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 Spirit Athletics, one of the oldest programs in Southern California!

Quick Hits with Spirit Athletics:

• Location: Hesperia, CA
• First Year: 1994
• Number of Teams This Season: 10 teams
• Website - Click here for more

The Story of Spirit Athletics: 

"Spirit Athletics has been a leading force in Southern California’s all-star cheerleading scene for over 30 years. What began with recruiting local youth to participate in parades has since evolved into one of the top Division II programs in the industry. The program has earned multiple national titles, including championships at NCA, USA, and The D2 Summit. Its Worlds team is gaining recognition in the Limited XSmall division, having advanced to the final round at the World Championships and performed at high-profile events like Friday Night Live at CHEERSPORT. As Spirit Athletics continues to grow, the upcoming is going to be one of the most promising yet!"

- Jay Migaiolo, Spirit Athletics Program Director 

Meet The Owners of Spirit Athletics: 

Patti and Julie Bagwill are our owners. Julie has two daughters, and she gave each one of them a gift. Her oldest was gifted construction equipment to start her company, and her youngest daughter, Patti, was gifted a building for her cheerleading business. A crazy fact is that Patti didn’t make the cheer team she tried out for. She practiced every day and improved her jumps by practicing in the reflection of a sliding glass door. One of her most proud moments was when the college team she was on received a standing ovation. To her, it’s not about the win, it’s about the wow moment and putting on a show. 

Proud Wins & Accomplishments:

• CHEERSPORT National Champions 
• NCA All-Star National Champions 
• JAMZ National Champions 
• UCA National Champions 
• Multiple D2 Summit Titles 
• Finalist at The Cheerleading Worlds

What Makes The Program Special:

Spirit Athletics boasts a proud and storied legacy within the all-star cheerleading industry. Over the years, our facility has evolved into a cornerstone of the community, offering transformative cheerleading experiences to children from all backgrounds. A testament to our enduring impact, many former athletes now entrust us with the next generation—bringing their own children back to join our youth and junior teams. We take immense pride in our commitment to innovation, consistently pushing boundaries and pursuing excellence in all that we do.

- Jay Migaiolo, Spirit Athletics Program Director 

Spirit Athletics says its goal for the season is to continue to put on amazing routines that provide maximum entertainment value. FloCheer would like to congratulate Spirit Athletics on an incredible journey! Be sure to follow along with Spirit Athletics as their 2025-2026 season unfolds. You can find them at competitions like the American Grand Las Vegas, GSSA Grand Nationals in Bakersfield , Spirit Sports Palm Springs, CHEERSPORT Nationals, Aloha Grand Nationals in Phoenix, USA Cheer Super Nationals in Anaheim, The D2 Summit, and The Cheerleading Worlds.  

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