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Entertainment Spotlight: Monica Aldama, Cheer

Monica Aldama, the Head Coach of Navarro Cheer, is an icon in the cheer industry. She and her team are now subjects of the documentary series Cheer, which premieres January 8 on Netflix. Over her 24 years at Navarro College, she has turned the program into the gold standard for the cheer world. After graduating, she saw herself as the CEO of a company in New York, but on a chance decided to apply for the cheer coach position. Her cheerleaders refer to her as the Queen, but she is always humble and prefers to stay on the sidelines. She has a very strong work-ethic and her cheerleaders brag how much she taught them not only about cheer but about life. Monica has brought NC 14 National Cheer Association (NCA) Junior College Division National Championships and five Grand National Titles in competition at Daytona Beach, Fl.  Under her guidance Navarro College holds the reigning record for the highest score in history at NCA College Nationals. Monica answered some of our questions. Check it out:

How has cheerleading impacted your life?

Cheerleading has had a huge impact on my life; in fact, it is my life.  I never dreamed that I would be a cheer coach, much less that it would be my career for 25 years.  I have a finance degree and an MBA, but the opportunity to coach just fell in my lap, and I ran with it.  I used everything that I learned in business school to build a successful program, but the most impactful aspect of my job is what the kids that I coach have taught me.  I am not just a coach; I am a mother, an advisor, a counselor, a friend, a disciplinarian.  They have taught me to be more empathetic and to see the world through a different set of eyes, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Can you walk us through a typical practice?

Our practices are very structured for the most part.  In the fall semester we work on gaining new skills and correcting technique.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays we have what we call “jump/tumble day” and do conditioning work that involves synchronized jump and tumbling reps as well as time to work on new skills.  The other days are dedicated to working stunts, basket tosses, pyramids and preparing game day material for different games and appearances.  In the spring our practices are completely focused on preparing for the NCA Collegiate National Championships.

What do you think makes a great cheerleader?

A great cheerleader, first and foremost, is coachable and has heart. Other qualities that make a great cheerleader include: self-accountability, responsibility, fortitude, good character, the ability to take criticism, perseverance and good technique.

If a theme song played whenever you entered a room, what song would it be?

Imagine Dragons – “Whatever It Takes”

Lighting round! Describe each of the following in one word: Who you are, what you value the most, and what you’d be if you were a food item.

Who you are – determined

What you value the most – family

What you’d be if you were a food item – chocolate