Parent Question
Can cheer athletes compete professionally?
Short answer
Yes. Professional opportunities exist through the Pro Cheer League. On CDU, Ashlie Modabber (Episode 42) and Will Hemsley (Episode 32) both compete with Golden State Grit, and Hailey D’Lynn Smith (Episode 36) competes with Miami Metal. Ashlie describes what it meant to finally put on the Grit uniform after a long road that included knee-surgery recovery.
The CDU explanation
What that means in practice
Ashlie's path to pro cheer came after 26+ years in the sport, including All Star, UCA and college coaching — a reminder that professional cheer can be a later chapter, not only a direct next step after college.
Opinions guests share about where the league is headed are personal perspectives, not reporting.
Expert context
Season 1 sources
Ashlie Modabber — Golden State Grit
Episode 42
Golden State Grit athlete on reaching professional cheer later in a long career.
Last reviewed 2026-10-08
Season 1 evidence
Episodes that cover this
- EP 42Episode 42: Ashlie Modabber | 26 Years in Cheer & Why the Story Isn’t Over | S2E9 | CDUwith Ashlie Modabber
- EP 32Episode 32: College Football to Pro Cheer | Will Hemsley's Journey | Cheer Dads Unfilteredwith William Hemsley
- EP 36Episode 36: Hailey D’Lynn Smith on Fear, Confidence & the Future of Cheer | Season 2 Episode 3 | CDUwith Hailey D’Lynn Smith
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