EPISODE · Dec 30, 2025 · 1H 4M
70+ Years of Cheer Wisdom: Hank Light & Kim Gaskin on Longevity, Leadership, and the Evolution of NHSCC
from Here 4 Cheer · host Megan Gomarlo
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.
What this episode covers
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.
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70+ Years of Cheer Wisdom: Hank Light & Kim Gaskin on Longevity, Leadership, and the Evolution of NHSCC
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