2017 Cheer Chatter Blog

The Edgewood Eagles are one. This team has faced challenges and come through it stronger. Coach Erica Carcieri is proud of them and their ability to overcome the obstacles they have faced. Earlier in the week they found themselves down a flyer. Not only did a brand new flier step up, the team rallied to make it work. Erica credits the leaders on this bantam team. It’s their last year and they have stepped up to make sure that the Eagles are on top!

Wescon Friday Spotlight team is the Rancho San Diego Norseman Varsity PW2 Large.  They are coached by first timer Bree Bedsole.  Bree is a football mom who cheered in high school and was happy to take them on.  They faced injuries and a few drops this season that provided some challenges when it came to choreography.  This team is a combination of veterans and rookies who became a family. They look out for each other and Coach Bree feels blessed to be their coach!

Naperville youth patriots - Naperville Illinois, jr varsity team
Patriots youth are a very close team. This is there 2 me time to Disney and nationals   This they  love to joke around and do many team bonding things together.  Their biggest one this year was to great America fright
fest!!
The practice hard and there motto is. PATRIOTS - YOU KNOW
they took 2nd place at the Chicagoland conference as well as 2nd place in the mid America regional.  They are hoping for first place today!!
“We love our coach”   She is super nice, funny and pushes us  to do our best.    The girls will be doing year round and returning next year for a full season. And we will be back in Disney next year, you can count on that.
Several of the girls have “roles” on the team.  Annalise is the serious one.  Kymora is the funny one.
Aniya celebrated her birthday here in Disney.  Happy birthday!!!
Go Patriot Youth.  We wish you the best of luck today!!!

The Norsemen Jr. Varsity, is a large team that came from San Diego. The veterans of the team have been cheering for three years but, this is their first year cheering together with everyone else. These girls arrived in Disney on the Fifth and the sixth of December. Their favorite part about coming to Disney is hanging out with each other and spending time at Hollywood Studios on the Tower of Terror and the Rocking Roll Rollercoaster.  They stated that the hardest part about learning the routine was the stunts and timing. When they compete they are worried about their pyramid but, they are prepared to hit their whole routine.

        This level two Jr. Varsity, the Topsail Junior Pirates, are a medium co-ed team from the mid-south region. Their team consists of thirteen members with three boys, two of them being new to cheer along with seven girls also new to cheer. Their head coach, Amber, was deployed to the Middle East and the team did not start practicing for competition until September twenty-fifth. During her absence, Vanessa became the head coach until Amber returned. They arrived in Disney World on the fifth and sixth of December and they have been enjoying their time with one another and going on rides. The males on the team stated that the hardest part about becoming a cheerleader is how society viewed them and learning jumps.  The team stated that, during practices the hardest part about learning the routine was remembering the timing and hitting their stunts but, their favorite part is the ball up pyramid.

         The South County Indians are a challenger team that came all the way from New England to show off their cheer on the Disney floor. They came in to Disney on Tuesday, the fifth of December. Their favorite part of this trip is being in the pool and going on Thunder Mountain. They also had fun meeting some of their favorite characters like Buzz and Woody. This team consists of six members, two of them being boys. This is their first year cheering and they state that the hardest part about cheer is hitting stunts and the long practices but, they enjoy the friendships they have made and like doing jumps.

The Southwest Region Spotlight team of the day is the Oak Cliff Titans from Dallas Texas.

The Oak Cliff Titans has been to Nationals four times. Their favorite Disney Park to visit is Hollywood Studios. The Titans received all their homework for the week to complete at study hall. Winning Grand Champions at their local competition was amazing. They absolutely worked hard to get to this point. Through the good and bad we worked hard as one unit to get to our goal and that’s.....Pop Warner Cheer and Dance Nationals.

This year they bonded not as a team but sisters. We push each other’s to keep going even when we wanted to give up. That’s the true meaning of team! Let’s go TITANS!!!!

