You know you’re a cheer coach when your life revolves around full-outs, glitter, and the occasional (okay, frequent) chaos that comes with leading a squad. From dealing with dedicated parents to living on the edge with every routine, being a cheer coach is more than just a job. If any of these 20 signs sound a little too familiar, you’re definitely living the cheer coach dream (or nightmare, depending on the day).
Ready to find out just how deep you’re in? Let’s dive in!
1. You don’t take “No” for an answer or excuse.
Whether it’s nailing a new stunt or getting a flyer to overcome a fear, a cheer coach knows there’s always a way.
2. You have a parent (or two) who you’re scared to open an email from.
Let’s face it, some parents are tougher to handle than a full-out routine.
3. You spend hours on YouTube reviewing your team’s routines.
Every angle, every motion, every count—if it’s on video, you’re breaking it down.
4. You don’t accept a shoulder shrug as an answer or hearing the words… “I can’t.”
As a coach, “I can’t” just means “not yet.”
5. “One more” Full-Out really means three or four.
Your athletes know better than to trust when you say “just one more.”
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6. You live with other cheer coaches because no one else understands or has the same crazy schedule.
Finding a roommate who gets the demands of a cheer coach’s life is like finding a unicorn—rare, but it happens.
7. You’re always afraid when an Event Producer calls you to the stage.
Every time your name is called, your heart skips a beat—did we forget something?
8. You can’t listen to music without thinking about how good it would be in a routine.
Songs aren’t just for jamming out—they’re potential gold for your next cheer mix.
9. When everyone else is off in the summer, you are at your busiest.
While others hit the beach, you’re hitting the mat with your team.
10. You have become a hoarder of extra bobby pins, hair ties, and cheer bows (and maybe an extra uniform or two.)
You could practically open your own cheer accessory shop with all the extras you have.
11. Flu Season is a team-wide epidemic.
When one gets sick, it spreads like wildfire—and you know you can’t afford a weak link.
12. Extracurricular conflicts make you cringe.
Nothing hurts more than losing a key base to band practice or a game.
13. You have a X/Twitter and/or Instagram and all of your “followers” are your athletes.
Your social media is basically an extension of your team’s communication.
14. On Wednesday Practices… We wear Pink.
Taking a page from Mean Girls, team spirit has its own unique style, too.
15. Most of your paycheck is spent going out after work with coworkers.
After a long practice or a big competition, nothing feels better than unwinding with your fellow coaches.
16. Your DVR is Auto Set to record everything with the word ‘Cheerleading’.
From competitions to documentaries, you’re not missing a second of cheer content.
17. You’ve been to Disney World so many times that it’s not even a vacation.
When nationals are held there, Disney becomes more routine than a trip away.
18. Your favorite vacations consist of Coaching Conventions and Staff Retreats.
Sunshine and beaches are great, but a good convention gives you life.
19. You know that kids truly do say the darndest things.
The things that come out of your athletes’ mouths could fill a comedy sketch.
20. You want success for your kids more than you want success for yourself.
Their victories feel like your own, and their failures hit you harder than any personal setback.
So, did we nail it, or what? If you’re nodding along to all 20 signs, you’re officially living the cheer coach life to the fullest. Whether you’re herding your squad through flu season or figuring out how to incorporate the latest hit song into a routine, you’ve got it all down. Now, go ahead and share this with your fellow coaches—because let’s be real, who else is going to get it? And don’t forget to follow us on socials for more cheer-filled content, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Keep those spirits high and the routines tight, coach!
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