This month for our Coach Q&A, we move on to talking with Coach Emili Zamfino.  Coach Emili will tell you herself that she is not great with words, but we are forcing her to share more with you so you can get to know her better!  

 

We know from your bio that you used to cheer at Capital and one other local gym that shall remain nameless.  What would you say is your favorite thing about your All Star cheer experience?

The friendships, the travel, and the feeling of working hard toward a big goal with your team. The bond that forms when you spend countless hours together practicing, laughing, and pushing through challenges is something really special. I still have friends from my cheer days that I keep in touch with — those relationships have lasted because we went through a lot together.

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Traveling was also a huge highlight. Competing in different cities and getting to experience new places with your team made every season feel like an adventure. I think that’s part of why it sticks with me — it wasn’t just about the competitions themselves, but the memories that came with them. From plane rides and hotel hangouts to stepping on the mat at big events, those moments made cheer so much more than just a sport.

 

What is your favorite cheer memory? As an athlete and as a coach?

As an athlete, my favorite memory is traveling with my friends and making it to States twice in high school. The energy, excitement, and sense of accomplishment after all the work we put in was unforgettable. It felt like every practice, every long night was worth it.

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As a coach, my favorite moments are seeing the kids’ faces light up when they win or when they hit new skills they’ve been working so hard on. Those moments of pride — not just for me, but for them — remind me why I love coaching. It’s not always about trophies, medals, backpacks and jackets. It’s about the growth and confidence they gain along the way. Watching that progress and knowing I played a small part in helping them believe in themselves is really rewarding.

 

On a scale of 1–10, how competitive are you?

If you know me, then you know I’m definitely a 10! I’ve always had that drive to push myself and the people around me to be their best. I think I’m so competitive because I genuinely care about the work and effort that goes into achieving something. It’s not about beating others — it’s about proving to myself that I gave everything I had.

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When I lose, I won’t lie — it stings. But instead of letting it defeat me, I use it as motivation. I replay what went wrong, figure out what can be improved, and come back stronger. I try to pass that mindset on to my athletes too: losing isn’t failure, it’s feedback. Competition brings out emotion, but it also brings out growth, if you handle it the right way. I prepare my teams the same way I prepare myself — with focus, hard work, and pride in the process, not just the outcome.

 

What do you think the recipe is for success for a team? For a program?

Dedication, teamwork, and trust. When everyone gives 100% and believes in each other, success naturally follows. I think a successful program starts with a strong foundation — coaches who truly care, athletes who buy in, and families who support the journey.

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From my own experience, I’ve seen how a program thrives when everyone feels valued and accountable. Back in my cheer days, the most successful teams weren’t just the most talented — they were the ones that trusted each other completely. At Capital, that same mindset carries over. When athletes believe in the process and in each other, the results take care of themselves.

 

It’s also about creating a positive culture where athletes want to work hard. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built through consistency, communication, and genuine care for one another.

  

What’s one thing you wish parents knew about you? About coaching? About cheer?

 

I have a lot of love for every athlete I coach. My tough love style is how I grew up in cheer, and I know from experience that it helps athletes become stronger and better in the long run. I wish parents understood that my corrections or high expectations always come from a place of care. I push because I see potential — sometimes even before the athlete sees it in themselves.

 

When it comes to coaching, I want parents to know it’s more than teaching skills or routines. It’s about building confidence, teaching discipline, and helping these athletes grow into people who can handle challenges with resilience. Cheer is a demanding sport, both physically and mentally, but the lessons it teaches carry far beyond the mat.

 

Why do you think someone or a business should support this program?

Capital Cheer All Stars builds more than just athletes—we build confident, disciplined, and hardworking young people. Supporting our program is investing in the growth of the next generation.