What I’d Tell My 19-Year-Old Self – 10 Years After Worlds 2015
A reflection on legacy, growth, and the lessons that last.
Dear 19-Year-Old Me,
It’s been ten years since my final performance on TGLC—Worlds 2015. I was 19, a super senior, experiencing the last chapter of my athlete journey on a senior team while standing at the peak of my career. It’s hard to describe the feeling of being in a moment that feels both like the finish line and the dream come true — because that year, it was both.
That season marked my third and final year on TGLC. I was living away from home since age 16, homeschooled, and fully immersed in training. The days were long, the practices relentless, and the expectations sky-high. But through all of it—every rep, every routine, every push—I was doing what I loved more than anything: cheerleading. My dream didn’t just come true; it unfolded into something far greater than I ever could’ve imagined.
And if there’s one thing I did right during that time, it was being present. I knew it was special while I was living it. I didn’t take it for granted. I felt the weight of the moment, the beauty of the journey, and the magic of standing beside teammates who felt more like family. I look back at those days with pride—and with memories I simply can’t forget.
Now, a decade later, I see that chapter with more clarity. Life has stretched me, humbled me, grown me. I’ve experienced moments that have tested me far more than any full-out ever could. And through it all, I’ve collected lessons—some hard-earned—that I wish I had understood back then. Not to change what happened, but to move through it with more peace, more self-trust, and maybe a little less pressure.
This isn’t about rewriting the past. It’s about sharing what I’ve learned with the hope that someone out there—whether graduating, a college athlete, or just someone trying to navigate what comes next—can take something from these words and carry them into their own journey.
Here are five things I wish I could tell my 19-year-old self ten years ago—and one light-hearted, not so serious piece of advice i’d also include if I had the chance.
1. Perform like it’s your first time.
The more seasoned you become, the easier it is to slip into autopilot. Routines turn into muscle memory, expectations become pressure, and the moments can start to blur. But that first-time feeling—the adrenaline, the awe, the love for performing—don’t let that fade or become something you take for granted.
Even when you’ve hit the same motions a thousand times, bring the energy of that very first performance. That fire. That hunger. The drive to show the world how much it means to you. Don’t let it feel too routine. Let the audience—and the judges—forget everything you’ve accomplished before and feel your desire to earn it all over again.
Let your energy speak louder than your technique. Every performance is a chance to make someone feel something. And when you treat it like it’s your first time all over again, that spark will never leave you.
2. Lift heavier—even if it means showing up sore.
You always wanted to show up as your best at practice, and that mindset served you well. But don’t be afraid of a little soreness. Don’t hold back in the weight room just to preserve a “perfect” practice. Pushing yourself physically—especially with intentional strength training—will take your performance to a new level.
Yes, it’s uncomfortable. And yes, it might affect a rep or two in the short term. But developing real strength—particularly in your hamstrings and glutes—will only enhance your power for jumps, tumbling, and stunting. Contrary to what you once feared, stronger muscles don’t mean tighter ones, and they certainly don’t mean lower jumps. I know that’s important to you.
While we’re here—your jumps don’t need to be max height every single time. Your capabilities are clear. Proving it every rep is sickening, but give yourself permission to build for the long game.
3. Perfection is overrated.
You spent a lot of time trying to get everything “right.” You cared about doing a good job, and that’s admirable—but don’t let that desire for perfection silence your authenticity.
People aren’t inspired by flawless routines. They’re moved by real ones. Let people see the cracks. Let them see your fire. Stop holding yourself to an impossible standard to please people who already admire you for who you are.
Trying to be perfect made you feel like you had to act a certain way, say the right thing, do everything "just so” and become a quiet, shy version of yourself. That pressure…. exhausting. And ultimately, unsustainable. Lean into who you are. That’s where your power is.
Halfway point – Serious but not serious advice:
Stop tweezing your eyebrows
Your retainer is going to break—get it replaced immediately. Your teeth are gonna shift.
4. You’re already doing what you want to do.
Back then, your energy was split—40% on cheer, 60% on figuring out life after high school. You felt pressure to go to a “good” college, to have a clear plan, to make your path make sense to others.
But here’s the thing: you were already living your dream. You were coaching, performing, teaching private lessons, traveling, growing—and you loved it. That was the plan.
It’s okay to not follow a conventional path. Avoiding student loans, taking your time, and trusting your gut wasn’t failure—it was wisdom. You didn’t need a degree to validate the path you were already walking with purpose. Own that more. You were already doing the thing.
5. You’ll fail - and still win.
You’re a two-time world champion going for your third title. You’ve worked hard, given everything, and have every reason to expect the best. But this year? Things won’t go the way you planned.