This team of 20 Junior Pee Wee team have been working hard all year for this day. Their coach Marie Kashuba couldn’t be more proud. It is their second year in Pop Warner. They are happy with the move. They see improvement and growth in both football and cheer each year. Both the Junior Varsity and Junior Pee Wee teams are here at The 2017 National Cheer and Dance Championships. The Junior Pee Wee football team made it to the playoffs this year. All are signs of a program gaining strength and momentum. It makes Association President Todd Romagna proud to be a part of The Northern Connecticut Region. They have been working hard to build their program for the past six years and it shows!

The Southwest Region Spotlight team of the day is the Lockhart Lions Jr Pee Wee cheer team. While staying here in Orlando they have visit all Disney Parks. 

This is their seventh year competing at Nationals. Getting to Nationals hasn’t been easy but, we still managed to be here. Our girls have many different personalities, but, we are a team in it to win it. But what really matters most is that the girls have fun.

Start them young and raise them right is their motto. Go Lockhart Lions!

Wescon's Thursday Spotlight team of the day is the Twin Cities Wolverines JPW PW2 Small Team.  Their head coach Juvenal Mendoza was originally their choreographer but stepped up to coach after the team lost two sets of coaches.  This is his first year as a Head Coach in Pop Warner.  He coaches all star and high school cheer and has been a cheerleader at East LA College.  He has 14 girls on the team and all but one are returners.  It has been awesome to watch them grow and and push through obstacles.  He loves their passion and how they have been able to handle everything he has thrown at them.

The Metuchen Bulldogs Bantam team does not like to talk about their regional performance.  It was definitely not a great performance and frankly one they prefer to forget.  They don't ever want to feel like that again.  A team learns from their mistakes.  So they have been very focused on doing their best every time they step on the floor.  They are determined to put their best performance on the mat today.

For the Northern Community Knights Pee Wee team, their challenge was like so many other Pop Warner teams... They had the cheerleaders-they needed someone to step up to coach or they would have to turn these kids away.  The mom that stepped up didn't just agree to be the coach in name.  She worked and studied and learned all she could about cheerleading to be the best coach she could be.  The team responded, learning new skills and pushing themselves to be their best.  Coming to Nationals has also inspired them - they want a return trip next year!  

The Monmouth Falcon JPW Pom team is part of a tradition of dance teams making it to the National Championships.  But that doesn't make a difference to these JPWs who are excited to be here for the first time. Lively discussions were taking place between those who wanted to do Epcot first or Animal Kingdom first.  And of course everyone is looking forward to having a coach make good on her promise to go down the slide at the pool in the hotel if they earn that National Championship banner.  These girls have had a great time together all season and are topping it off with a great experience here in Disney.

Pacific Northwest Region Dance team JV hip hop East Bay Warriors from Peninsula had a great day at competition! Coming in third place the squad performed an explosive routine that had the crowd dancing in their seats!

The Southwest Region highlight team of the day is the Port Arthur Honeybees. They are here competing at Nationals for the fifth time.

The biggest challenge they faced getting to Nationals was losing everything to Hurricane Harvey in August 2017. The squad has fundraise and with determination has still managed to beat all odds on and off the mat. Their favorite parks to visit is Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Port Arthur Honeybees loves the ending of their Pom Dance Black and Gold.

The Honeybees have definitely made their mark and throughout the storm there is always sunshine. Great job ladies!

When you head is on Nationals and your heart is with your coach!

The Association Cheer and Dance Coordinator (ACDC) is an important role on a leadership team.  That is the person who works to recruit and retain coaches.  For Pompano Eagles Varsity Hip Hop Dance Team, the ADCD Nikitress was able to step into the role of head coach during nationals due to unforeseen circumstances, Coach Shadranquie was unable to attend.  This team thrives off the beautiful heart of the head coach they adore.  "This performance is for coach Shadranquie", said the team.  Normally, working with a large team would be a challenge. Not for these coaches! It has been a Blessing to work with such a dynamic and dedicated group of young ladies who are powerful in spirit and on the floor.  The values of the coaching staff shine bright and are easy to see in each and every girl.  Sometimes, it can become very interesting working with a large number of personalities simultaneously, but the girls believe in the team as well as each other.  The Eagles also value teamwork and functioning as a family.  This value was exhibited through two of the girls on their own recognizance decided it was best not to participate at Nationals due to illness but for the love of the team are here for moral support.  Kudos to Coach Shadranquie and the Pompano Eagles Varsity Hip Hop team!

