My youngest daughter Robin, whom we affectionately call "Mouse", is a member of an all-star competition cheerleading team called the Atlanta Jayhawks. The Jayhawks are from a gym called Cheer and Dance Atlanta, and I have to say that it is an amazing organization. While other gyms divide their focus between gymnastics, dance, cheer, and other sports, this gym is laser-focused on cheer and dance/hip-hop. The entire facility is designed for properly training young athletes to be the best they can be at their sport. I also find it amazingly impressive that every coach there, from the owner down to the part-timers, is an accomplished tumbler, dancer, or cheerleader. It's very impressive, and I know the kids respond so well to them because they know that their coaches can do whatever is asked of them.

Throughout the season, which runs from November to April, these teams compete against other teams in their age group and skill level. There are multiple organizations that host events, so there's usually a competition every other weekend throughout the season. Some of the more notable cheer/dance organizations include Jamfest, Cheersport, NCA/NDA, and so on.

This is Mouse's second season with the Jayhawks; she's a member of the "Youth-White" team, or Youth age group/Level 2 skill level (there are five or six skill levels, and five age groups - Tiny, Mini, Youth, Junior, Senior). At Level 2 Mouse is able to do front/back walkovers, roundoffs, roundoff/back handsprings, etc. They also do some pretty impressive stunts and pyramids, and I have to admit that it is amazing to watch. So even at the second level their skillset and abilities are pretty impressive.

Last year Mouse's team were crowned the Cheersport National Champions for their agegroup/skill level. During the offseason her team lost about 1/3 of their members for various reasons - usually because they advanced in age or skill level. So they started with a bunch of new members, which means that everyone has to learn how to work as a team again - no small feat.

This year's team started well, and have done very well overall. Their last competition was held this past weekend here in Atlanta. The competition is called the "All-Levels Championship", and from what I have learned it is actually a combination of many of the aforementioned organizations who come together to try to establish the overall best teams. There are five main competitions held - Atlanta, Dallas, Atlantic City, Cincinnati, and Long Beach. Each performance at these locations are filmed, and then the top three performers from each age group/skill level, from each city, are reviewed in a "virtual" competiton on 17 May. From this virtual competition there will be overall international champions named for each level - what a great way to end a season!

Mouse's team (Youth Level 2) earned First Place at the Atlanta event this last weekend! It was their best performance of the season, and everyone is so proud! In addition to Youth Level 2 winning, Youth Level 4 and Senior Level 5 ALSO won their respective divisions! This level of excellence is a testament to the dedication and commitment from each team member, coach, and parent involved with the Jayhawks.

Debbie and I are also personally thrilled with Mouse's performance and commitment to her team. She loves this sport and her team, and she beams when she's performing. We hope that her team also wins the virtual competition on 17 May - but even if they don't they can all still be very, very proud of the way they carried themselves throughout this season.

This is Mouse's last year as a member of Youth Level 2; next year she moves up to the Junior age level, and she also will become a "flyer" (i.e. the girls you see at the top of pyramids, getting thrown all over the place, etc.) because she's petite. Mouse should be very proud of her performance as a member of Youth Level 2, and I know she will continue to make us proud as well.

We love you, Mouse! Congratulations!

Rock (Mouse's Dad)