Since being a part of Ideal, she has learned what it truly means to be a part of the team. She said, “If you want to be successful, you HAVE to put in the work.” When we asked her what her favorite memory was, she said “Every time Alivia performs is my favorite, but coming in a close second was the look of excitement and shock when she was asked to join Black Ice in October.”
Katie’s Advice to Any Newcomers:
“Give it a chance. It might be outside yours or your child’s comfort zone, but give it a chance! You’ll be amazed!”
Michelle’s Advice to Any Newcomers:
“Have fun!”
]]>Missi had discovered Ideal directly from the source, our Owner Chelsie Hollencamp. Chelsie and Missi had met about 10 years ago through their mutual love for cheer.
When we asked Missi what she has learned from being a part of the program, she said “Skylar is a competitive kid and she really loves to learn new things. My favorite thing is hearing her say ‘Mom look what I learned to do at practice!’ Skylar has learned to follow directions, and I’ve learned I’m not her coach so I have to just go with the flow.”
“My favorite memory – which is also my least favorite – was Skylar’s first ever competition. She was just 3 years old and was so nervous, but she went out there and (kind of) smiled the whole time. Her team was the first performance of the competition, and they started early so we all missed the first half. I was really angry and definitely cried.”
Missi’s Advice to Any Newcomers:
“Stop into the gym and speak with someone so you can ask questions. They will more than likely be able to answer all of them or find someone who can.”
Melissa has two daughters involved in the Ideal Cheer program and is our current Team Parent for our Junior Level 2 team Black Ice. Her daughter Alison is an athlete on Black Ice and her younger daughter Quinn is on our tiny exhibition team Icicles. She had discovered Ideal through her friend Kelly whose daughter is also involved in the program and is on the same team as Alison. Her favorite part about being in this program is “to watch my kids gain strengths in skills and set (and meet) their goals.” Since joining Ideal, she has learned that “Practice at home helps. Tweens are difficult . Missing practice really costs the team.” She has two favorite memories, one for each child enrolled, and it is this: “each time they gain a skill. They work so long and hard at them that it’s amazing to watch them accomplish it!!”
Melissa’s Advice to Any Newcomers:
“These athletes work their butts off so go in supporting their goals and make friends with fellow parents as it can really help to share the peaks and valleys of the sport!”
]]>One of Steph’s favorite parts about being involved in the program at Ideal are the bonds that are created here. She said, “Between the parents and the kids, it’s like a second family.” Emma has learned the importance of confidence, sportsmanship, and team mentality.
Steph’s Advice to Any Newcomers:
]]>“The commitment is as big for parents as it is for the kids.”
Rebecca’s Advice to Any Newcomers:
“Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you start and are willing to practice.”
]]>She had discovered our program through the youth cheer program through Duluth East. Her favorite part about being in this program is making strong friendships. She shared that this sport is “more than cheering on the sidelines.”
A couple of her favorite memories are making the Senior 3 Co-Ed team (Snow-Ed) and becoming a junior coach for our Icicles team that is for athletes between the ages of 3 and 6.
Alexsia’s Advice to Any Newcomers:
]]>“Always be confident in yourself!”