Lessons From 25 Years in Cheer

In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton reflects on the biggest lessons he learned during the 2025–2026 cheer season after nearly 25 years of coaching and 15 years of gym ownership. From launching a new branch of the business that did not go as planned, to giving staff faster and more direct feedback, to navigating the growing impact of AI, Dan shares honest lessons that every cheer gym owner and coach can learn from. He also dives into one of the biggest issues facing the cheer industry right now: the scoring crisis. With major score swings, inconsistent judging, and unclear feedback frustrating coaches and families, Dan explains why this matters and how it could impact the future of all star cheer. This episode is a must-listen for cheer gym owners, coaches, and program directors who want to grow as leaders, learn from mistakes, improve staff systems, and stay committed to building a stronger business and stronger teams.