Competition season is here — and we’re breaking down exactly how parents and athletes can make the most of it! In this episode, Megan Gomarlo shares her best tips for having a successful, fun, and drama-free comp season. From showing spirit and staying on time to giving your athlete healthy feedback, this episode helps set the tone for a positive year.

You’ll learn:

This episode is perfect for new families AND returning cheer parents who want their athlete to thrive this season.

Thank you for supporting Here 4 Cheer — and come say hi at competitions!

Welcome to Episode 19 of Here 4 Cheer! Host Megan Gomarlo is joined by a super special guest: Dr. Maria Wisman, PT, DPT, CSCS, also known as The Cheer Doctor.

Dr. Wisman is a Physical Therapist and Strength Coach whose entire mission is to help cheer athletes go from good to great using specialized physical therapy and strength training programs.

In this must-listen episode, Dr. Wisman dives deep into topics including:

The critical importance of strength training and why it's a foundational piece of injury prevention that many cheerleaders overlook.

Her own background in cheer, from starting gymnastics at a young age to becoming a Physical Therapist dedicated to the sport.

The overall mission of The Cheer Doctor to get more athletes comfortable in the weight room and see the sport grow as a whole.

This episode is your guide to understanding the resources and mindset needed to achieve higher-level skills and maximize your potential safely.

Website: https://thecheerdoctor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cheerdoctor/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_cheerdoctor

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCheerDoctor1

In this short but powerful episode, Megan Gomarlo reveals the 10 essential habits that make an athlete truly coachable — the kind of athlete every coach wants on their roster.

Learn why corrections are a gift, how the best athletes process feedback, and the mindset shifts that will elevate your performance, your confidence, and your role on the team.

Perfect for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to build stronger, more positive, and more competitive teams.

In this powerful episode of Here 4 Cheer, Megan sits down with Jomo K. Thompson, the legendary 18-time national champion coach behind the University of Kentucky’s cheer dynasty.

Jomo shares:

Now coaching at Lexington Catholic, Jomo continues to shape the future of cheerleading with humility, wisdom, and passion.

This is an episode every coach, athlete, and cheer parent needs to hear.

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo welcomes Kara Frair, founder of More Than Skill, for a deep dive into the mental side of cheerleading. Kara shares powerful strategies for building confidence, resilience, and emotional awareness in youth athletes — from breathwork and visualization to journaling and gamified mindset training.

Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, this conversation is packed with actionable tools to help navigate nerve pauses (formerly known as mental blocks), high-pressure moments, and the emotional rollercoaster of competitive cheer.

💬 Topics include:

📣 Learn more about Kara’s work at https://www.morethanskill.com and explore her workshops, resources, and training programs.

#Here4Cheer #MoreThanSkill #YouthSports #Cheerleading #MentalHealth #Confidence #Podcast #sportssychology #mindfulness #mindtraining #cheermind #allstarcheer #manifesting #mentaltoughness 

In this episode of Here 4 Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo welcomes Jack Kidney, a six-time world champion and international cheer consultant, to share his incredible journey back to the mat after a devastating Achilles injury. Jack opens up about the role of positive self-talk, mental toughness, and team culture in his 2025 comeback season with Top Gun.

From his first handstand post-surgery to winning Worlds again, Jack’s story is a testament to the power of mindset and passion. He also dives into his global cheer experiences, coaching philosophy, and advice for athletes, coaches, and parents navigating the highs and lows of competitive cheerleading.

🎧 Tune in for an uplifting and insightful conversation that will leave you inspired to be your own biggest fan.

#Cheerleading #JackKidney #Here4Cheer #AthleteRecovery #PositiveMindset #TopGunCheer #CheerCoach #SportsInspiration #MentalHealthAwareness #CheerPodcast #CheerStrong #GratitudeInSports

In this heartfelt solo episode, Megan Gomarlo shares her top ten lessons for coaches who want to do more than just win—they want to make a difference. Drawing on 20 years of experience, Megan talks about effort over outcome, building real relationships, leading with empathy, and creating a culture that lasts long after the season ends.

Perfect for coaches, gym owners, and parents who believe that cheer is about more than trophies—it’s about shaping confident, resilient, and grateful athletes.

Tune in, reflect, and remember: your legacy as a coach is in the lives you touch.

Nine-time world champion and USA Cheer National Team Director Tucker Hunter joins Megan Gomarlo to talk about the future of cheer — from coaching the Dallas Drive in the new Pro Cheer League to mentoring athletes through Cheer Athletics and Team USA.

Tucker opens up about his journey, coaching philosophy, and the lessons learned from balancing elite competition, leadership, and life. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

#Here4Cheer #Cheerleading #ProCheerLeague #CheerAthletics #USAcheer #TuckerHunter #CheerCoach #CheerPodcast #NCA #CheerMotivation #CheerParents #CheerAthlete

In this episode of Here for Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo talks with Les Malanowski, founder of NextUpCheer and former University of Iowa cheerleader, about how to navigate the college cheer recruiting process.

Les shares valuable advice for athletes and parents — when to start preparing, how to reach out to coaches, what to post on social media, and what college programs are really looking for. They also discuss the importance of mindset, mental health, and finding the right fit for every athlete.

Perfect for athletes, parents, and coaches who want to help their cheerleaders take the next step.

In this heartfelt solo episode, host Megan Gomarlo shares her 20+ years of experience as a gym owner, coach, and cheer mom to break down 10 ways to be a great cheer parent. From learning to say “I love watching you cheer” to trusting the process, avoiding comparisons, and embracing the highs and lows of the season — this episode is packed with honest advice and personal stories every cheer parent can relate to.

Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned parent on the sidelines, you’ll come away with practical ways to support your athlete, your coaches, and your gym community — while keeping the joy in cheerleading.

Topics include:

What to say (and what not to say) after practice or a competition

How to handle mistakes, team placement, and comparison

The importance of trust, gratitude, and letting kids find their own path

Why “the process is the prize”

✨ Cheer parents, coaches, and gym owners alike will find something valuable here. Tune in, take notes, and help make this season the most positive one yet!

#Here4Cheer #CheerParentTips #Cheerleading #YouthSports #PositiveParenting