You’ll fall short. It’ll hurt. And it’ll feel like the end of the world for a moment. But it won’t be.
That loss will teach you more than any win ever could. It will be your first true “failure”—and it will shape you in the best way. You’ll realize that falling short isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of becoming someone with depth, resilience, and a broader perspective.
Failure is proof that you tried. That you cared. That you stepped up to the challenge. Some people go their whole lives without risking failure, and in doing so, never get close to greatness. You won’t be one of them.
Final Message to My 19-Year-Old Self
I love you, and I’m so proud of you.
Everything you're about to go through—every win, every loss, every moment of self-doubt and joy—it all matters. It all adds up. You won’t always see it in real time, but one day, you’ll look back and know:
You were doing just fine.
You were already becoming exactly who you were meant to be.
Keep going, have fun and enjoy!
— Josh
Choreography Advice
Creating a Championship-Caliber Routine Starts Long Before the First 8-Count
Choreography isn’t just about filling time with skills and motions — it’s about telling a story, building momentum, and setting your team up for success. Whether you're designing a routine for a first-year team or an elite-level squad, the choreography process should feel strategic, inspiring, and intentional from start to finish.
In this post, I’m breaking down my best advice for each phase of the process — what to focus on before choreography begins, how to lead and adapt during the session, and the post-choreo habits that make the biggest difference in execution.
Let’s dive in.
Pre-Choreography Session Advice:
Setting Your Team Up for Success
So, you’re preparing for an upcoming choreography session, whether with me or another instructor. As a choreographer, I take my role seriously in helping bring your team's vision to life with a routine that’s impactful and achievable. However, the behind-the-scenes preparation on your end is just as crucial for ensuring a smooth, productive session.
Below are some key tips I’ve found invaluable as a choreographer. Following these will maximize your session time, keep things running smoothly, and set your team up for success.
1. Communicate in Advance
Preparation starts long before the choreographer steps into the gym. In the weeks leading up to the session, be sure to share important information with the choreographer, such as:
Practice Videos: Showcasing current skills and formations
Skill Breakdowns: Tumbling, stunts, and overall team strengths
Roster Information: Athlete names, positions, and height ranges
Season Objectives: Competition goals, scoring priorities, and team themes
Some coaches hesitate to overload choreographers with details, but trust me, the more information we have upfront, the better. When we can brainstorm and plan ahead, we spend less time troubleshooting and more time refining and elevating your routine.
2. Prepare for Dance and Performance Execution
Dance can often be one of the most challenging aspects of choreography for teams. Athletes may struggle with rhythm or performance confidence. While your choreographer will guide the motions, your athletes should be ready to execute them with energy and presence.
How to Prepare:
Incorporate dance-focused activities into practices before the choreography session. Consider fun challenges where athletes learn new choreography and perform for each other.
Identify stronger dancers early and encourage them to lead by example.
Rehearse performance skills—facial expressions, energy, and projection. Even if the routine isn’t dance-heavy, every athlete should exude confidence.
The more comfortable your athletes are with movement and performance, the less time will be spent adjusting counts and motions, allowing us to focus on fine-tuning the details that truly make a routine stand out.
3. Use Name Tags
This may seem simple, but it’s a game-changer. Choreographers work with hundreds of athletes, and remembering everyone’s name can be a challenge. Providing name tags—whether it’s a simple piece of tape with their name or a reusable badge—makes the session more personal and efficient. It allows the choreographer to call athletes by name, rather than pointing or guessing, creating a more professional and productive environment.
4. Cultivate a Team-First Mentality
Choreography sessions often involve changes—new formations, stunt adjustments, and role shifts. Prepare your team mentally by reinforcing a team-first mindset.
Key Points to Emphasize:
Be Flexible: Athletes shouldn’t get too attached to specific roles or placements. Choreography is fluid, and adjustments are inevitable.
Stay Positive: Not every role will be glamorous, but every position is crucial to the routine’s success.
Focus on Growth: Encourage athletes to view every change as an opportunity to improve.
One of my favorite reminders is: “Sometimes being a team player means taking out the trash.” Not every athlete will love their assigned role, but their attitude and effort will leave a lasting impression.
5. Thoughtful Gestures Go a Long Way
Consider your choreographer’s needs for the day. A quick check-in beforehand—asking about their preferred snacks, drinks, or setup needs—can make a huge difference. These small but meaningful gestures ensure choreographers stay focused and energized, enabling them to deliver their best work for your team.
During Choreography Session Tips:
Maximizing Time and Efficiency
During the choreography session itself, maintaining a collaborative and efficient environment is key. Here are some tips for coaches to keep things moving smoothly:
Communicate openly with the choreographer: If there are issues you foresee or adjustments you anticipate making after the session, let the choreographer know. This allows for better planning and can save time post-session.
