Need to brag...again.

So I seriously need to brag on my kids. I swear, the gym is MAGIC these days!

RED: Love the stunt sequence changes more and more each week. And I'm so glad we turned the pmid. It makes is 100 times better.

SILVER: Great job re-doing the opening. Baskets look incredible! And stunts...Love them!

BLACK: So glad we're going on your routine. I can't wait to get all the pieces put together!

TUMBLING: WOW, BIG improvements here! LOVE my tumbling classes. You guys are SO good. The number of kickovers is amazing. They're off mats right now, but I am sure that we will be putting them on the floor soon.

Then, let's see: Ivy and Simone throwing awesome tucks. Elise fixing that RO BHS BT. Lindsay...knew you could do it, GIRL! And Gabe...seriously.

I'm just a little bit excited.

Nationals Line-up is OUT!

Wooohooo...its really feeling like Nationals season now. Just got the line up...here is the rundown of our weekend. These are NOT meet times, you'll get those later (need a day or two to digest this!)

SATURDAY
Shooting Stars: 11 out of 34; Check in at 8am, comp starts at 9am.
RED: 18 out of 29; Check in at 12:30pm, comp starts at 1:30pm
SILVER: 1 out of 11; Check in at 4:30pm, comp starts at 5:30pm
BLACK: 8 out of 11; Check in at 4:30pm, comp starts at 5:30pm

SUNDAY
Shining Stars: 7 out of 18; Check in at 12:30pm, comp starts at 1:30pm

CONTEST!

With Happy Ads consuming most of my time this weekend, I decided to start a contest. Our team happy ads often look similar to last year's shown here. Let's take some guesses...how many pictures will be in this year's ad? Leave your guess in a comment, and the person closest will get a prize!

STATE

Once again, I'm sitting here days after the fact. And honestly, I'm still at a loss for words.

Twinks, you guys were amazing. Every time you get out on that floor, I get a little misty-eyed. I love seeing my girls line up, looking into their little toothless smiles, and seeing 10 years into the future. They are performers! Simply fantastic routine.

Lights, you guys really cleaned up your routine. I'm so proud that you took every criticism directly to heart, and made such an awesome improvement. Big things are going to come from this team. Mark my words.

Shining Stars, I know things didn't go our way. I'm confused too. We'll get em at Nationals, though. I love that now, you guys will be 100 percent hungry to make it perfect. This is a National Championship team. I know it.

Shooting Stars, rougher day for you guys too....but you got your bid. We reached out goal, now let's get real hungry too. You can do it.

RED, you guys had me freaked. I'm not even gonna lie (TM-Hodges). I went over to the parent section when we were getting you guys seated and read them the riot act to make sure they were screaming...because with a bad warm-up like we had, I thought you might need it. No way. Such the Cinderella story from this team. From a DQ in the fall to the HIGHEST SCORE EVER in level 5...AGAIN. 134. Stay hungry and hit this routine one more time, ladies. You've won all the battles, now win the war.

SILVER, a verse from one of my favorite songs keeps popping into my head.

Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

Silver lining? Check. Now THIS is the team I knew was there. Way to hit when it counts. One more time babies. One. More. Time.

BLACK, the depth on this team never stops amazing me. Props to Haileigh, Demi, Fawn, Hodges and Shanell. Having to step into an incredibly difficult stunt sequence with 2 weeks notice? Incredible. Can't wait to start our nationals routine.

Which reminds me...its now officially Nationals season.

Sigh.

I will stress. I will cry. I will think of every single worst case scenario and brainstorm for hours about how to coach you if the worst happens.

But I will love it.

Because like Black's music said, the rush is worth the price I pay.

And the fact that I get to take this journey with some of the most amazing ladies ever makes me incredibly exited and proud.

Love you all.

Bragging on my Tumblers

Okay, just a quick brag on my tumblers last night.