We came to represent!

The Liberty City Warriors Varsity Theme Dance Team are ready for their first performance ever at the Pop Warner National Cheer & Dance Championship.  This spunky and tenacious group of young ladies are proud to represent Liberty City today.  When you combine an eclectic group of strong personalities you may not get positive results. That is not the case with this team. What you end up with is a strong, dedicated, hardworking team who are grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a grand event. "It has been a wonderful experience working with this which has allowed me to give back to the community where I got my start", said coach Laquita.  According to head coach Marquita, the team is supported from every angle and has become one big happy family.  The Liberty City Warriors Varsity Theme Dance team remains devoted and will continue to shine with a great group of coaches as well as a committed dance coach guiding and mentoring the girls to always strive to be the best.  It takes a village and that's what the Warriors have to help keep them on top!

The tears! So many tears! Coach Carla Lombard couldn’t be happier!  She has to work to keep her emotions in check. This team of 9 JPW have been waiting 5 years to compete and here they are, at Nationals. These Red Raider Stars are on the rise because they learned from the best. The coaching staff is filled with former Raiders who have come back to help carry on the tradition of excellence. It shows. The girls are calm and ready. They are excited for this moment. As the team moves closer to the performance mat, the coaches give the girls pointers and last minute instructions. The girls listen and soak it up. The excitement, nerves and pride can be felt. The Raiders are starting something new with this first year JPW team. Coach Carla forward to the future with her team. The excitement and love that she has for them spills out of her eyes and the other coaches can’t help but join in. 

Jr Reporter Akhira Matthews has been cheering for the Cleveland Rams for the past 6 years.  Starting out as a shy 8 year old, she found that practice and competing has brought her out of her shell.  She credits Pop Warner and her coaches for giving her the confidence she needs to become a successful adult.  She is confident the friends she has made within Pop Warner will be a part of her life forever.  She competed on Monday in the Varsity Level 3 Medium Category, placing 6th in the Nation.  She is hoping that her association will develop a Bantam team and she can continue her quest for a National Title. 

Dr. Falcons

The Dr Falcons are a team of 26 girls and one boy that has been around since 1980’s. They are a Jr.Peewee level one large team that had a 2 ½ hour flight all the way from South Eastern Massachusetts. Some of the girls has been on the team for about 1-5 years. Their favorite part of their whole routine is the back stunt/pyramid. Their Team motto is #Perfection. The Coaches say that “as long as they try their best I will be proud”. 

The Blythe Hornets

The Blythe Hornets are a Jr. Peewee level 1 that has been around for 16 years. The girls had a 5 hour flight all the way from a small town in Blythe, California. The Hornets says “they tried their best and it’s all up to the judges now”. They girls favorite park to go is Magic Kingdom and ride tea cups and splash mountain. Their team motto is to try their best.

Mililani Trojans

The Mililani Trojans are a Jr. Peewee level one small team. The girls had an astounding 12 hour flight all the way from Hawaii. Some of the girls has been on the team for 5 seasons. Their favorite part of the routine is the dance. They said they did very good and that they’re proud of themselves.  Their favorite ride is Splash Mountain which is in Magic kingdom and the Tower of terror which is located in Hollywood studios. 

The talented ladies that make up the Rensselaer Rams Varsity are both smart and athletic.  There are a number Little Scholars on this team according to the coaches.  But they also participate in multiple sports.  Soccer, vollyball, basketball and high school cheer are just some of the sports these athletes are involved with - while participating in Pop Warner.  Role models for sure!

