships with them and their amazing parents. I truly dedicate every year to trying my hardest to influence and be an example to our athletes in the gym and in personal life. I want to know everything about all the girls to make sure they feel loved and important inside and outside the gym. I am so passionate about doing everything I can to help these kids succeed! One of my goals for the year is to try different techniques and skills I haven't used in the past. I can't wait to learn new things and step out of my normal comfort zone in our upcoming routines! 

Get to know our Coaches: Stephenie

My name is Stephenie and I am the owner of Dynasty Athletics. Ive been involved in dance and cheer since I was 3 years old. I come from a very busy, active, athletic and competitive family so I don’t really know any different…but I also wouldn’t have it any other way. I was on the drill team at Granger high school and had plans on attending and cheering at the University of Utah. When I was 16 years old I found out I had severe scoliosis and had to have a major back operation placing 2 metal rods, hooks with 12 spinal fusions down my spine. I continued dancing and training and was determined to not let anything stand in the way of my dreams. Unfortunately, when I went to cheer tryouts at the U of U, I was told by their Dr.’s that they wouldn’t allow me to be on the team due to my operation history and I was too big of a risk. I was devastated! I decided to tryout for the dance team at UVU with a friend and I spent the next 2 years having the best time of my young college life! Dancing on the bandshell stage on Daytona beach for college nationals was the ultimate college experience and I am so happy that’s the path my life took.

I married the most patient, loving man when I was 20 yrs old and we have 4 amazing kids that are of course so busy, active, competitive and athletic. My husband is a general contractor and owns his own construction company and loves to hunt. My oldest daughter Stocktyn is going into her 1st year of college and will be a Cougarette at BYU. Sawyer is 15 and will be a Sophomore cheering at Bingham High School and at Dynasty. Diesel is an 8th grader who plays football and is traveling all over for basketball on a traveling team. Last but not least…Charly, aka “Chuck”, is in 5th grade and on 2 teams at Dynasty. She also takes extra dance classes on the side and competes a dance solo in all her free time. Haha! I don’t usually get much time to myself but when I do it’s usually a late night movie with my sister and sister in laws, or binge watching a series. I love to read and I love to make memories with my family down on my family ranch in Grover. I love being a mom and watching my kids do what they love! I love it so much that I commuted back and forth from Rock Springs, Wyoming to Riverton, Utah for 3 years so Stocktyn could receive the best dance training at my sisters studio, but more importantly, continue to dance with her friends that she had been dancing and growing up with for 6 years! We would commute 1-2 times a week…Stocktyn and Sawyer would dance and I would coach all night, we would turn around and head right back to Rock Springs. Was I crazy? YES I WAS! Would I ever change it? ABSOLUTELY NOT! We learned alot, grew alot and became closer as a family over that 3 years.

Before I opened Dynasty in 2016, I was the cheer director for Elite Academy for 15 years. At Elite Academy I coached many of the coaches we have at Dynasty now, Morgan, Hillary, Sierra & Bailee. They have coached some of the coaches we have also…Sydney, Kaydence & Peyton. April, our amazing office manager, is one of my best friends that I’ve known my entire life. As you can see, relationships and family mean a lot to me and I believe are so important to everyone, especially young kids, they help with personal well being and growth! They provide a sense of belonging, emotional support. These types of relationships can last forever and it creates a support system that extends beyond your own lifetime. These are the kind of relationships I have built with my students and staff and the kind we try to create for your kids. This is why we are “DYNASTY” Athletics. We are a family that has worked hard together, sacrificed together, succeeded together and lost together….but ultimately we have stayed together and created a Dynasty for you! The best thing about Dynasty is it grows and grows and we love to add more and more families to our Dynasty family.

Get to Know our Coaches: Morgan

Hi! My name is Morgan Mayne and I have been apart of Dynasty since we opened our doors in 2016. Before that I was with Elite Academy! I have coached all the levels but most recently levels 5 & 6. I started cheering at Elite when I was 8 years old (Stephenie was my coach) and cheered there until I went to high school. I was on the Cyprus High School cheer team all three years of high school and Captain of the Comp and Sideline team my Senior year. When I graduated I started coaching cheer at Elite! I love that the girls I cheered with at Elite are still my closest friends today and I get to coach with them! Cheer has always been a HUGE part of my life. I loved it the minute I started, even though I was so scared to ask Steph to go to the bathroom that I cried hahaha.

