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What does it actually take to build a routine that wins—and one that people remember? In this episode, I sit down with Dahlston Delgado—the choreographer behind 13 routines at NCA this year, and creative forces shaping cheerleading both on and off the competition floor. We break down his process from the very first skills check to the final performance—how he builds structure, layers movement, and makes decisions that balance the score sheet with the audience experience. We also get into the differences between college and all-star choreography, what changes when you’re building for NCA vs UCA, and how his work on Stumble and Broadway has shifted the way he sees routine design. Plus, we watch and analyze real routines—including one submitted by a listener—and talk through what works, what could be elevated, and how small decisions create big impact. This conversation is a deep dive into the strategy, creativity, and emotion behind elite routines—and a reminder that the best performances don’t just score well… they make you feel something. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Choreography08:10 The Impact of TV on Choreography19:23 Choreographing for Texas Tech Large Co-ed24:44 Choreographing for Mississippi State All Girl48:34 Analyzing a Listener's Routine

This episode dives into the journey of an athlete who took a leap — from Montreal to Top Gun — and everything that came with it. Kass shares what it really looked like to leave Canada, step into the U.S. cheer system, and navigate an environment where the pressure is higher, the expectations are different, and every rep matters. From battling through two ACL injuries to earning her spot on Double O, her story is one of resilience, work ethic, and belief. We break down the real differences between cheering in Canada vs. the U.S. — from team culture and accountability to the role of alternates and what it means to prove yourself every single day. And through it all, this conversation is a reminder that growth doesn’t just come from the routine — it comes from the environments we step into and the standards we choose to meet. Takeaways Transition from Canada to the USDifferences in training and competitionImpact of cheerleading on athletes Chapters 00:00 Impact of Cheerleading on Athletes

In this episode, we’re shifting the lens a little—because cheerleading isn’t just experienced on the mat. I’m joined by Jay, a dad, comedian, and creator whose viral TikToks capture the real, funny, and sometimes chaotic side of being a cheer parent. What starts as a conversation about supporting your athlete quickly turns into something deeper: what this sport teaches families about resilience, community, and showing up—fully. We talk about how cheerleading has evolved, from the skills we see on the floor to the way information, creativity, and even language spread through the sport. From naming trends to social media shaping how quickly teams level up, this episode connects the dots between culture, coaching, and the parent experience. But at the core of it all, this is a conversation about perspective—how cheerleading can change not just the athlete, but the people around them. Because the impact of cheerleading isn’t just on the athlete—it’s on the people who love them most, and that’s what makes it more than counts: what routines teach us about teamwork, leadership, and life. Takeaways Parenting through the lens of cheerCommunity and resilience in cheerleading Impact of social media on spreading information Chapters 00:00 The Power of Parenting in Cheerleading13:41 The Evolution of Cheerleading20:45 Language Creativity and Social Media Impact

What does it actually take to build a national team routine—when time is limited and every decision matters? In this episode, Natalie breaks down the strategy behind Team Canada: from athlete selection and preparation to navigating a unique scoring system and building a “homework culture” that drives success. We get into how routines evolve through feedback, how to adapt under pressure, and why visual storytelling is just as important as the skills on the mat. This is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to perform at the highest level—and the decisions you don’t see on competition day. Because cheerleading is more than counts. And what makes routines special is what they teach us about teamwork, leadership, and life. Let’s get into it. Takeaways Building a national team routine with limited time and a unique scoring systemThe importance of strategy, athlete selection, and the homework culture in team success Visual storytellingAdaptation to feedback Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background17:03 Transition to ICU Scoring System24:07 Engaging the Crowd31:15 Performance Evaluation41:09 Future of Team Canada

On this episode of More Than Counts, I’m joined by JJ—coach, choreographer, and someone who truly understands what it takes to build routines that hit. We get into his journey through cheer, from stepping into the California scene to finding his voice in coaching and choreography. But more than that, this conversation really dives into what sits underneath great routines—team culture, intention, and strategy. We talk about what actually makes choreography work (and what doesn’t), how to approach routine changes without losing your structure, and why musicality and pacing can completely change how a routine is received. We also get into the differences between high school and all-star routines, and the non-negotiables JJ brings into every team he works with. If you’ve ever watched a routine and thought “why did that score the way it did?”—this episode is for you. Takeaways Team culture is the foundation for successChoreography process involves blocking out the routine before adding choreography Routine ChangesChoreography Strategy Chapters 00:00 The Foundation of Team Culture14:42 Coaching Strategy and Non-Negotiables23:15 Routine Changes and Overhaul35:35 High School vs. All-Star Routines