My little ones, WOW. Every single one of them can now do kickovers off the air track. That is amazing. I am SO proud of you guys. We're moving to mats next week!

My second class can also all do kickovers off the track, AND...we're getting them off mats too! Some people are really working their way down there. I can't wait to see what you guys can do next week after you do that homework!

Regionals

What a day! I'm just getting around to recap our awesome regionals performances, and I can barely put them into words.

Twinks, wow, wow, WOW! All I heard about was how LOUD you were (thanks Tree!) and how your facials were great. It was definitely one of the best routines you guys have done. I've even had a bunch of parents say that they had NEVER even seen you so awesome in practice. What can I say, you guys are performers. I'm so proud of you!

Lights, awesome performance from you guys too. Loved your makeup, Lori really outdid herself there! Ripples were ON. Can't wait to polish just a little more before state.

Shining Stars, when I asked Miss Stephanie to come clean you up, I told her "They are SOCLOSE to being GREAT"...well, mission accomplished. When you make the judges tear up, you know you've hit a great routine. This was one of those routines that will create a new standard for level 3. Now let's hit even better than that in June and July, okay?

Shooting Stars, for re-doing major section of the stunts the week before, they looked SOLID. So proud of you ladies. Keep working hard, it'll take you all the way to Memphis!

Red, simply WOW. So glad you put on that mat what I knew you were capable of all along. Now with the high score EVER in level 5, let's work to tweak a couple things and make it even better. That routine, hit that solidly twice more is going to get you a National title. Keep believing and keep working.

Pete, Lori, Terri, Tree, Kelsey, Steph, and everyone else who helped out this weekend, you are nothing short of amazing. This was the most organized, structured, and calm that back room has ever been. Thanks for all your hard work.

Quick!

Just a quick note to brag on our kids...

2 NEW KICKOVERS LAST NIGHT!!!

That makes this week's total:
2 kickovers
1 TT BHS
1 standing back tuck

Good job, ladies!

The home stretch

Well, we're in the home stretch to regionals. Wow. Everyone is looking fantastic, and I gotta say, I can't WAIT!

Last night's team practices were awesome across the board.

RED...like I said, last night, I simply cannot wait to warm you up and regionals. That whole practice area is going to stop in their tracks. Simply perfection. You guys have come a long ways. Kamaryn...SO PROUD of you last night, girl. Way to go for that BHS. It was perfect.

SILVER...Don't you love that transition? Good work last night. We're getting close to having the routine finished. Keep it up.

BLACK...first, JESSICA!!! So proud of you! Don't doubt yourself. Your tucks were beautiful! Stunts were...uh...interesting. Heaven's group, amazing saves. You guys are beasts. And I'm loving the jump part. Good job!

HOT!

And I'm not just talking about the temperature in the gym. Our teams were HOT last night.

First, let's talk tumbling. Haley, layout are really getting there. Michaela, where did those standing backs come from? Tori, FHS are looking SO much better. And Gabe, wow, just wow. Sky high fulls!

Starlights, loved you guys DIVA-ing it up. Your stunt looks great! Remember to practice over break.

Shining Stars, it was hot, it was crowded, but you guys are really pulling this routine together. We're close to being done. Make sure you guys practice, practice, PRACTICE!!!!

Shooting Stars, when I left your practice last night, one of my best friends called...Miss Katie who coaches Eastpointe. You know, THE level four team since level 4 was created? Yeah. So we're chatting and analyzing our routines and such. I flat out told her "You've got me on numbers, but my kids are unbelievably clean." She is now SO excited to see your routine. Keep practicing and keep those hearts focused on July. You can do it.

These teams STINK

Our teams just stink this year. Routines look horrible. And man do I just HATE coaching them.








Heee! April Fools.

I didn't fool anybody, right? Hmmm, didn't think so. Drats.

So, last night, was a big night for us.

Twinks are SO close to finishing their routine. So proud of how well you guys knew your words! I just LOVE your chant. I'll get the video up tomorrow and you can practice, practice , practice over spring break!

