I just finished watching the first season of CHEER on Netflix. I avoided it initially because when it first aired It was right when I was retiring from coaching. I was so emotional I literally packed up my stuff and walked away.
I knew of Navarro Cheer from coaching and building my high school program around the successful collegiate programs. I wanted my kids prepared if they decided to pursue cheer at the next level, and they were. I wanted so much to coach at the next level but knew that wouldn’t be an option.
I know so many of my friends watched and wanted to talk about it but I just couldn’t. I wasn’t ready to go down that road. After a few years and getting back on the horse so to speak I was ready to give it a shot. It was just as emotional as I thought it would be. Coaching youth is so much more than skills and drills. I have said that for 20 years. We get a glimpse into the lives of our kids that we wouldn’t otherwise. We come to know how incredibly courageous and strong these kids are and learn just what they go through. We do our best to guide them during our short part of their journey and hope that they take with them so much more than just how to participate in a sport. It’s gut-wrenching watching kids choose paths that will make things more difficult and just as emotional to watch them succeed. Every one of the hundreds of kids I coached touched my heart. There is not a day that goes by that something in my life doesn’t remind if of at least one of them. They made me who I am today and I am grateful for them. Watching this show brought so much of that back. So many of the good times and a bunch of the bad. Being the structure and 2nd mom for so many was a blessing in so many ways. I have loved that calling and am glad I have a second chance.
A few comments on the show though.
First off, every single catch in cheer doesn’t sound like that. It’s a sound byte people! Yes, it hurts, but if your flyers sound like that every single time, your technique is wrong. The Navarro team has good technique and the catch isn’t louder than the clap. I rolled my eyes every time!
While I like Gabi Butler and appreciate the amazing athlete she is, I despise her parents. They are portrayed as being more of her business managers and owners. They treat her like a cash cow and I fear she has suffered because of it. It’s childhood actor foreshadowing and Brittany issues waiting to happen.
It was hard to watch season one knowing how the scandal unfolds with Jerry. There was so much hype and so much positivity from him in the show, but he turns out to be nothing like we thought. It’s tough to watch going in.
I love Monica. I relate to her on so many levels and appreciate what she has done with that program. She turns water into wine every year with new kids at a Junior College. It’s tremendous what she can do. I wish I could’ve had that opportunity at the college level. I am pretty proud of what I was able to do at Sparks though! That will always be some of the proudest moments of my life.
Thank you.
Thanks to those who supported me then and now. Thanks to those athletes who let me be part of their journey. I hope I’m still in your head helping you stay on track. Thanks to those who knew my heart and continue to push me daily to be who they know I can be and help me see it too.
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