Here 4 Cheer

In this solo episode of Here for Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo shares the 10 essential skills every cheer coach must master to build strong athletes, healthy team culture, and long-term success—on and off the mat. From connection and communication to leadership, motivation, adaptability, and problem-solving, Megan breaks down the real-life coaching skills that matter most during a long and demanding c...

Welcome back to the Here 4 Cheer Podcast! In our first episode of 2026, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with global cheer ambassador Jibreel Rayam, President of the AIA — Association for International All Star, and 20+ year gym owner. In this episode, Jibreel gives an inside look at how the AIA is reshaping the future of All Star cheer on a global scale. From international pathways to athlete experie...

In this episode of Here for a Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with two absolute legends of the industry: Hank Light, the V!Roc Choreographer Director with over 100 UCA National titles, and Kim Gaskin, a 36-year veteran coach of Burlington Township with five NHSCC titles. Together, they take a trip down memory lane, discussing how a chance meeting at a pool bar before Nationals turned into a de...

Cheerleading has been her whole life—and now, she’s reflecting on what it means to go pro... and let go. In this episode of Here For Cheer, we sit down with Macie Dickey, Texas Tech cheerleader and Pro Cheer League athlete, to talk about growing up in the gym, navigating injuries, transferring colleges, winning a national championship, and facing the emotional reality of the end of a cheer career....

In this inspiring episode, host Megan Camarillo sits down with the legendary Michael Head, a two-time UCF Collegiate Champion and five-time World Champion with USA Cheer! Michael opens up about his incredible journey in the cheer world, discussing the difficult moments when he faced doubt from people who didn't understand his passion. He shares what it feels like to finally see those doubters come...

Competition season is here — and we’re breaking down exactly how parents and athletes can make the most of it! In this episode, Megan Gomarlo shares her best tips for having a successful, fun, and drama-free comp season. From showing spirit and staying on time to giving your athlete healthy feedback, this episode helps set the tone for a positive year. You’ll learn: • What parents can do to suppor...

Welcome to Episode 19 of Here 4 Cheer! Host Megan Gomarlo is joined by a super special guest: Dr. Maria Wisman, PT, DPT, CSCS, also known as The Cheer Doctor. Dr. Wisman is a Physical Therapist and Strength Coach whose entire mission is to help cheer athletes go from good to great using specialized physical therapy and strength training programs. In this must-listen episode, Dr. Wisman dives deep...

In this short but powerful episode, Megan Gomarlo reveals the 10 essential habits that make an athlete truly coachable — the kind of athlete every coach wants on their roster. Learn why corrections are a gift, how the best athletes process feedback, and the mindset shifts that will elevate your performance, your confidence, and your role on the team. Perfect for athletes, parents, and coaches who...

In this powerful episode of Here 4 Cheer, Megan sits down with Jomo K. Thompson, the legendary 18-time national champion coach behind the University of Kentucky’s cheer dynasty. Jomo shares: • The philosophy that built Kentucky’s winning culture • Why “absolute responsibility” changes athletes’ lives • How to stay hungry after winning • The mindset behind elite stunting and routine creation • How...

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo welcomes Kara Frair, founder of More Than Skill, for a deep dive into the mental side of cheerleading. Kara shares powerful strategies for building confidence, resilience, and emotional awareness in youth athletes — from breathwork and visualization to journaling and gamified mindset training. Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this conv...

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo welcomes Jack Kidney, a six-time world champion and international cheer consultant, to share his incredible journey back to the mat after a devastating Achilles injury. Jack opens up about the role of positive self-talk, mental toughness, and team culture in his 2025 comeback season with Top Gun. From his first handstand post-surgery to winning W...

In this heartfelt solo episode, Megan Gomarlo shares her top ten lessons for coaches who want to do more than just win—they want to make a difference. Drawing on 20 years of experience, Megan talks about effort over outcome, building real relationships, leading with empathy, and creating a culture that lasts long after the season ends. Perfect for coaches, gym owners, and parents who believe that...

Nine-time world champion and USA Cheer National Team Director Tucker Hunter joins Megan Gomarlo to talk about the future of cheer — from coaching the Dallas Drive in the new Pro Cheer League to mentoring athletes through Cheer Athletics and Team USA. Tucker opens up about his journey, coaching philosophy, and the lessons learned from balancing elite competition, leadership, and life. Whether you’r...