Tumbling was GREAT too! Jesse...you go with that ro tuck! Wish I could have gotten a good one on video (hint, hint!). Level 1 tumbling...holy cow! We've made BIG steps with our handstands. They are looking SO good. And level 2/3...we've got so many people seriously close to kicking over by themselves. And roundoffs are looking a lot better, even with the power hurdles! Great job, ladies, keep it up!

Just a reminder, bow and sock orders are due this week! Looks like Lori, Terri and I will be busy over spring break!

Updates!

Man, so lots going on in the gym the last couple weeks! I'm still trying to catch up from being out of town, but you guys are doing awesome!!!

TWINKS: Remember to practice your cheer words! You guys are doing awesome...even nailing formation changes. Wahooo!

LIGHTS: LOVE this routine. The rap part is so my favorite! Yay!

SHINING STARS: Perfection. I was stressed two weeks ago, but you guys really made up a lot of ground this week.

SHOOTING STARS: I'm not going to say it out loud to jinx us, but you know, D4 is the only division we haven't won a title in. I'm just sayin. Love the new stunt. When your parents are jumping through the door, we know we're on.

RED: The transformation that has taken place in the last two weeks has been AMAZING. You guys are looking consistent. Practice that dance part. We're so close, ladies.

SILVER: Pmid is INSANE. Just INSANE. Great work on that tonight.

BLACK. 3 for 3. Pmid that is out of control. I like this!

Good problems

I have to tell you, lately, I've been having problems with these teams. Luckily, they are all good problems! I like having to adjust things on the fly because they are too easy for you. Those are the problems I like to have!

Twinkles...you guys caught me off guard last night. The routine took a BIG step forward. I am so excited that the opening now is too easy for you. I really really loved adding the arms to your grapevine. It looks so good!

Intermediate tumbling? Can anyone give me updates? So sad I can't be there for those classes! I hear great things.

Beginner classes are still rockin. We have some ladies that are seriously close to walkover and handsprings. And handstands were much improved last night. Good job!

Other shout outs: Emma, tucks are SO there. Gabby, you'll have those RO tucks soon. Hail, SO proud of you for trying new things last night. Emily, BHS are really looking good.

Keep it up ladies!

Somebunny had some GREAT practices.

Listen, I do not know what happened to my teams today. Maybe it was losing that precious hour of sleep. Maybe you all ate your wheaties. I don't know. But most importantly, I have to say...FIGURE IT OUT AND DO IT AGAIN.

Practices tonight were off the charts with all 3 teams.

RED, last week was such a struggle with that stunt sequence. I had to laugh when Pete walked back in the gym and said "What did you do" in amazement when every group was hitting perfectly. Of course, I did NOTHING. You guys just came to work it out and nailed those stunts every time. And the pmid? Wow, its powerful. Glad we got our timing issues down.

I have got to say, I was most proud that you guys can hit both of those things, in a semi-full out routine. That is amazing for March. We'll be running and running that next week and going full out with tumbling and baskets. Be ready. Oh, and practice that jump/cheer choreo!

SILVER, it was so nice to see stunt seq to music. and even nicer to see all three groups hit when you were put on the spot. Pmid is really coming along. Good work. And have I told you how much I love your dance part? Yeah, I do.

BLACK, never a dull moment when bunny costumes are involved ;). But seriously, the fact that of the three groups, we only missed one Nationals stunt seq out of 10? And its March? Yes please. Big congrats to Shanell. Who's next???

We can seriously tumble.

So I've got to tell you, when we got our building one of the things I was SO excited about was offering tumbling classes. Its so difficult for us that many Level 5 athletes walk into their first practice with little to no tumbling experience. That makes for a long, frustrating time for some of them, as they push to get BHS and then push again to get tucks for level 6.

