Champions Are Made in Practice

As a coach, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is this: champions aren’t made when the lights are on and the crowd is cheering — they’re made in the quiet, unseen hours of practice.

The Little Things That Matter

It’s in the moments no one claps for.

It’s in every bear crawl across the floor, every conditioning drill when they’re tired, every rep they don’t want to do but push through anyway. Those moments — the ones only their teammates and coaches see — are where true champions are built.

What Practice Really Builds

Yes, practice builds skills and routines. But more than that, it builds courage, discipline, and heart. It teaches athletes how to get back up when things don’t go right. It teaches them to believe in themselves when stunts fall, when legs are shaky, when conditioning feels endless. And it shows them that the hard work always pays off — not just on the mat, but in life.

Trust the Process

We tell our athletes often: trust the process. Progress isn’t always instant, and it doesn’t always feel amazing. But every drill, every full-out, every stunt rep is laying a foundation that they may not see right away. The process teaches patience, persistence, and faith that the work they put in today will carry them to where they want to be tomorrow.

Every Athlete Has a Purpose

In cheer, there are no extras. Every athlete has a specific purpose, and every athlete is important to the routine. Without one base, the stunt won’t go up. Without one flyer, the stunt isn’t complete. Without one tumbler or backspot, the routine loses its heartbeat. Each athlete carries weight, value, and responsibility — and when every athlete buys in, that’s when true team greatness shines.

My Role as a Coach

As coaches, we’re not just teaching motions and counts. We’re standing in the trenches with our athletes, reminding them that every detail matters. We hold the standard high because we know they are capable of reaching it. When we push, it isn’t to break them down — it’s to show them how strong they really are.

The Choice Athletes Make

But the most beautiful part is when athletes decide for themselves. When they realize that every bear crawl, every rep, every correction is shaping them into something greater. That choice — to give their best even when it’s hard — is what turns a good team into a great one.

The Heart of a Champion

So by the time competition day arrives, the outcome isn’t a mystery. It’s already written in the sweat, the effort, the tears, the trust, and the teamwork we’ve seen in practice.

Champions aren’t made on stage — they are created in the everyday moments of effort and belief. And as a coach, it’s the sweetest gift to witness that transformation: to watch an athlete realize that they’ve already become a champion long before the medal is placed around their neck.