- Mar 30, 2010
- 424
- 696
Gabi's initial subtweet may or may not have been directed specifically at JP, but he obviously took it personally and his response was severe. Regardless of whether you believe he is genuinely advocating for gym owner safety or that he is just simply annoyed with "cheerlebrities", he stooped to a level to which he never should have gone. I do not know him personally but I have heard some awful things about him that I hope are not true. That's besides the point. That being said, it's time for the "cheerlebrity" superstars to listen up: It's great that you are using your notoriety and cheerleading experience to spread your love for the sport and, more importantly, to make money off of it. No one can fault you for hustling. However, no experienced coach or industry leader worth a grain of salt is jealous of you, your pretty face, or your success. I've seen these phrases flung around social media over the last 24 hours and I can't help but cringe.
It is your coaches and mentors who are responsible for your success. On top of that, there is not a single Worlds medal hanging around your neck that is a more valuable teaching tool than coaching experience and life experience. Just because you worked your butt off in school for 12 years doesn't mean you can become a teacher when you're 18. Respect comes with an education (in school or in life), and it comes with paying your dues, starting at the bottom, and working your way up the totem pole the same way your coaches and thousands of others in this industry have done before you. That's the REALITY of life in this industry and in every industry. There are thousands of experienced, certified adults with a wealth of experience who can coach circles around you yet won't make a dime off of their camps because kids from all over are flocking to see you, mostly to get your picture and autograph, not because they think you can teach them something that their own coach can't. As harsh as this sounds, you're an attraction, almost like a magician at a kid's birthday party. Yes you are passionate about cheer, but you're probably not helping these kids or this industry anymore than the amazing cheerleaders who work as NCA/UCA staffers every summer (and get paid diddly squat for it). You are probably too young to understand that it's insulting for an adult to watch you charge kids and their families 60-100 bucks a pop to learn from a 17-20 year old when more knowledgeable coaches and gym owners are losing money as a result. If improving this industry and its image really is your mission, then you may not understand that it would most likely improve and be taken more seriously if it weren't so driven by fame and celebrity status, which is the image you are perpetuating by selling your image and status as a service. You're all amazing cheerleaders, there's no question, and I know you all have so, so much to give. But if you want respect from your elders in this industry, take a seat for a hot minute, get some real life experience, coach for at least five years, maybe even win some titles, then try this again. I'm certain the industry will then welcome you with open arms and you'll be able to make a true impact.
It is your coaches and mentors who are responsible for your success. On top of that, there is not a single Worlds medal hanging around your neck that is a more valuable teaching tool than coaching experience and life experience. Just because you worked your butt off in school for 12 years doesn't mean you can become a teacher when you're 18. Respect comes with an education (in school or in life), and it comes with paying your dues, starting at the bottom, and working your way up the totem pole the same way your coaches and thousands of others in this industry have done before you. That's the REALITY of life in this industry and in every industry. There are thousands of experienced, certified adults with a wealth of experience who can coach circles around you yet won't make a dime off of their camps because kids from all over are flocking to see you, mostly to get your picture and autograph, not because they think you can teach them something that their own coach can't. As harsh as this sounds, you're an attraction, almost like a magician at a kid's birthday party. Yes you are passionate about cheer, but you're probably not helping these kids or this industry anymore than the amazing cheerleaders who work as NCA/UCA staffers every summer (and get paid diddly squat for it). You are probably too young to understand that it's insulting for an adult to watch you charge kids and their families 60-100 bucks a pop to learn from a 17-20 year old when more knowledgeable coaches and gym owners are losing money as a result. If improving this industry and its image really is your mission, then you may not understand that it would most likely improve and be taken more seriously if it weren't so driven by fame and celebrity status, which is the image you are perpetuating by selling your image and status as a service. You're all amazing cheerleaders, there's no question, and I know you all have so, so much to give. But if you want respect from your elders in this industry, take a seat for a hot minute, get some real life experience, coach for at least five years, maybe even win some titles, then try this again. I'm certain the industry will then welcome you with open arms and you'll be able to make a true impact.
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