My favorite part about cheer is the relationships that I am able to create with my fellow coaches and my athletes, bonds that will last a lifetime! I love watching a team grow together over a season as they work to achieve their goals. I love that I get to now coach with people that I coached! I hope that all of my athletes I have ever had know how much I loved coaching them and how proud I still am of them and that I am always here! I have so many amazing coaching memories but some of my favorites are when Lady Icons got their first Worlds Bid, the first time going to Texas with Lady Icons and when Lady Blue hit at Summit last year!

I am also loving my new role as a cheer mom! Both of my girls cheer at Dynasty and I love that they get to bond with all the athletes! I love watching them learn new skills and grow their love, or in Stevies case not love haha, for cheer! It is so nice to know that the whole Dynasty Family is looking out for my girls! I love that they will have these memories of cheer when they are older!

I am married to everyones favorite person, JT. He is so supportive of Dynasty and everything that I want to do. We have 3 kids; Harper (6), Stevie (3) and Cash (1). Outside of cheer I love to travel with my family and friends. Our favorite places to go are Lake Powell, Grover, Hawaii and Disney! I am a huge Swiftie and have been since 2007! I got to take Harper to the Eras Tour and it was THE BEST! I have a Bachelors Degree in English and I LOVE to read! If you have any book recommendations let me know! I have recently started a photography business and am loving it! I am a Diet Coke lover and my favorite snack is Chips and Salsa.

My goal for this season is for my team to be able to look back on their year and feel proud of what they did! I want them to know that they did everything they possibly could and to not have any regrets!

What does a Team Mom do?

1. Planner Extraordinaire: Our amazing team moms will collaborate with the gym owner, coaches, and the “PTA” to plan parties and events for our gym! They will attend all scheduled team mom meetings and together they’ll plan gym wide parties, special activities, team gifts, and much more!

2. Bonding Buddy: Our team moms will partner with the gym owner, coaches, and the “PTA” to strengthen the team’s bond. They’ll collaborate on organizing team-building activities and social outings that bring our cheerleaders closer together.

3. Super Volunteer Coordinator: Our team moms will assemble a team of volunteers. They’ll work together to create a well-coordinated volunteer schedule, ensuring that other parents have the opportunity to contribute their time and talents to our gym’s events and activities.

4. Cheerleader’s Cheerleader: Our team moms will support and cheer on our cheerleaders. They’ll work together to provide encouragement, send positive messages, and recognize the achievements of our athletes.

5. Record-Keeper Extraordinaire: Our team moms will maintain accurate records of our party expenses, event attendance, and other important information. Together, they’ll ensure that all the necessary details are documented, providing valuable references for future planning.

6. Fun-loving Spirit: Above all, our team moms will work hand in hand with the gym owner, coaches, and the '“PTA” to infuse our gym with a fun-loving spirit. They’ll collaborate to create an environment where fun, hardwork, and enthusiasm thrive, making our Dynasty Family an exciting and vibrant community.

The Differences between Prep and All-Star

At Dynasty Athletics we offer two different categories of cheer that cater to various skill levels and objectives. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between two popular forms of cheer: prep and all-star cheer. We hope that this blog post can showcase the differences and help you to make a decision on which category is best for you and your family!

Understanding Prep Cheer

Prep cheerleading is a relatively recent addition to the cheerleading landscape. It emerged as a stepping stone between traditional sideline cheer and competitive all-star cheer. Here are some key aspects of prep cheer:

1. Skill Levels and Experience:

Prep cheer is typically designed for athletes who are new to the sport or have limited experience. It provides an opportunity for beginners to learn the fundamentals of cheerleading while gradually building their skills. Prep teams often have varying levels, ranging from novice to intermediate, allowing participants to progress at their own pace.

2. Season Duration:

Prep cheer has a shorter season compared to all-star cheer. It typically runs for six months or less, which makes it an ideal choice for athletes who may have other commitments or want to explore cheerleading without a significant time commitment.

3. Competition Format:

Prep cheer teams compete in local competitions, but the level of difficulty required in routines is typically lower compared to all-star cheer. These competitions provide an avenue for athletes to showcase their skills and progress while gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment.

4. Cost:

Prep cheer is a more affordable option. The monthly tuition, uniform, competition fees, etc. are all lower compared to all-star cheer. See our Prep Packet for an exact cost break down.

Understanding All-Star Cheer

All-star cheerleading is widely recognized as the pinnacle of competitive cheer. It requires a high level of dedication, skill, and commitment. Let's dive into its defining characteristics:

1. Skill Levels and Experience:

All-star cheerleading is known for its advanced and intricate routines. Athletes are required to possess a solid foundation of cheerleading skills and often spend years training and perfecting their technique. Teams are usually categorized based on skill levels, ranging from levels 1 to 6, each representing a higher degree of difficulty.

