You may not have seen Coach Shelby Knight around the gym much lately.  Popping into practices and other events when needed, she is a fill in coach this season. Her scarceness at the gym may make her all the more intriguing, so let’s get to know Coach Shelby more now! 

​

We’ve read your bio page. What else should we know about your All Star Cheer experience?

My first experience with all-star cheer came in 10th grade when I joined a new local gym, Cheer Tyme. I was a flyer on a Junior Level 3 team, and that year we earned a bid to The Summit, a new and prestigious competition at ESPN Wide World of Sports created for non-Worlds level teams. Yes, I competed at the very first ever Summit!

Determined to reach the highest level, I worked hard to refine my skills, and by my senior year, I made it onto Cheer Tyme’s Worlds team, Love. I was a side base, main base, and occasionally a backspot. That season was unforgettable!  We traveled across the country to compete at the biggest events and even filmed a movie, Champions League, which was released in movie theaters. Competing in the Large Senior All Girl Level 5 division (now Level 6) was one of the most competitive and rewarding experiences of my career.

​

While not All Star Cheer, one of the highlights of college cheer was competing at NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach, performing on the iconic bandshell stage. The experience was very similar to what you see on the TV show Cheer — intense, high-pressure, and incredibly rewarding.

​

So besides being a movie star, what else is your favorite thing about All Star Cheer?

My favorite thing about All Star Cheer is the community it creates, not just among the athletes, but the parents too. The bonds formed through long practices, high-stakes competitions, and countless hours together become something truly special. When I look back on my years in the sport, it's not the placements or deductions I remember most. It's the moments in between: the road trips, hotel stays, team dinners, and sideline hype sessions.

​

One of the most meaningful parts of that community for me was experiencing it with my dad. As a single father, he fully embraced the cheer world, from curling my hair and analyzing routines to cheering louder than anyone in the venue. He had the most fun becoming friends with the cheer moms. To this day, he still talks about how special those times were.

​

Okay, so we know what your favorite thing is about your time as a cheerleader.  What would you say is the best thing about coaching?

For me, the best thing about coaching is being with my best friends, Lauren and Emili! I talk to Coach Lauren and Emili every day! And working through the routine to maximize the score based on the athletes’ strengths.

 

On a scale of 1-10, 1 being the least competitive and 10 being the most competitive, where would you rate yourself?

I am an 8! I love to be competitive and find ways to push the envelope! I do recognize that not everyone is, and as a coach, I have to be able to adjust to that!