Welcome back to the Here 4 Cheer Podcast! In our first episode of 2026, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with global cheer ambassador Jibreel Rayam, President of the AIA — Association for International All Star, and 20+ year gym owner.

In this episode, Jibreel gives an inside look at how the AIA is reshaping the future of All Star cheer on a global scale. From international pathways to athlete experience, he breaks down what’s next for the sport — and why worldwide collaboration matters more than ever.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What the AIA is and why it was created
• How international All Star cheer is expanding faster than ever
• The sport’s long‑term push toward the Olympic stage and hopes for 2032
• How AIA’s global championship model differs from Worlds and other major events
• Why summer competition could transform the All Star season
• The importance of leadership, relationships, and trust in the cheer industry
• Jibreel’s journey with Team Canada and his role in global cheer development

In this episode of Here for a Cheer, host Megan Gomarlo sits down with two absolute legends of the industry: Hank Light, the V!Roc Choreographer Director with over 100 UCA National titles, and Kim Gaskin, a 36-year veteran coach of Burlington Township with five NHSCC titles.

Together, they take a trip down memory lane, discussing how a chance meeting at a pool bar before Nationals turned into a decades-long mentorship and friendship. Hank and Kim share invaluable advice on how to build a program that lasts, the importance of adapting coaching styles for today’s athletes, and why the relationship between a coach and a choreographer is critical to success.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Evolution of Nationals: Hank reflects on attending his 40th High School Nationals and how the event has grown from small rural schools to a massive, multi-division event.

Building a Legacy: Kim explains the "Team Burlington" philosophy, the importance of monthly mandatory parent meetings, and how to teach discipline and critical thinking to build leaders.

Choreography Secrets: Hank reveals that a routine is 75% coaching, why teams need to "live in" their choreography before changing it, and the importance of stamina over skills.

The Coach’s Responsibility: Why coaches must know the rules book inside and out rather than relying solely on choreographers.

Work-Life Balance: Kim opens up about her battle with breast cancer, the support of her cheer family, and the necessity of delegating tasks to survive burnout.

Memorable Quote: "Winning is a luxury, that's not a goal... Making good humans is a full-time job." — Hank Light.

Cheerleading has been her whole life—and now, she’s reflecting on what it means to go pro... and let go.

In this episode of Here For Cheer, we sit down with Macie Dickey, Texas Tech cheerleader and Pro Cheer League athlete, to talk about growing up in the gym, navigating injuries, transferring colleges, winning a national championship, and facing the emotional reality of the end of a cheer career.

Macie opens up about sacrifice, resilience, family, and why cheerleading will always be a part of who she is. This is an honest, heartfelt conversation for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone who’s ever given everything to the sport they love.