Morehead State University's Dustin Velazquez is no stranger to the cheerleading world. A former Cheer Athletics Wildcat and Navarro Bulldog, Velazquez has seen and done it all when it comes to cheerleading! With his eyes set on success, Velazquez is looking to leave his mark on the Morehead State cheerleading program and win his first UCA national title. We asked him where he's been, what he's been up to, and where he's headed. But wait, there's more! You can also watch him compete LIVE this weekend at the 2017 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship on January 14-15!

Get to know the man, the myth, the legend, Dustin Velazquez!

Where are you from?

I am from Los Angeles, California.

What are you going to school for?

I am majoring in business and marketing at Morehead State University.

How did you get started in cheerleading?

A good girl friend of mine asked if I wanted to learn how to do a "back flip." I learned a back handspring in about five minutes and was hooked ever since! 

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Where have you cheered in the past?

• ​California Allstars
  
• Orange County Allstars
  
• Cheer Athletics Wildcats
  
• Navarro College
  
• Currently: Morehead State University

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What's your favorite part of cheerleading?

The journey of competition, the time it takes to become a national champion. The bonds I have made and the friends and family it has brought me. Cheerleading really helped me become the person I am today, and it brought me out of my shell. By practicing with the same people day in and day out you become so close and you build a trust that you will not find anywhere else. One thing I learned as a member of Cheer Athletics Wildcats was that it's all about the journey, not the end destination.

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How was it transitioning from all-star cheer to NCA cheer to UCA cheer?

All star cheerleading and NCA collegiate style cheerleading are very similar with the exception of the game day part being the main difference in the two. The hardest transition was having to tumble on the hard floor. The UCA style was a slightly easier transition than you would think. I am a UCA staff instructor so it just felt like the right fit to compete that style of cheerleading after my time at Navarro was complete. I love stunting so being able to transition to a legendary cheerleading program within UCA school like Morehead was what I always dreamed of. I have come to realize that all styles are equally hard in their own way, and I wouldn't have done this journey any different because it has put me right where I needed to be.

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What's your signature tumbling pass?

I would have to say roundoff back handspring 1 1/2 to back handspring double.

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Do you have a signature stunt?

Back handspring full up definitely!

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You suffered a shoulder injury last season that kept you from competing. How does it feel to be back on the mats this year?

After taking six months off and not being able to do the most simple exercises with 10-pound weights, it set me back to the beginning where I was dropping basic stunts and couldn't even land standing back tucks. Luckily, with the support of my teammates, I rehabbed through it, and this year I've become one of the elite stunts for Morehead State. I can't wait to go out there and show off what we can do as a program this year at UCA College Nationals!

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Who is your biggest motivation?

My girlfriend, Shannon Merrill, is my biggest motivation. Every program we have been on together she has constantly supported me and pushed me to be better. I wouldn't be where I am without her. She is my strength and the best thing about me. No matter the outcome, she has always brought happiness into my life.

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Cheerleading has opened a lot of doors and given you some great opportunities. Can you talk about your experiences?

I have gotten to do a lot with cheerleading. My first big gig was "Shake It Up Chicago" where I was on a talent show episode, and I played the role of a cheerleader, tumbled and did choreography. It was a great experience working with the entire Disney "Shake It Up" staff. I've had the opportunity to do a variety of fun commercials with cheerleading, lots of perks from living in LA.

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Morehead and Navarro are both collegiate cheerleading programs with big traditions. How does it feel to be a part of them?

Well with each program, I've had to live up to big expectations from coaches, alumni and teammates. My goal going to each program is leave it better off then when I first came into the program. I love both programs and not only have I tried to leave my mark and make them better, but they have also made me better and left their mark on my heart. It goes both ways. If give your all to something the reward will be greater than you can ever imagine.

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What are your future goals in the cheerleading world?

I am trying out for a spot on Team USA this year. I will be returning to Morehead for one final season of my college cheerleading career, and I hope to compete partner stunt representing Morehead as a senior. Let's hope all my goals and dreams come true!

Watch Dustin and the entire Morehead State Cheerleading program compete live this weekend at the 2017 UCA & UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship in Orlando, Florida!