Cheer Athletics History

The Story of Cheer Athletics History

Throughout the Cheer Athletics history, the organization continues to stand as the world’s largest All Star Cheer organization, leaving an indelible mark on the industry since its inception in 1994 by Angela Rogers and Jody Melton, who were joined in 1996 by co-owner Brad Habermel. With an impressive global presence spanning 19 locations, including the flagship facility in Plano, Texas, Cheer Athletics has solidified its position as a dominant force in the All Star Cheer industry. Over the past two decades, the organization has garnered numerous regional, national and world championship titles, surpassing any other program in the country.

1994

The roots of Cheer Athletics trace back to May 1994, where co-founders Angela Rogers and Jody Melton laid the foundation. The inaugural practice at Bob Woodruff Park in Plano, TX, hosted just two athletes. Determination and passion fueled their growth, leading to the formation of the first team in July 1995–the Tigers. The organization swiftly expanded, securing its first gym in Richardson by August and making its mark in various competitions.

1995

November 1995 became a historic moment as the Tigers attended the inaugural National Cheerleading Association (“NCA”) All Star Nationals, marking the division of All Star Cheer into its own event. The second season, starting in February 1996, witnessed substantial growth with the introduction of new athletes and coaches, including co-owner Brad Habermel. Cheer Athletics expanded to three “regular” all star teams: Jags, Panthers and Tigers, adopting a new color scheme of blue, black and white.

1996

April 1996 marked the creation of “The Claw,” a distinctive cat’s paw print designed by Jody Melton, now a widely recognized mark across the world. The third season in 1997 solidified Cheer Athletics as the largest program in the country, boasting eight teams and continuing its upward trajectory.

1998

In 1998, the organization secured its first practice facility, a former baseball training center and by 1999, moved to a larger facility in Dallas. The journey of expansion continued with relocations to even larger facilities in Garland in 2004 and later to Plano in 2012.

2004

In 2004, Cheer Athletics made history by winning the first-ever All-Girl title at the first Cheerleading Worlds. This landmark victory not only highlighted the talent and dedication of the athletes but also solidified Cheer Athletics' position as a powerhouse in the competitive cheerleading world, paving the way for future successes.

2013

In 2013, Cheer Athletics embarked on its franchising journey, expanding its reach through a series of franchise openings across the United States. See locations for details.

2023

In 2023, marking 11 successful years at its previous facility, Cheer Athletics relocated its headquarters to reinforce the ecosystem it had become. This marks the fifth home for Cheer Athletics and the largest training facility of its kind, showcasing its remarkable journey of growth and success in the world of All Star Cheer.

Through the Years of Cheer Athletics History

TODAY

Presently, Cheer Athletics stands as the world’s premier training facility for All Star Cheer and Dance, boasting an expansive and cutting-edge space of nearly 80,000 square feet. Equipped with ten spring floors, mats, trampolines, dance studios and state-of-the-art strength and training equipment, the facility provides a safe learning environment for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Plano holds a special significance as the birthplace and original location of Cheer Athletics, marking three decades of growth, from its beginning of only two athletes in a park to the largest and most influential All Star program of its kind.

Whether you’re a newcomer to cheer or dance or an elite-level athlete, Cheer Athletics offers tailored programs to support specialized training for every individual. It serves as a welcoming space for all to learn, grow and enjoy the journey of cheerleading, dancing, tumbling and stunting.

You Belong Here

At Cheer Athletics, we’re committed to delivering top-tier cheerleading experiences. Our core values drive our success:

Cheer Excellence: Delivering Unrivaled Performances Every Time

Passionate Teamwork: Achieving Unmatched Success Through Collaboration

Continuous Improvement: Innovating for Peak Performance

Inclusive Environment: Embracing Diversity for Collective Triumph

Resilient Spirit: Overcoming Challenges, Triumphing Together

Community Connection: Strengthening Global Bonds Through Cheer

Fun-infused Success: Elevating Spirits, Uplifting Communities

Our unwavering commitment to these values solidifies our standing as the leading organization in the All Star community. Elevate your cheer experience with us!

Our Mission

At Cheer Athletics, we passionately believe that the world needs more cheer. Our mission is to uplift, inspire, and foster a culture of joy through the power of cheerleading.

Guided by our commitment to excellence, teamwork, and inclusivity, we strive to create an environment where athletes not only develop exceptional skills but also build lifelong friendships and resilience.

Our dedication to pushing boundaries in the world of cheerleading drives us to innovate, create, and set new standards. We aim to be a beacon of positivity, promoting the values of hard work, discipline, and respect both on and off the mat.

As we leap, tumble, and cheer our way into the future, we envision a world where the infectious energy of cheer resonates globally, spreading happiness and building strong, united communities. Join us in our mission to make the world brighter—one eight count at a time.