Wescon's Temecula Valley Bears Junior Varsity team is back at Nationals for the third year in a row!  They took 5th place their first year, 2nd place last year and are really hoping to nail 1st place this year.  They have 21 girls on their squad and their head coach is Kristin Juve and she is assisted by a co head coach, Jackie Stoner. This year they really wanted to challenge the girls and push their level 1 routine to the limit by added the most possible difficult stunts allowed.  It has been fun to watch the girls take on and excel with everything they gave them.  They learned a lot of new skills this year.  Their girls have shown grit and perseverance.  Their motto is Teamwork makes the Dream work!  They are looking forward to continued success. Great Job Bears!

For the love of the sport!

The Clay PAL Blue Devils Junior Varsity has a reason to be proud.  They are the first team from Clay PAL to make it to Nationals.  Through hard work and dedication this team along with their coaches has become one big happy family.  Not only does this team have a group of supportive and encouraging coaches, they have two of the greatest coach trainees that a team could ever ask for.  After trying a number of other cheer organizations these ladies came back to where their hearts are which is Clay PAL. "Pop Warner puts skill and safety first which makes this a great place to be.  It fills my heart to be able to change rolls from cheerleader to coach and see all the hard work being transferred to the girls.  It make everything worth while", said coach trainee Mandy.  To have a head coach and four assistant coaches for encouragement is great, but add in two coach trainees who believe in the sport, have the heart for their association and the love for Pop Warner......Priceless! 

Small but Mighty!

“Together everyone achieves more” is the team motto of the JR PeeWee Fort Osage Indians!!!  “ We work hard as a team. We are all best friends on the team even though we go to different schools.” The team enjoys the many team bonding activities they do such as swimming and going to World of Fun.
"We took first at locals, first at regionals and we want to place in the top 5 here at nationals!! Our coaches are awesome."   "We had many issues throughout the season, and we came through it all.  The girls worked very hard to get where they are today, we are so very proud of them."  What are they looking forward to most....going to the parks. 
And for the final results, Fort Osage Indians placed 5th in their division!!!
Way to go Fort Osage Indians!!!!

The Southwest Austin Dawgs Jr Pee Wee Cheer Team, made history today as they competed for the first time in history as a Pop Warner Team. The coaches were nervous, but super excited for their girls making it this far. Their favorite part of their routine is the tumble runs and final pyramid. This group of athletes are more than a team, they are a family. 

Getting to Nationals is not only the hard work put forth by the girls on the squad and the effort and forever guidance by the coaches, but it’s about the support and love by the family behind the team.

It was such an honor to spend time with this team watching them perform on the mat was amazing. Great performance today! Good luck! And way to go Southwest Austin Dawgs Jr Pee Wee! 

Today’s Southwest Region Spotlight team of the day is the Northeast Vikings from San Antonio Texas. Their favorite part of their routine are the stunts and their favorite theme park to visit is Hollywood Studios.

Hard work has gotten them this far and they plan to make it a stellar performance for their teammates. This group of girls depends on each other and is very close as a Jr. Varsity cheer squad.

The Northeast Vikings Jr. Varsity has been to Nationals 3 times and they are taking home 2nd place in PW1 small this year 2017. On and off the mat, there is one word describing this Vikings team....CHAMPIONS!

Amazing performance by these ladies!

“We are family”. This is the team motto for the Independence Bears.  Each coach has a daughter on the team and each team member has made another team member their “sister”.  “We are one large family”.  “We do many things together besides practicing 6 hours per week.  We do lock ins, movies, swimming, etc”.  “Our team made the Rebel cheer magazine and we mare doing a photo shoot this afternoon for them”.  “In 2015 we were national champions and came back to do it again. “ we love our coaches.  They are very supportive of us, and they have helped us understand the rewards of hard work!!!
Coaches...”We are very proud of these girls.  We have watched them grow up, as we have coached them for many years”.
Many of the girls will be leaving and moving on to high school cheerleading!!!   “But we will always be on the team in spirit”
Go BEARS!!!

