United Elite Cheer made waves in the competitive cheerleading world with their extraordinary achievements this year, crowning champions across six teams at this year’s Summit Championships. Located in Rockwall, Texas, within the R.I.S.W. complex, United Elite’s cheerleading and gymnastics program boast state-of-the-art facilities that reflect their commitment to excellence. This year’s sweep at the The Summit marked a significant milestone in their journey, showcasing the relentless dedication of their athletes and coaches.
Winning across all divisions at a year-end event is an extraordinary and nearly unheard-of achievement in the competitive cheerleading world. Such feats require a remarkable level of dedication, skill, and consistency across a program’s entire roster. This rare accomplishment underscores their dominance and sets a new benchmark in the sport, as it’s incredibly challenging for any team to maintain peak performance and precision across various levels and divisions throughout a grueling season.
United Elite has not only achieved this but has also seen three of its six teams successfully defend their titles from last year, adding a splash of dominance to their record. This level of success not only highlights the athletes’ talent and hard work but also the strategic excellence and visionary leadership of their coaches. It’s an achievement that will be remembered and revered within the cheerleading community for years to come.
United Elite’s story is one of rapid growth and a commitment to success. United Elite opened in 2008 with about 30 kids, the program has evolved into one of the most successful cheerleading programs in the world. This transformation is a testament to the gym’s focus on technique and the unwavering dedication of its athletes. Dawson Smith, Head Coach of UE Cheer, emphasizes that their training regimen, which treats youth and senior teams alike, places a premium on technique and hard work.
“We pride ourselves on technique over everything and hard work,” Dawson shared. “We hold our athletes accountable and to the highest standard on and off the mat.”
This philosophy has undoubtedly paid off. At this year’s Summit Championships, one of the pinnacle season-ending events for non-Worlds eligible All Star cheerleading teams, United Elite’s athletes delivered stellar performances that left an unforgettable mark on the cheerleading community. But what drives this program’s extraordinary success?
One of the critical elements is the gym’s culture, which fosters respect, accountability, and a strong work ethic among athletes. Parents and athletes alike are drawn to this unique environment. A parent highlighted the distinct culture at United Elite, noting that the gym’s success comes from its focus on building strong athletes who respect their coaches and each other, adhere to a strict absence policy, and engage in rigorous training and conditioning regimens.
At the heart of United Elite’s remarkable success lies an unwavering commitment to perfecting technique. This meticulous focus on technique ensures that every count, every tumbling pass, and every stunt is executed with precision, setting a high standard for performance excellence. By drilling down into the finer details and emphasizing the fundamentals, United Elite athletes build a strong foundation that enhances their overall skill level and confidence. This dedication to technique not only minimizes errors but also maximizes the impact of their performances, making routines appear seamless and effortless. The result is a consistent track record of high scores and championship titles, as judges recognize and reward the flawless execution that stems from such meticulous training. This emphasis on technique is a key factor that propels United Elite to the forefront of competitive cheerleading, demonstrating that mastering the basics is essential for achieving greatness on the mat.
“They teach kids to want the wins themselves, they own their actions and reap the rewards,” the parent shared. “The learned discipline impacts the kids’ entire lives—school, home life. Everything the entire gym family does is to support those kids.”
Carol Wigley, Program Director at UE Cheer, reflects on the incredible season and the journey of each team: “All five of my teams are coming home as Summit champions!! We’ve won 10 Summit titles in two years!! It’s incredible how far we’ve come. The passion, determination, and dedication from these kids are unmatched. They work hard and leave everything on the mat. We push each athlete beyond their limits and expect perfection from them most of the time. They are changing the cheerleading industry and setting new standards.”
Each Team’s Unique Journey to Success
Revolt: This team, one of the best level 4 teams in the world, faced numerous challenges this season, including roster changes and injuries. Despite these hurdles, they defended their title and became back-to-back Level 4 Grand Champions, scoring an impressive 99.6 and 99.4 at Summit.
Ruthless: Known for their drive and determination, Ruthless won the Small Senior Level 3 Summit championship, proving their mettle and making the season unforgettable for both the athletes and their coach.
Honor: Competing in one of the toughest and largest divisions, Honor defended their title as back-to-back Level 2 Summit Champions. They achieved the second highest level 2 score and ranked 16th out of more than 1,000 teams.
Riot: Upholding a longstanding legacy, Riot brought home the Level 3 Grand Champion title and defended their title with a remarkable score of 99.
Intensity: Displaying incredible work ethic and determination, Intensity enjoyed an undefeated season for the second year in a row, securing the back-to-back Level 2 Youth Summit championship.
Sass: A Youth Level 1 team, Sass also brought home the title from the Youth Summit this season. Their victory added to a remarkable season for United Elite, showing that even the youngest athletes can achieve greatness with the right mix of talent and hard work.
Looking ahead, the wins at The Summit provide powerful motivation for the future. Dawson is determined to keep this momentum going. “It gives us the passion and desire to continue striving for that feeling again. Next season, our athletes and coaches have individual and team goals to continue building and getting stronger. We will never settle for anything less than greatness.”
Celebrations following these victories are a testament to the tight-knit community within UE Cheer. The program held parties to honor the hard work and dedication of its athletes and coaches. Moreover, behind-the-scenes figures, such as dance choreographer Trey Johnson, play crucial roles in their success, creating entertaining dances that push the teams to their full potential.
Dawson also shares invaluable advice for young cheerleaders aiming for success. “Practice like a champion, work hard, and never give up. Technique wins. Pour your heart, passion, and love for the sport into each practice and performance.”
Q&A with United Elite
Cheer Daily: How does United Elite maintain such a high standard of technique across all teams?
Dawson Smith: Our training regimen is rigorous and consistent across all levels. We emphasize technique and hold every athlete to the highest standards, ensuring they master the fundamentals before progressing.
Cheer Daily: What role does gym culture play in United Elite’s success?
Dawson Smith: Culture is everything. We foster a supportive, respectful environment where athletes are accountable to themselves and each other. This creates a strong foundation for success.
Cheer Daily: Can you share some of the key challenges United Elite faced this season and how you overcame them?
Dawson Smith: We dealt with multiple athlete withdrawals and injuries. It was tough, but our community came together, supported each other, and pushed through to achieve our goals.
Cheer Daily: What unique strategies do your coaches employ to prepare athletes for competitions?
Dawson Smith: We focus on detailed training sessions, conditioning, and mental preparation. Our coaches use music, traditions, and fun activities to keep the team energized and focused.
Cheer Daily: What advice do you have for other gyms aiming to achieve similar success?
Dawson Smith: Prioritize technique, foster a positive and respectful culture, and ensure that both athletes and coaches are committed to continuous improvement and hard work.
United Elite’s journey to success is a testament to their unwavering dedication, exceptional training, and the strong bonds within their teams. As they look forward to another season, the cheerleading fanbase eagerly awaits to see how they will continue to raise the bar in All Star cheerleading.
To follow the journey of United Elite, you can connect with them on Facebook at UE Cheer, on Instagram at @ue_cheer, and on Twitter at @UECheerGym.
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