Why Recruiting in the Cheer Industry Isn’t Classy – and Why Liberty Does It Differently

In competitive cheerleading, skill and performance are only part of the story. The culture, integrity, and reputation of a program matter just as much. One topic that continues to surface in our industry is recruiting athletes from other gyms. While some programs view it as a way to quickly build a roster, at Liberty Cheer All-Stars we believe it’s not only unprofessional, but it also goes against the values that make our sport special.

The Problem With Recruiting

Recruiting typically involves approaching athletes or parents from another gym with promises of better opportunities, levels, or placement. While this might seem like an easy way to gain talent, it undermines the foundation of trust within the cheer industry. Athletes and families make deep commitments to their programs, and actively trying to pull them away crosses a line of respect.

Recruiting doesn’t just affect the athlete being approached—it creates rifts between gyms, damages reputations, and sets the wrong example for young athletes who are learning about loyalty, character, and sportsmanship.

Why Recruiting Isn’t Classy

• It shows insecurity. Strong programs don’t need to chase athletes. Their results, culture, and community speak for themselves.

• It strains professional relationships. Gym owners and coaches work together across competitions, clinics, and events. Recruiting creates tension where collaboration should exist.

• It puts pressure on athletes. Athletes deserve to feel secure in their gym family without being pulled into uncomfortable decisions.

• It damages credibility. Families notice which programs rely on recruiting. In the long run, it weakens trust instead of building it.

  
  

Why Liberty Doesn’t Recruit

At Liberty Cheer All-Stars, we take pride in doing things the right way. We don’t recruit—and here’s why:

• We believe in developing our own athletes. From Tiny Show to Elite level athletes, we are committed to teaching proper technique, progressions, and building strong foundations that last.

• We let our culture speak for itself. Families join Liberty because they see the excellence on the mat, the professionalism in our coaching staff, and the positive environment we create—not because we send messages asking them to leave their gym.

• We value loyalty and integrity. Cheerleading teaches life lessons far beyond stunts and tumbling. We want our athletes to grow up understanding the importance of character and commitment, and that starts with us modeling it.

• We keep it classy. Respecting other gyms, their athletes, and their families is non-negotiable. We believe the cheer industry is stronger when programs lift each other up, not tear each other down.

  
  

Building the Liberty Way

Instead of recruiting, Liberty focuses on:

• Homegrown success – training athletes the right way from the start.

• Community connection – creating an environment where athletes and families feel supported and valued.

• Long-term growth – helping athletes progress year after year, not just filling rosters for a season.

  
  

Closing Thoughts

Recruiting may seem like a shortcut, but in reality, it erodes trust and professionalism in our industry. At Liberty Cheer All-Stars, we believe the better path is one built on loyalty, culture, and integrity. We don’t need to recruit because our program, our coaches, and our athletes speak for themselves.

That’s how we keep it classy—and that’s the Liberty difference.