Our motto is “be possessed by a dream”. Eat, sleep and dream the dream”
We have a lot of fun together. Yesterday our coaches organized a scavenger hunt at the hotel. We involved other cheer squads, doing a cheer off, singing, etc. we spend a lot of time together outside of cheer practice
Being in Florida has some lucky numbers for us we believe in 1,2,4.  We are performing on 12/4 at 1:24 Michigan time.
We have placed 4, 3 and 2 at Nationals and we are back for 1st!!!  Many of us are moving on to high school cheerleading after this season
Our coaches are awesome, very supportive and always there for us. We love going to practice even though it’s hard work and we do things over and over until we get it right!!
LETS GO CITY!!!

Attending The National Cheer and Dance Competition is nothing new for the New England Region’s Taunton Tigers. But this group of 11 cheerleaders hasn’t been together long. It’s their first year together as a team. Their work started in August and has brought them to this moment. Coach Melissa Eannuzzo is proud of what her Junior Varsity girls have accomplished. It goes beyond their hard work and dedication.  She is most proud of the positive and supportive attitudes that her girls demonstrate every day and it shows! The Tigers are ready! Go Tigers!

Striving for greatness is a Burlington tradition. These 24 young Junior Pee Wees are in good hands. Head Coach Julie Paige has been coaching for 3 years. Her assistant coaches are former Burlington Patriot cheerleaders and retired coaches that have come back to lend a hand! It’s a family affair! The coaches stress having fun and want the team to relax. When they start looking stressed, Julie reminds them that they didn’t come all this way and work this hard to miss out on the fun and memories that an experience like this has to offer. 

Pacific Northwest regions first competing team of the week is JV Camas Jets from the Greater Northwest League. This team is full of beautiful cheerleaders who were excited and happy to perform on the national stage!  Head Coach Vicky Waadevig says the standout part of this team is their desire, determination, and persistence. Assistant coach Tamara Tilton has been part of Pop Warner for 37 years and has the privilege of coaching alongside her daughter, and has twins on the team as well. Her daughter Peyton says coaching makes her really miss being on the mat and loves to coach them because she knows the excitement and happiness of being on the national stage and is so happy to share that feeling with her team! 

Back in 1998, approximately 40 teams competed in the first-ever Pop Warner National Cheerleading Championship in DeKalb County, GA. That year, four national champions were crowned in the inaugural one-day event.

Fast-forward 30 years later to 2017, and more than 450 teams will be performing throughout the six-day event, featuring teams in seven age-divisions (Tiny-Mite, Mitey-Mite, Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Jr, Varsity, Varsity and Bantam), three size divisions (small, medium and large) and four skill levels (PW1, PW2, PW3 and PW4).

The Pop Warner National Championships have also grown from smaller venues in Georgia and California during the early years, to one of the premier sports venues in the country – the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Not only do competitors perform at a top-notch venue, they also get to experience the excitement and magic of Walt Disney World Resort while they’re here – adding to an already unforgettable experience.

Over the past few years, the program has also experienced a significant growth in competitive Dance teams. In 2015, 53 dance teams competed in the national championships; In 2016, that number grew to 70; and in 2017, an incredible 106 dance teams will compete for a national title!

Teams have traveled from all over the world to compete in the nation’s premier youth cheer & dance championship, including teams from Russia, Guam and Mexico. Pop Warner teams from Hawaii also routinely make the annual trip for the opportunity to be crowned a Pop Warner National Champion.

What was once comprised of just a few hours and a handful of national champions has blossomed into a six-day, 450+ team event showcasing the best-of-the-best in youth cheerleading and dance in just 30 years.

What will it look like in another 30 years? The possibilities are endless.

The Westchase Colts Varsity cheer squad worked hard to get to where they wanted to be and that is right here at Disney competing in the National Cheer & Dance Competition.  As one of the newer association in the Tampa FYD league, the Colts were committed to the value of teamwork which showed in their performance.  "This is our first year with Pop Warner and it was an adjustment, "said head coach Sarah.  One of the reason they were drawn to Pop Warner is the value of education through the scholastic program.  Meeting this coaching staff was just as exciting as meeting the team.  Coach Sarah is pediatric neuropsychologist and Shawna her assistant coach is due to have her baby boy in 18 days. Coach Shawna gets the dedication award as she rubs her stomach hope that he will not decide to come early.  The girls are super excited and the coaches functioned as only a seasoned staff could considering the freshness of their association. You can't beat the experience being the teams first time with Pop Warner and have made it all the way to Nationals. Go Colts!

