The U.S. All-Star Federation, the governing body for all star cheerleading and dance, is helping coaches make an IMPACT on their athletes, programs, and fellow coaches by hosting multiple leadership series for all star cheer and dance professionals.

The IMPACT leadership series is offered at all five USASF Regional Conventions, which run from June to August emphasizing leadership with "Integrity and inspiring those you lead to Motivate People And Cultures to Transform our sport." The first series was held earlier this month in Chicago and was attended by Stacey McKie, the head coach and owner of Cheer and Dance Xtreme in Gurnee, IL.

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"The USASF Regional Convention was so beneficial for me because I recently had situations occur where I needed guidance on how to handle them," McKie said. "It really helped me to have an understanding on the importance of delegation, and that it is OK to ask for help when needed."

At the USASF Regional Conventions, coaches will learn about new rules, safety guidelines, and coaching strategies from some of the top coaches and all star professionals in the country. Baltimore will host the next convention on July 14-15, followed by Orlando on July 21-22, Dallas on July 28-29, and Las Vegas on August 4-5.

"I enjoyed hearing about different gym owners and their stories. It is nice to know at some point in time we can all become overwhelmed and face adversity being business owners." McKie said. "I appreciated that they spoke on the importance of leadership, organizational skills, and time management."

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McKie began her dream of coaching in 2006. With the help of USASF coaching programs and the caring guidance of her fellow coaches, she has become a successful gym owner who works to make a continued difference in the lives of her athletes.

"When I first envisioned becoming a cheer coach, I honestly thought it would be a piece of cake," McKie said. "However, when I started coaching, I was faced with several obstacles."

When I cheered, my coaches just made it looks so easy and fun. But when I began as a coach there are no instructional sheets to walk you through it or a 'What to Expect Guide.' If I wasn't as fortunate as I was, to have amazing fellow coaches to show me the way, I would have gone in blind as a bat!

As the program grew, so did the bonds between the coaches and athletes. 

"They really started to visualize the bigger picture of what I expected out of them as athletes and what they expected out of me as being their leader." McKie said.

After seven years of coaching high school coed competitive cheer, my athletes knew how hard I was working and helped encourage me to pursue my dreams! I can tell you they truly were my motivation and inspiration to open my own gym.

McKie started her program by renting space out of local facilities on an hourly basis or practicing outside at local school fields.

"I wrote my entire vision and business plan in a red spiral notebook, which I still have," she said. "I decided to make that vision come to life and in April of 2013 when I founded Cheer and Dance Xtreme."



In Cheer and Dance Xtreme's first year, the gym had approximately 60 athletes. By the time it entered its second season, Cheer and Dance Xtreme had doubled in size. With the gym's rapid growth, the coaching staff realized it was time to find its own gym, a place to call home.

We are THRILLED to say our gym currently has 160 athletes servicing both the Lake County, IL, and Kenosha County, WI. My goal is to continue be a positive role model within the community and my athletes.

The sport of all star cheer and dance is growing due to the passion and pursuit of coaches just like Stacey. If you'd like to get involved and learn more about IMPACT and leading your gym, find a conference near you!

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