Photo: Christy Pierce

The Red Fox National Championships in Birmingham, Alabama, traditionally hosts some of the best teams in the South and this year is no different. With those coveted Worlds Bids up for grabs, the performances are sure to be spectacular. One of the powerhouse gyms coming out to the big Spirit Brands event is the Bama Allstarz, with gyms in two locations including Hoover and Trussville, Alabama. They are coached and owned by the husband and wife duo Britten and Daniele Blackburn. Cheerleading runs in the family for the Blackburn couple. Not only did they both cheer but now their children are on teams at their gym. They have a daughter, Maddi, who competes on their Level 5 and a six year old son, David, who competes on the Mini Level 1 team and Mini Hip Hop. With Bama Allstarz bringing 16 teams to the FloCheer livestreamed event this weekend, you are sure to get a feel for what the Bama Allstarz are all about. Daniele took some time to talk to us and fill us in on some insider details regarding their program, what they stand for and what she loves most about coaching.

Tell us about your program Bama Allstarz. How many seasons you've had, what sets your program apart from others, anything that makes your program unique.
My husband Britten Blackburn started his business 20 years ago. He is the oldest running cheerleading/all star facility in the state of Alabama. We are a Christian facility and we pray with every team, child, staff and parent in our gym.

What is your background and how did you get started with Bama Allstarz?
My background has always been cheerleading. I cheered in high school as well as in college (Syracuse University). I worked for UCA for about eight years. I started coaching my high school cheerleaders as soon as I graduated college. I opened up my own all star gym in Massachusetts (Titan All Starz) in 2001. I've done choreography for all types of teams across the country. I have judged for several cheer companies all over the world and for the Cheerleading Worlds. As a matter of fact...I met my husband Britten while we were judging UCA All Star Nationals together. Once we got married, I sold my gym in Massachusetts and my focus has been on helping/running our facilities here in Alabama.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

Photo: Daniele Blackburn

I really love the kids and I love seeing each child improve every practice. It is so rewarding to see a child smile because they accomplished something.

What would you say your strengths are as a coach?
I am VERY patient!!

Can you give us some insight into what's going on with Bama Allstarz this week before a big competition? Any unexpected situations or changes you're needing to make?
We've been practicing hard. We are trying to get our kids confident and consistent. Thank God...we have not had anything unexpected happen this week.

Photo: Daniele Blackburn

How do you get your teams motivated and ready so quickly following the holidays?
Well...for the first time ever, we practiced over the holiday. We just told the kids if you want it bad enough…you will be here and they all came. They are pretty special kids.

Do you have anyone that inspired you along the way that keeps you enthusiastic about coaching?
My high school cheerleading coach Mrs. Maroney. She has always been my mentor and my role model when it comes to coaching. She inspired me as a kid and I pray I do the same with the kids I coach.

What's something you're most proud of regarding Bama Allstarz?
Our kids have the best sportsmanship. They stand and clap for the 1st place winner at competitions no matter who it is. You don't see that a lot in this industry. I'm so proud of our kids for standing proud and acknowledging another team for their hard work.

Any advice for young coaches out there to help them be the best they can be?

I was a young coach once (I started at age 21). The one thing I can say is...don't get caught up in your ego. No one cares where you cheered or how many national championship rings you have...every child is looking to do their best and be part of a team. It's your job as a coach to get them there.

Any shout outs you'd like to make to people that help you keep things running smoothly?
My husband Britten...he is the hardest working, loving, motivational, and inspirational coach on this planet. No one works as hard as he does and no one wants to see our kids succeed as much as he does! His passion for this sport is contagious and it's an honor that I get to share this with him and our family every day.