2. Season Duration:

All-star cheerleading typically involves a longer and more intensive season, often lasting for several months. This extended commitment allows athletes to refine their skills, develop intricate routines, and compete at national and international levels.

3. Competition Format:

All-star cheer teams compete in highly competitive events, showcasing their routines to judges who assess various aspects such as technique, synchronization, difficulty, and overall performance. These competitions attract top-level talent and provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and strive for excellence.

4. Cost:

All-star cheer is a big commitment financially. Tuition, uniform, competition fees, etc. are higher for all-star because of the level of competition and the amount of time spent at practice. All-start teams will have travel fees as well. Something that prep teams do not have.

Choosing the Right Path:

When deciding between prep and all-star cheer, it's important to consider your skill level, experience, goals, time and financial commitment. If you're new to cheerleading or looking for a more relaxed introduction to the sport, prep cheer may be an excellent starting point. On the other hand, if you're a dedicated athlete seeking to push your boundaries, compete at higher levels, and invest significant time into training, all-star cheer may be the perfect fit.

Conclusion:

Both prep and all-star cheerleading offer unique opportunities for athletes to participate in a sport that combines athleticism, teamwork, and performance. Prep cheer serves as a stepping stone for beginners, providing a foundation to build upon, while all-star cheer demands a higher level of skill and commitment. Whichever path you choose, cheerleading is a journey filled with growth, camaraderie, and personal development. So, lace up your cheer shoes, bring your spirit, and embark on a thrilling cheerleading adventure of your own!

The Journey of a First-Time All-Star Cheer Parent: Cheers, Tears, and Triumphs

Becoming a cheer parent for the first time is an exhilarating and emotional experience. As you embark on this incredible journey, it's essential to know what lies ahead and how you can support your child every step of the way. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of all-star cheerleading and share valuable insights and advice for first-time all-star cheer parents.

Embrace the Dynasty Family:

One of the most remarkable aspects of all-star cheerleading is the vibrant and supportive community that surrounds it. As a first-time cheer parent, immerse yourself in this community. Attend team events, connect with other cheer parents, and build relationships with coaches and staff. This network will become your cheer family, offering guidance, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on during both the highs and lows.

Understand the Commitment:

All-star cheerleading demands dedication, commitment, and hard work from both athletes and their parents. Recognize that your child's cheer schedule will be rigorous, filled with practices, competitions, and travel. Be prepared to adjust your family's schedule and make sacrifices to accommodate their cheer commitments.

Communicate Effectively:

Clear and open communication with your child's coaches is key. Establish a strong line of communication early on, and don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification about expectations, practice schedules, or any concerns you may have. Coaches are there to guide and support your child, and working collaboratively will create a positive and effective cheer experience for everyone involved.

Manage the Emotional Rollercoaster:

All-star cheerleading can be an emotional rollercoaster for both athletes and parents. From the exhilaration of a flawless routine to the disappointment of a stumble, emotions can run high. As a first-time cheer parent, it's important to be their biggest cheerleader, no matter the outcome. Encourage them to celebrate their successes and offer comfort and reassurance during challenging moments. Remember, your love and support mean the world to them.

Nurture Their Well-being:

Cheerleading is a physically demanding sport, and your child's well-being should be a top priority. Ensure they are getting enough rest, following a balanced diet, and staying hydrated. Encourage a healthy and positive mindset by emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being. Remind your child that their worth is not solely tied to their performance on the mat.

Celebrate Every Step of the Journey:

Throughout your child's all-star cheer experience, remember to celebrate every milestone, big or small. Whether it's nailing a new skill, achieving a personal best score, or simply displaying resilience and determination, each accomplishment is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Cherish these moments and encourage your child to enjoy the journey, for it is the journey itself that shapes them into the confident and resilient individual they are becoming.

Conclusion:

As a first-time all-star cheer parent, you have embarked on an incredible journey alongside your child. It's a journey filled with cheers, tears, and triumphs. Embrace the Dynasty Family, communicate effectively, manage emotions, prioritize their well-being, and celebrate every step along the way. Remember, you are an integral part of your child's cheer experience, providing them with the unwavering support and love that will fuel their passion and help them reach new heights in all-star cheerleading. Enjoy this remarkable ride and cherish the memories you'll create together.