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.

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.

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.

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!

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!