The Standard Shows Up After the Fall with Coach Mom Kari Kratchman
What does “the standard” look like after the routine falls apart? In Episode 44 of Cheer Dads Unfiltered, Tom, Geoff and David sit down with Coach Mom Kari Kratchman—a coach of 37 years and parent of two college cheerleaders—for an honest conversation about preparation, accountability, recovery and the culture athletes experience every day. Kari breaks down why the standard is not a slogan or a trophy. It is how athletes prepare before practice, communicate with teammates, respond after mistakes and show up for the people beside them. She explains what it means to give 100% of whatever you actually have that day, why accountability is different from blame and how coaches can train routine recovery instead of simply hoping athletes bounce back after a fall. The conversation also explores keeping the best parts of old-school coaching while adapting to today’s athletes, recognizing when an “energy sucker” is hurting the entire group, supporting alternates and great teammates, and parenting the athlete in front of you instead of forcing every child down the same path. Kari also shares what raising two college cheerleaders with very different journeys taught her about listening, trust and letting athletes own their experience. This episode opens in loving memory of Chamie, a beloved member of the Texas All Star Cheer family.
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