1ST DREAM SPIRIT BLOG
Welcome to the Dream Spirit blog, designed as a valuable resource for all cheer families! In each entry, I'll explore various important topics in cheerleading. If you have any suggestions for future blog posts, please share them with me!
To kick things off, I’d like to share a bit about my cheerleading journey. I began cheering at an older age than most kids today, starting at around 10 years old, which was quite different from the environment now. For instance, I jumped straight into a level 2 team with no prior cheer experience—a rarity in today’s world!
I spent four years competing in all-star cheer, where I was a base on the youth team and a flyer on the senior team. Tumbling didn’t come naturally to me, but that worked out well because it allowed me to excel as a flyer on the Senior 2 team. I loved flying and became quite skilled at it!
When I entered high school, I tried out for the Millard South cheer squad and made the freshman team. At cheer camp, I was honored to be one of just three team members to receive the “All American Cheerleader” award. I cheered throughout high school but chose to focus on academics during my senior year. Cheerleading had become a source of anxiety and pressure for me, especially during my junior year, and I was unsure if I’d return to it.
Despite my reservations, I decided to try out for UNO cheer and made the team. Cheering at hockey games was an absolute blast! This period marked the beginning of my foray into choreography, as my coach allowed me to create a dance for the team—a dance I can still perform today!
After two years with the Mavericks, I retired to focus on my college studies and job responsibilities. Soon after, I discovered a coaching position at a youth recreational organization. I spent about six years coaching their sideline and competition teams, which ignited my passion for coaching. I pursued a degree in Education, the closest field to my passion.
After college, I taught grades 1-2 in OPS for six years. While I loved teaching, the pull of cheerleading was strong, and I was eager to pursue it full-time. I launched a new recreational cheer program in Elkhorn, which grew rapidly. Eventually, I realized it was time to trust my expertise and start my cheerleading gym—something I had always dreamed of but felt unprepared for. Taking the plunge, I decided to do whatever it took to bring my dream to life.
Owning Dream Spirit has been incredibly fulfilling. My background in instruction and working with kids makes each day at the gym enjoyable and exciting. I am thrilled to provide athletes with the same positive experiences I had growing up. Cheerleading has taught me invaluable life lessons, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share them with others.
I must also give a special shout-out to my husband, Nick. His unwavering support and encouragement have been crucial in making this dream a reality. His belief in me and our shared vision has been instrumental to our success.
Additionally, we have a 2-year-old daughter who is already eager to join a cheer team herself! It’s wonderful to see her enthusiasm for cheerleading and to know that the passion for the sport will continue to grow in our family.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more insights and experiences with you!
