FloCheer is highlighting the small gyms and programs that help elevate All Star cheer and build champion athletes on and off the mat for Small Gym September. This week, we’re sharing the story of US Cheer Rebels, a program that is excited to be celebrating its 10th season together this upcoming year!

Quick Hits with US Cheer Rebels:

• Location: Mahwah, NJ
• First Year: 2016
• Number of Teams This Season: 6 full-year teams and 1 prep team
• Website - Click here for more

The Story of US Cheer Rebels: 

"US Gymnastics Development Center II began in 1988 as a recreational and competitive gymnastics program. In 2016, US Cheer Rebels was launched as our first All-Star Cheerleading program. After finishing college, Drew O’Leary (Dehart at the time) moved to New Jersey with the dream of creating something special. US Cheer Rebels began in 2016 with nothing but a dream. From day one, we knew we were building something special. Our first year, we had no competitive teams and just a handful of athletes, but by 2017, we proudly formed our very first team—marking the start of our competitive journey. Our first year was small, so small we didn’t even have enough athletes for a competitive team—but from there, we steadily grew into the program we are today! We have competed both D1 and D2. We are so proud and honored to have athletes still with us who were on our first ever team."

- Katie McGuire, Team Coach & Athlete

Fun facts about US Cheer Rebels: 

• Every one of our team names starts with an R!
• We have a gym dog, Leo, who we lovingly call our "Director of Pawsitivity." He is arguably the athletes' favorite staff member. 
• We’re big on themed routines, and our annual theme reveal is always a huge event—once we even brought in a live snake!
• We love incorporating props into our performances, especially banners. One of our proudest creations was a 7-panel Beetlejuice sandworm for our International Open Team.
• Both our Program Directors are also athletes on our International Open team (as well as other members of our coaching staff).

What Makes US Cheer Rebels Special: 

"It may sound cliché, but for us, it’s all about family. We run our program with the mindset that it’s for the athletes—a place where they can be exactly who they are. And who they are is what makes our program so special. Rebels has been a safe haven not just for me, but for all of our kids. Even when the world feels tricky, they know they can walk through our doors and be surrounded by hugs, high fives, encouragement, and unconditional support. We also have a strong Junior Coaching program that keeps our athletes connected across all levels. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch our athletes grow up in the program, then turn around and give back—pouring their heart, passion, and knowledge into the younger athletes who look up to them."

- Katie McGuire, Team Coach & Athlete

Noteworthy Wins & Accomplishments: 

We are extremely humbled and grateful for the success our program has experienced over the years. Our athletes and coaches work tirelessly to achieve these results. Highlights include:  

• Winning The Regional Summit and Level Grand Champions with Reckless in 2025 
• All our teams hit zero at The D2 Summit in 2025
• Having two Top 3 placements at CHEERSPORT 2024
• Finishing in the Top 3 at The Summit in 2023
• Fielding two Worlds teams since 2023—an impressive achievement for a D2 program. Both teams have competed at Worlds each year, with Rage advancing to Finals in 2023. 
• All of our teams have earned bids to post-season events three years in a row! 

This season marks US Cheer Rebels’ 10th year! The program says they are looking forward to competing in new divisions, bringing their themed routines to life, attending new competitions, and continuing to grow the program while instilling core values in their athletes. They say end-of-year events are always a highlight, and that The D2 Summit is one that every athlete and coach circles on the calendar, along with The Cheerleading Worlds. They are extremely proud that all of their teams hit zero at The D2 Summit last season, and they are eager to make it happen again!

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