In this episode of Here for Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo talks with Les Malanowski, founder of NextUpCheer and former University of Iowa cheerleader, about how to navigate the college cheer recruiting process. Les shares valuable advice for athletes and parents — when to start preparing, how to reach out to coaches, what to post on social media, and what college programs are really looking for. They...

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Megan Gomarlo shares her 20+ years of experience as a gym owner, coach, and cheer mom to break down 10 ways to be a great cheer parent. From learning to say “I love watching you cheer” to trusting the process, avoiding comparisons, and embracing the highs and lows of the season — this episode is packed with honest advice and personal stories every cheer parent...

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, we welcome certified cheer judge and scoresheet expert Gabby Mauro to share her journey from athlete to judge and break down the cheer scoring system like never before. Gabby offers real-world advice for: Coaches trying to understand the rubric Gym owners building competitive teams Athletes wanting to improve execution Parents curious about how judging works Whethe...

In this episode of the Here 4 Cheer Podcast, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with legendary tumbling coach Matt Kelley of Woodlands Elite. With 24+ years in the industry, Matt has earned 6 World Championships, 11 NCAA titles, and a reputation as one of the most respected voices in All-Star cheer. Matt opens up about: Why spotting can create a crutch in tumbling  Smarter progressions for long-term ath...

In this episode of the Here for Cheer Podcast, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with Lee Grobstein, owner of Star Athletics Cheer (NJ & ATL) and one of the most respected leaders in the cheer industry. With over 500 athletes, two thriving locations, and multiple Summit and D1 titles, Lee has built a true cheer dynasty. We dive into: The culture and brand behind Star Athletics Score sheet strategy...

Join host Megan Gomarlo on Here for Cheer as she sits down with Patrick Smith, owner of Max Out Cheer Consultations and one of the most sought-after minds in All-Star cheer. With over 20 years of experience as an athlete, coach, and consultant, Patrick has helped hundreds of teams elevate their stunts, pyramids, and overall creativity to championship levels. In this episode, Patrick shares: ✨ How...

From the football field to the cheer mat — Kyle Williams shares how he went against the odds to follow his passion for cheerleading. Starting at 13, Kyle broke stereotypes, pushed through obstacles, and rose to become an All-Star cheer coach and choreographer, leading teams at NCA, The Summit, and ICU Worlds.  In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, Kyle talks about: 👉 Choosing cheer over football despi...

Learn the secrets to mastering cheer tumbling from two of the best in the industry! In this episode of the Here 4 Cheer Podcast, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with tumble masters Jonathan Gort and Lance Sawyer (G&S All Access) to talk about: 💥 Their favorite tumbling drills & equipment 💥 How to structure the perfect tumbling class 💥 Building confidence after falls & mistakes 💥 The #...

Episode 4 – Dan Weaver | Building a National Championship Culture In this episode of the Here 4 Cheer Podcast, host [Your Name] welcomes Dan Weaver, Head Coach of the University of Minnesota Cheer Team and 5x National Champion. From starting as a walk-on athlete at the University of Delaware to leading one of the top Division 1A programs in the nation, Dan’s journey is full of lessons for athletes...

Mental blocks can stop an athlete in their tracks — but they don’t have to be permanent. In this Here 4 Cheer episode, we talk with Jeff Benson from Mind Body Cheer about why mental blocks happen, how cheerleading’s perfection-focused culture can make them worse, and what athletes, coaches, and parents can do to move past them. Jeff explains the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, share...

Welcome to Episode 2 of Here 4 Cheer! This week we’re joined by flexibility guru Cat Haley, who dives into the critical role flexibility plays in competitive cheerleading. From her unique training program and how she helps athletes level up, to her journey in the cheer world and what it really takes to thrive in the sport—this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes chee...

What does it take to lead with purpose in the world of All-Star cheer? In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with Brent Steele, founder of Steele Athletics, to talk about his journey from passionate athlete to visionary gym owner. Brent shares how he built a positive and driven gym culture, the importance of inspiring both athletes and staff, and why strong leadership is ke...