Elite 1 Athletics

     At one point in time, I would have been hard pressed to admit that cheerleading was a "real sport". Flash forward six years and I'm married to a West Virginia University National Champion Competitive Cheerleader who is one of the most athletic people I have ever known. My opinion has been thoroughly changed and I have constantly been inspired by the hard work and dedication that comes with the territory of cheer. 

     If you have never been to a cheer gym, or even heard of one, let me fill you in on what makes them so unique. The essence of a cheer gym is its athletes, those who come and work hard multiple times a week, mastering skills that seem nearly impossible. I'm sure you saw some of the USA women's gymnastics team competition, the women of that team utilize the skills they learned in places like these gyms. Elite 1 Athletics (E1A) is no exception to the rule. 

     Forged from the shear will of head coach and owner Jessica Berlingeri, Elite 1 Athletics is cut from a different kind of stone. Navigating rows of warehouse doors in Largo, Florida you might never find the home of an elite cheerleading gym, but location is only a means to an end for the people of E1A. It is here that girls and boys gather to be coached for competitive cheerleading and gymnastic competition. After spending part of an afternoon observing a class for cheerleading, it is easy to see the drive that Jessica inspires in her students. She is strong and capable, able to demonstrate anything she might ask her students to learn and knowledgeable to know the steps involved in achieving complex and difficult skills. She is never condescending or vindictive towards her students for rowdy behavior, although she is to be commended for her sternness and unwavering drive to empower them to be the best that they can be. 

  The gym is always alive. In the past few months I have made more than a few visits, though not always with my camera. The space is filled with a loud and energetic music that seems to underscore every practice session. There is a large banner on the wall that reads the gym name above text that reads "Be Seen! Be Heard! Be Elite!" A long mat lays along the wall for additional padding and added bounce while practicing aerial skills. On the opposite wall is an American Flag hung with pride by the main entrance.  

Going into a cheer gym, I am definitely out of my element, but I have grown in my respect for the women and men who have worked to hone their skills and compete at a level of athletic prowess that is seldom recognized but never outclassed.