Be present, but not intrusive: When the choreographer is explaining motions, try to mirror what they are doing on the opposite side of the floor. This saves time and helps athletes learn the choreography more quickly.
Trust the choreographer: If questions arise, allow the choreographer to finish their explanation before jumping in. Trust that they have a plan and the routine will come together.
Minimize distractions: Avoid taking groups to the side unless instructed to do so by the choreographer. It’s easy to think you’re helping, but sometimes, having the whole team present allows for a more efficient session.
Encourage positive energy: During times of fatigue or frustration, maintain a positive attitude and keep morale high. Lead by example and encourage athletes to stay motivated and focused.
Post-Choreography Session Advice:
Maintaining Momentum and Building on Success
After the choreography session, it’s important to maintain the progress made and ensure everything is aligned for success.
1. Take Videos for Reference
Recording the session is crucial. Share the videos on your team’s group messaging platform so athletes can review and practice at home. This also ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes to learning the choreography.
2. Run the Routine as a Whole
While it’s important to perfect individual sections, don’t forget to run the entire routine regularly. This helps athletes get comfortable with the flow and sequence, ensuring a smooth performance. Run-throughs after choreography can also help build stamina and consistency.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Scale Back
At the beginning stages, focus on the key skills within each section. Don’t overwhelm athletes with too much choreography too soon. Watering things down and simplifying sequences will help athletes build confidence before refining the details.
4. Own the Responsibility for Cleaning the Routine
Once the choreography session is complete, the responsibility for cleaning and refining the routine shifts to you as the coach. While the choreographer is a resource, it’s up to you to ensure the routine is polished and executed at its best. Take time to break down each section slowly, focusing on correct technique and ensuring athletes have mastered each move before speeding up.
5. Focus on Technique and Confidence
After choreography, prioritize stunt technique, tumbling technique, and building overall team strength and confidence. Avoid getting too caught up in fine-tuning every movement. When athletes feel confident in their basic skills, they can execute the routine more successfully.
6. Manage Attendance and Consistency
Encourage full attendance at practice, as missed sessions can significantly hinder progress. Ensure athletes practice with proper technique, even outside of team training. A consistent practice routine will lead to smoother, more confident performances.
7. Post-Session Communication
Stay in touch with the choreographer to provide updates and ask for assistance or clarification if needed. We’re here to help you through the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for, managing, and following up on choreography sessions are key elements to creating a successful routine. As coaches, the more you prepare and communicate before, during, and after choreography sessions, the smoother the process will be, and the better your routine will turn out.
By following these tips, you’ll help your team achieve its full potential and create a routine that will impress on the competition floor.
See you on the mat!
Josh
Introduction Blog
Hey everyone and welcome. I’m excited to say this my first ever official blog post. wooohoo!
I created CHEERJB to reach likeminded individuals who are passionate about cheerleading like myself and also on the journey towards becoming their best self. Through this platform, I aim to share with you what I have learned during my 20+ years experience within the industry. Cheer has been a constant in my life, shaping who I am and teaching me invaluable lessons. From successes to challenges, cheerleading has given me experiences I’m excited to share with you.
In previous years, while working in companies and collaborative environments, I’ve often felt that my values didn’t always align with the overall direction or that my voice could get lost in the process. This blog gives me the opportunity to share my thoughts, beliefs, and opinions directly with you, without filter or compromise.
Through my journey I’ve often felt uncertain about how to navigate different roles and situations. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone interested, my goal is to provide tools, insights, and advice to help make your journey a little easier. I know how isolating it can feel when you don’t have guidance, and I hope this space becomes a source of support for those who relate.
When I tell you I’ve been in nearly every role imaginable, I mean it. I’ve been a highlighted athlete, a last-minute replacement, an alternate. I’ve been the head coach, assistant coach, choreographer, guest coach, and of course a spectator. These experiences have given me a unique perspective and have taught me lessons through both successes and failures.
Coaching in gyms across the United States and Australia, each with distinct cultures and approaches to work ethic, mindset, and success. I’ve seen how parents support their athletes, sometimes struggling to find the best way to help them thrive. I’ve also experienced the ways coaches in different regions resolve challenges—or sometimes don’t.
These experiences have shaped my understanding of the sport and the community around it. Through this blog, I want to share what I’ve learned, open up conversations about often-overlooked topics, and provide insights that can help you navigate your own path— whether as an athlete, coach, parent, or someone who is simply interested in the discussion.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I’m excited about what this space can become and look forward to growing alongside you. If any of the posts I share here resonate with you, please share this blog with others who might benefit. Thanks so much and talk soon
Josh Boatwright