North Reading Raiders

                The North Reading Raiders are a team that was prepared to check into the arena of ESPN and compete in front of thousands of anxious fans, yearning to view their miraculous routine and leave everybody in awe. Driving or flying from the state of New York, this group of girls can be deciphered as being in fourth grade and ages that are found in all other grades up to ninth grade. With Disney’s numerous sights to see, a lot of them visited various kingdoms that brought excitement to their eyes. Some of their favorite sights included Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and other parks that reached their goal of what they perceived as one of their most liked locations. At these kingdoms that they visited, they mostly enjoyed the rides of Soaring, Tower of Terror, and Rock n’ Roller Coaster. Striving to possess a trophy in their hands this year, this team informs people that their favored portions of cheerleading involves hitting, stunting, and tumbling. Hitting is defined as when every member on the team accomplishes the task of presenting their routine without any stunts falling, tumbling sequences touching down, and other mistakes that teams don’t wish to encounter. Several breath-taking stunt possibilities are available to this team and they will be able to amaze everyone with their tumbling of back and front tucks, along with handsprings, walkovers, and multiple other tumbling options. Some of these girls have been cheering since they were three years old, while others recently joined this year and they already can be viewed as a family that will go through every hardship, knowing they have a team member by their side. Everyone is wishing this level three team of a large group of cheerleaders the best of luck and we all can’t wait to see their unbelievable routine.

Coastal Cowboys

                These cowboys have lassoed on over from North Carolina in a town referred to as Wilmington and already appear as a magnificent group of girls that strive to emerge victorious at every competition. All of the girls also have drove in a car for eight to ten hours and with a peek at their uniforms, you are able to decipher that they all have blue, silver, and white uniforms. For their practice outfits, this team wore navy and pink bows and the pink bows were designed to signify that they are in support for all members that have breast cancer. They claimed that they’re bows for competition are navy and are decorated with rhinestones blanketed on top. Also, with one glimpse at their uniform deigned for their practice, you are able to see a black T-Shirt that contains Mary Poppins on the front with an umbrella in her hand and they inform people to “get your umbrellas cause we rain on the teams.” With the excitement of Disney and it’s numerous attractions for all visitors, this team enjoys Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios where they are seated on their favored rides of Rock n’ Roller Coaster, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and the Teacup ride. They also are fond of traveling to Epcot and are keen of all of the countries to visit, which includes Paris. This team is also thrilled of the pools spotted in Disney and the weather that is blistering hot with the occasional cool blast of wind. All of these girls have been cheering for one year to up to five years and plan to continue their tradition because they are fond of this sport. Their ages ranges from eight years old to even ten years old and nothing compares to their inseparable bonds they have formed amongst team members that are irreplaceable. They also enjoy tumbling, jumping, and the craze and excitement of competitions. Competing on December 5th, this team yearns to hit and attempt to still have a great time while they hope to dominate their competitors.

Avalon Wolves

                Only a forty minute drive away from home with the assistance of a car, this team, who have a mascot of wolves, live in Florida and are determined to wow the crowd with their outstanding level three skills. They are also known as a large team because this group consist of thirty girls that are all prepared for their competition. Some girls have been shining in this sport of cheerleading for six years and are fond of all of the attributes it contains along with its benefits. With this being their fourth year approaching the competition of Nationals, they all enjoy stunting, performing in front of an audience, and the people involved with this sport. They strive to always have each other’s backs and yearn to obtain a trophy, proving their hard work. Since their distance from home is not extended compared to other drives, they arrived at their hotel yesterday and some plan to leave after their competition, while others are taking their determined attitudes to the parks or Disney Springs. A lot of these team members enjoy Magic Kingdom, along with Hollywood Studios and are fond of numerous rides that these parks include. Some of these rides involves Rock n’ Roller Coaster, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Hulk, and Pandora. This team is perceived as a confident group of girls that will leave everybody wishing to see more of their amazing tumbling and stunts. These eleven and twelve year olds have been to Nationals four teams and will later greet another one of their town’s team that are also level three however, they are older than them. For this competition they are going to be one of the last teams to compete and then will enter the mat five minutes later for awards, where they will hope to obtain a large trophy to take home. At previous competitions, they have been the first to compete and now are more than prepared to close up the competition with a fierce, marvelous, hitting routine. Everyone wishes them the best of luck and they all are more than capable of proving to everyone that they are earning of the achievement for their success during this cheer season.

