Champ Chat

In this special edition, episode of Champ Chat, hosts Celia Kiogima, Amber Sullivan, and Carter Kiogima discuss the intense and emotional journey of cheerleading and College STUNT as MHSAA Competitive Cheer approaches tournament time. They share personal stories from warm-up rooms, highlight moments of athlete success, and provide valuable advice for coaches and athletes navigating the pressures of competition. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindset, preparation, and the heart behind coaching, reminding listeners that the journey and memories created are just as important as the wins.

In this episode of Champ Chat, hosts Celia Kiogima and Amber Sullivan welcome Kim Kaye to discuss her journey in the cheerleading world. They explore the purpose behind Champion Cheerleading, the importance of community, and the impact of purposeful coaching. Kim shares her experiences, challenges, and the evolution of this sport over the years; emphasizing that it’s about more than just winning—it’s about empowering individuals and creating lasting connections.The conversation also touches on the future and the legacy that Champion Cheerleading aims to uphold. They dive into discussion on transitioning leadership within Champion, the emotional weight of change, and the incredible power of divine timing.

This week on Champ Chat, Celia steps up to the mic solo for a raw, reflective episode from her family vacation in northern Michigan. With the originally planned guest postponed, she takes the opportunity to speak directly from the heart—about transition, identity, and the enduring impact of coaching.Celia shares some of the most meaningful quotes she’s ever sent to her athletes, unpacking the stories and emotions behind them. She reflects on the bittersweet journey of stepping away from daily coaching, the weight of words in big and small moments, and what it means to lead with both grit and grace. It’s a love letter to the sport, to the athletes who shape us, and to every coach who’s ever questioned if their work makes a difference.Because it does.

In this heartfelt episode of Champ Chat, Celia and Carter Kiogima explore what it really takes to feel supported in the cheer and stunt world -- from the gym to the home front. Together, they reflect on the many forms of support coaches and athletes need to thrive, including behind-the-scenes administrative champions, open-door coaching philosophies, and what it means to self-reflect and grow. They open up about the shift in their own dynamic as Carter steps away from coaching to prioritize family, and how their partnership continues to anchor their work. It’s a raw, emotional, and ultimately uplifting conversation about knowing your limits, asking for help, and finding your “cheer person” -- in sport and in life.Stay tuned until the end for a special shout-out tradition and a powerful teaser for next week’s episode on mental health in athletics.

In this special episode of Champ Chat, Celia is joined by two of her former captains and lifelong Panthers, Keaghan Otto and Tenley Brown. Together, they revisit the pivotal moments that shaped their college cheer and STUNT careers -- from unexpected recruiting twists to championship wins and personal growth off the mat.Keaghan and Tenley reflect on the challenges of transitioning from shy freshmen to confident, compassionate leaders. They share the quiet moments, powerful phrases, and deep bonds that carried them and their teammates through high-pressure competitions, culture shifts, and personal setbacks. This episode is a raw, emotional tribute to the power of relationships, resilience, and choosing to stay when things get uncomfortable.Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone standing at a turning point, this conversation is a reminder: growth happens in the small moments -- and leadership begins with connection.

In this powerful episode of Champ Chat, Celia and Carter sit down with Brandon Seagondollar, accomplished head STUNT coach at California Baptist University, to talk about what it really means to coach with purpose. Together, they unpack the small moments that shape athletes, the quiet mentorship that builds character, and the deep relationships that last far beyond the final score.From being a steady presence in high-pressure situations to showing up as a parent figure on and off the mat, the conversation reveals the heart of coaching. Brandon shares stories that reflect the passion, patience, and personal connection required to truly develop athletes -- not just into competitors, but into confident, resilient people.Whether you're a new coach or a seasoned one, this episode is a reminder that the real win isn't the trophy -- it’s the trust.

In this heartfelt episode of Champ Chat, Celia sits down with her best friend and longtime assistant coach, Amber Sullivan. From their earliest days coaching side-by-side to building a program rooted in trust, laughter, and shared values, Amber has been an essential part of the journey.We hear Amber’s origin story -- how she got into coaching, what’s fueled her passion for the sport, and what it’s really like working so closely with your best friend. The conversation also looks ahead to what’s next on the horizon as Amber steps into new roles and new challenges.This episode is a celebration of friendship, coaching chemistry, and the kind of partnerships that make programs thrive.

In this episode of Champ Chat, we’re handing the mic to Carter Kiogima -- Celia’s husband, former assistant coach, and now co-owner of Champion Cheerleading. From the practice mat to business meetings, Carter shares what it’s like building a program (and a life) alongside Celia. They dive into what they've learned coaching together, how they make decisions as a team, and the moments that shaped their shared vision for the future of Champion Cheer.Whether you're coaching solo or leading with a partner, this episode explores trust, teamwork, and how to align around a mission that matters.

Welcome to the very first episode of Champ Chat! Hosted by Celia Kiogima, this episode dives deep into her journey from 15 impactful years coaching at Davenport University to taking a bold leap into ownership of Champion Cheerleading with her husband, Carter.Producer Ricky kicks things off with a heartfelt reflection on what coaching really means, then flips the mic to Celia as she shares her origin story, the emotional transition to small business leadership, and the vision behind launching this podcast.Hear why Celia believes coaching is about so much more than trophies, what keeps her inspired, and who she’s really talking to each time she hits record.Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or someone who just loves a good story about reinvention, this one’s for you.