If you haven’t had the pleasure of talking with Coach Alex, you are missing out. But luckily for you, we’ve asked him some questions for this month’s Coach Q&A that can help you see why he is so appreciated!

 

Coach, Alex, you shared in your bio that your coaching style is positive in nature. You are one who prioritizes uplifting speech and confidence boosting. Where did this outlook come from? 

 

As an athlete, I performed best when I had positive encouragement so I try and do the same. But also, I think it comes from my dad, who is my role model. I look up to his character and hope to be like him someday. 

 

How have you evolved as a coach over your career?

Over the years, I have grown mostly in confidence. I was always great at one-on-one coaching, and also at teaching smaller classes. I was initially intimidated by coaching a larger team of 20+ athletes! As I kept coaching, I became more comfortable in my ability to lead and instruct a whole team. You see, we (coaches and athletes) are all learning together! 

 

We have been into the cheer season since June and are coming up upon competition season.  What is the best part of the cheer season for you and why?

There are so many times during the season that I love, but one of the best parts of the season to me is the end. I love it because our athletes get to focus on leveling up skills, and it is so fun to see the excitement when they practice and finally achieve higher level skills.

 

What is your favorite cheer memory as a coach?

My favorite memory as a coach is not an exact moment, but rather it’s seeing the genuine excitement in my athlete’s eyes when they finally land a skill they’ve been working on.  I know the feeling myself, and I’m so happy to know that I get to help others experience that feeling as well. I’ve really found a job I love.

 

What is your favorite cheer memory as an athlete?

My favorite cheer memory as an athlete was during my first competition. Initially, I was pretty nervous. I was new to cheer, and I was also one of the only boys on the team. I felt like I stood out more than anyone else.  But once it was over, it was amazing! We had hit the routine we’d practiced so much, and I felt so proud to be a cheerleader and motivated!

 

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

I do not consider myself to be that much of a competitive person.  I grew up playing multiple competitive sports, but I never was too let down if my team lost.  Mainly, I just enjoyed playing and being a part of the sport. As a coach, I will say I am a bit more competitive when it comes to our cheer teams.  But above it all, I think it is most important that our teams work their hardest and have fun, regardless of placement! I’d say I’m a 3 out of 10.