We're only a couple weeks into this tumbling schedule, and I will tell you right now...BEST THING EVER. Our athletes are getting SO much out of them. I was excited to hear that our intermediate classes are rocking...with a couple new springs even! Inspired by this, I taught BHS to my D2/3 beginner class last night. WHOA. We will seriously have about 1/3 of that class throwing them by themselves on the track by the end of the class. Mark my words. Our kids are on FIRE.

Other tumbling highlights from last night included Miss Miranda proving she's 100% back from her injury (so proud you didn't hesitate to throw that again!) Haileigh hitting her tumbling on the floor, Emma rocking standing backs, Micheala nailing standing backs on the track and Paige being SOCLOSE to her BHS.

Level 1...you're routine is looking so good. Glad you love your bows! Remember to keep practicing your roll this week. And those libs!

Simply Amazing!

I gotta say, teams were amazing today. And I SO needed that. I was dead tired from a whirlwind one day trip to Knoxville. The energy in the gym tonight was amazing.

RED...jump part...CHECK. Remember our deal for next week. The opening is looking so much cleaner. And the energy you're putting into transitions now...WOW.

SILVER...it was certainly a pmid day. LOVE your new pmid. It really is looking great. I'm so proud of how well you are all doing with that. And the new dance part? Fantastic.

BLACK...such a big night for you guys tonight. Wasn't it nice not having to do those line returns??? Big props to Shanell. What an awesome surprise! Stunts? Well when our alumni see them and ask "are you kidding me?" followed by "what, there is more?" we know we're on the right track.

And to all our alums who were at practice tonight: It is so good seeing you. I love you and miss you all.

In LOVE...

After tonight's practice, I've gotta say, I am simply in LOVE with these teams. Across the board, these are BY FAR the strongest routines we have EVER put on the mat. But you know what? What makes me love them the most is the routines just FIT our teams. They are just SO you. Every team has a distinct personality and these just tap right into it.

Lights: The roll part looks SO much better. That contest really worked. I love the energy and attitude that you put into your routine. Its going to be awesome.

Shining Stars: Ridiculous. You love your routine and it shows. I can't even tell you how stinking fun it is to coach a team with so much passion and so much desire to "show off." I had chills tonight.

Shooting Stars: SNAP! This is SO your routine. It is really looking great. Keep practicing that new kick part. I am so proud of the dedication all of you have shown in making sure that everything we've learned up until now is looking good. Keep that attitude up, and it will take you all the way to Memphis ;)

Two other shout-outs today:

BK...that layout today...WOW!

Tree...*sings in my horrible voice* Did I ever yell you you're my he-----ro? And everything I would like to beeeeeeee.......
Okay, finger out of ears now. Thanks a billion for getting the kids ready in the warm up area. You rock!

Our first Coach's Corner Blog Post!

To enable easier posting, I've decided to switch my coach's corner over to a blog. D5 and D6 kids, we'll still have some practice wrap ups in your Members Only section, so check there too!

We'll start with Red, Silver and Black practices from this Sunday. Red, I am so impressed, this routine is really coming along. I'm so proud of how hard you are working to get this right. Opening and stunt seq are both looking AMAZING. I'm thinking we're going to put in our jump section this week. Then we'll only have dance left to do. WOW...I don't think I've EVER had a routine done in MARCH!

Silver, stunt sequence is looking fantastic. I can't wait until everyone gets healed up and we can really get all of those up in the air. And good pmid work too.

Black, it was a tumbling night. We are SO close to meeting our tuck goals. Keep working for them. I know we can do it!

Then, onto last night:

Twinkles, that routine is seriously coming along! Way to go. That's some hard floor work you are doing and you're pulling it off!

Also, wanted to give a couple shoutouts to my tumbling classes. My D1 class is rockin! We have a couple kids on there who almost have backbends from standing on their own. YAY! And the D2/D3 class, we are seriously close to some kickovers. Do your homework and I know you'll get there!