Parent Question

What options exist after All-Star cheer?

Short answer

More than most families realize. On Episode 38, USA Cheer's Lauri Harris and Amy Haney laid out four broad directions: traditional and competitive college cheer programs, STUNT, national team opportunities, and emerging professional and international paths.

The CDU explanation

What that means in practice

College cheer itself is not one thing — programs range from game-day-focused squads to highly competitive teams, with very different time demands and expectations.

STUNT is the fastest-growing addition to that list: a head-to-head sport built from cheer skills, with roster spots for specialists as well as all-around athletes.

Beyond school, there are national team routes and, as Season 1 guests like Hallie Green and Roger Schonder described, professional sideline and industry paths that keep athletes in the sport in other ways.

Expert context

Season 1 sources

  • Lauri Harris

    Episode 38

    Executive Director, USA Cheer — pathways after All-Star and how families should think about them.

  • Amy Haney

    Episode 38

    USA Cheer STUNT — the collegiate opportunities STUNT is creating.

  • Hallie Green

    Episode 27

    Pro cheerleader — life in the sport after the All-Star years.

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

Season 1 evidence

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