Parent Question

What is USA Cheer's role in the sport?

Short answer

On Episode 38, Executive Director Lauri Harris described USA Cheer's role around five things: athlete safety, growing participation in the sport, education for coaches and athletes, national teams, and representing the United States internationally. For most families, the practical touchpoints are safety and education resources, college combines, and the pathways USA Cheer supports after All-Star.

The CDU explanation

What that means in practice

Safety and education are the parts parents feel first — standards, coach education and resources that shape how gyms and school programs operate.

The pathway side is what Episode 38 spends most of its time on: national teams, college recruiting support, USA Cheer College Combines, and STUNT as a growing collegiate sport.

The international side matters longer-term. USA Cheer is part of how cheer is represented globally, which connects to the sport's broader development conversation.

Expert context

Season 1 sources

  • Lauri Harris

    Episode 38

    Executive Director, USA Cheer — the organization's role in safety, education, national teams and international representation.

Last reviewed 2026-09-11· Event & program specifics require verification

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