The Mid South Coastal Bengals traveled to Orlando from Wilmington, North Carolina.  Their Head Coach is Taylor Moore.  Taylor has been involved with Pop Warner since she was 6 Years old.  She cheered until she aged out at 15, and then became a Student Demonstrator /Coach Trainee and has been coaching ever since.   She actually competed on the Pop Warner National stage twice.    She absolutely LOVES Pop Warner and the idea that Education & Athletics go hand in hand.  She has coached teams to Nationals several times and each year is more exciting.  The biggest challenge this season has been due to the fact that she works full time, has a two year old son, and is pregnant with her second child.  Two years ago she was due with her first child on this exact day, but Easton came 3 weeks early.  She travelled to Nationals with her team with a one month old baby on her hip!   She is very proud of the team for working so hard this year.   Taylor says her favorite part of the routine is the final pyramid and the dance.

S-P-I-R-I-T, spirit! They got spirit!

The Pompano Eagles Junior Varsity has the spirit to overcome anything.  Hard work has gotten them this far and they plan to make it a stellar performance.  Leadership has also played a large part of this dual team making it to Nationals.  Coach Amber found herself switching roles during the season from assistant coach to head coach. "This team has struggled due to illness and injury, but we are back stronger and closer than ever," said coach Amber.  As one of the Southeast Region dual teams it took dedication and commitment to learn multiple routines while praying your teammates will return.  Life is filled with adversity, yet this amazing team came back with a positive attitude, support, encouragement and is an inspiration to everyone they encounter.  We commend these young girls for following through and being a shining example of the heart this region has for what we do!

How do you prepare for a performance while worrying about the health of a teammate? Well, this team knows exactly how that feels.  The Oceanway Bucs Pee Wee did not let that stop them pulling together.  It only made them stronger as a team.  The head coach of this team has been working with Pop Warner since her oldest daughter was 7 years old which makes it 15 years.  At the onset of the 2017 season, head coach Pam decided to split up her twins so that the PW team would have an additional flyer.  During a normal practice, coach Pam noticed there was something different about her daughter.  After determining the root cause of the issue and deciding not to pull her daughter from the team, the bond between these girls could not be stronger.  The community and family support this team has received in the form of assistant coaches which include her older daughter and cousin.  This truly is a bond that can never be broken!

When you think of Mid America Dance, the Tritown Raiderettes is the first team that comes to mind!  For many of this Tiny Mite/Mitey Mite powerhouse team, this is their fourth year attending the National event.  As the "Queen of Hearts" played in the arena this afternoon, this group of 5-8 year old rocked the house! And what is their reason for such a successful program you might ask...“We love our coaches and we practice very hard.  We love to go to practice and we learned a new dance called pop seko!   Spending time and practicing with our friends is so much fun!!!” Isn't that what it's all about? Awesone job!  The Mid America is so proud of you.

Teamwork really does make the dream work, but a team working as a family....even better!  The Deland Bulldogs Mitey Mite team is truly functioning as a family.  Head coach Aimee feels Blessed to have such a wonderful group of girls.  She has worked with some of the girls since the age of five.  Coach Aimee has three extremely supportive assistant coaches.  One of the coaches decided to move from the football side to cheer.  Coach Mike was extremely encouraging and of the team.  "Coach Aimee has worked so very hard with these girls and I am so very proud and commending of her and the team," said coach Mike.  Watching the coaches interact with the girls illuminates the love, support and pride of the Southeast Region.  This mitey mite team is experiencing the best of both worlds. The girls are developing life long friends and a wonderful extended family.