Kevin Ahern joins More Than Counts to share his journey into cheerleading and the path that led him from athlete to choreographer and coach. In this conversation, we explore how Kevin discovered cheerleading through his background in dance and how early opportunities to choreograph quickly turned into a passion for creating routines and working with teams. He shares his approach to choreography, including the importance of collaboration with coaches, understanding the strengths of athletes, and building routines that feel authentic to the team performing them. Kevin also talks about the realities of working with different programs — from adapting to gym changes and supporting teams through transitions, to how competition results can influence the growth and movement within gyms. And of course, we watch routines together. We break down performances from South Bay Divas, Texas Bandits, Fierce Athletics, and a listener-submitted routine from Brazil, discussing choreography choices, visual clarity, stunt creativity, and how small adjustments can impact the way a routine reads on the floor. This episode also touches on evaluating non-tumbling routines, the unique energy of Level 1 teams, and Kevin’s advice for aspiring choreographers looking to grow in the industry. Takeaways Kevin’s journey from dancer to cheerleader, choreographer, and coachWhy collaboration with coaches is essential when building routinesHow choreography should adapt to the strengths of each teamThe impact of competition results on gym growth and athlete movementLessons for aspiring choreographers entering the cheer industry Chapters 00:00 Discovering Cheerleading09:33 Choreography Philosophy and Non-Negotiables19:23 Theme in Cheer Routine25:39 Adapting to Gym Changes31:24 Factors Influencing Gym Attraction37:19 Level 1 Routine Enthusiasm42:33 Non-Tumbling Routine Evaluation

What happens when choreography becomes more than just skills and counts — and starts with relationships? In this episode of More Than Counts, I sit down with Jeremy Brown and Marcus, the duo behind Creative Elements, to talk about their journey in the cheerleading industry and the philosophy that drives their choreography. We dive into how their partnership started, why they prioritize relationship-driven choreography, and how collaboration between coaches, athletes, and choreographers can transform a program. Jeremy and Marcus share their perspective on evolving trends in cheerleading, the importance of creating a supportive team environment, and the non-negotiables they bring into every routine they build. We also break down routines together — from Florida Twisters to Arizona All-Star Venom — analyzing what makes performances stand out, why clean movement and clear visuals still win, and how small details like formations, timing, and even uniform colors can dramatically impact how routines are seen by judges and audiences. This conversation goes beyond choreography. It’s about community, mentorship, and building teams where athletes feel supported and inspired to grow. Because at the end of the day… cheerleading is more than counts. Takeaways Relationship-driven choreography builds stronger teamsCollaboration between coaches, athletes, and choreographers is essentialClean movement and clarity still win on the scoresheetVisual elements — including formations and uniform colors — impact performance perceptionMeeting teams where they are is key to long-term program success Chapters 00:00 The Art of Relationship-Driven Choreography05:55 Trends and Changes in Cheerleading23:41 The Impact of Clean Movement and Visuals31:03 The Importance of Basic Skills

In this episode of More Than Counts, I sit down with Hailey D’Lynn Smith — Weber State, Miami Metal, and Team USA athlete — to break down one of the most powerful journeys in partner stunt. From her transition out of elite gymnastics into the world of cheerleading, to qualifying near the bottom and rising to become a back-to-back champion, Hailey shares what it really took to build confidence, trust a long-term stunt partnership, and redefine what winning means. Together, we watch her routines from 2022 to today and analyze the evolution in real time — the strategy behind routine construction, the shift from difficulty to cleanliness, and the mindset that changed everything. We talk about: developing confidence when you feel like you don’t belongthe role of coaching, mentorship, and athlete support systemsovercoming setbacks and injuriestraining with intention and purposewhy your “reason why” matters more than motivationThis episode is about perseverance, growth, partnership, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible — on and off the mat. Because cheerleading is More Than Counts. Chapters 00:00 Journey from Gymnastics to Cheerleading19:06 Evolution of Routines and Skills28:37 Pushing Boundaries and Setting New Standards35:12 Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Purpose54:32 Dedication, Discipline, and Growth Mindset

n this episode of More Than Counts, we sit down with Andres, a Mexican choreographer whose work is making an impact on teams around the world. From his journey as an athlete to coaching and building a global choreography career, Andres shares how his experience has shaped his creative process and his approach to athlete experience. We dive into the evolution of cheerleading in Mexico, the reality of working with half-season and non-tumbling teams, and how he balances difficulty, creativity, and team identity when building routines. Together, we break down three impactful routines from different programs, exploring the story behind each team, the choreographic choices, and the moments that truly hit the scoresheet. This episode is a deep look at culture, collaboration, and what it means to create routines that are not only competitive — but meaningful. Because cheerleading is More Than Counts. Takeaways Global expansion of cheerleading careerImportance of positive athlete experience Collaboration is key to successful choreographyNon-tumbling routines require strategic choreographyCompetition experiences shape team growth and learningStorytelling and emotional themes enhance routine impactDetailed analysis improves routine quality Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Cheerleading Beginnings05:27 Season Structure and Development in Mexico10:54 Progress in Mexican Cheerleading17:16 Difficulty vs. Creativity in Choreography29:01 Routine Showcase: All Star Revolution J336:15 Non-Tumbling Team Dynamics - Barcelona Bears47:17 2026 Routine Theme

Welcome to More Than Counts, a visual podcast about what really goes into cheerleading routines. Hosted by cheer judge Mimi, this show brings choreographers, coaches, and athletes together to break down choreography, creativity, and the stories behind the routines you see on the floor. We talk about what makes routines special, what actually hits the scoresheet, and what these routines teach us about teamwork, leadership, and life. In our first episode, we sit down with Ashley Williams to explore her journey in cheerleading, the different hats she wears in the industry, and her creative process. Together, we watch and analyze routines from this season and previous years, diving into the decisions that shape strong choreography. This channel is for coaches, choreographers, parents, and athletes who want to better understand choreography — and start seeing cheerleading in a whole new way. Because cheerleading is More Than Counts.