In this special episode of the Imperfect Cheerleader podcast, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Top Cats, the cheerleading squad for the Carolina Panthers. Host Jasmine Neely is joined by two distinguished members of the team, Shannon McClattie and Tammy Tucci, who share their inspiring journeys and unforgettable experiences as TopCats. Their stories not only highlight the milestones of their cheerleading careers but also the personal growth and camaraderie that come with being part of such an iconic team.

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Tammy Tucci

• Cheerleader - 1996 (Inaugural squad), Cheerleader- 1997, 2001 (Co-Captain)

• Facebook - Tammy Baqui Tucci, Instagram - TTipsy3, LinkedIn - Tammy Tucci

Shannon McClattie

• Cheerleader - 1998 to 2009
• Social media - Shannoneclatt

Summary

This episode explores the rich history and behind-the-scenes stories of the TopCats cheerleading squad, featuring pioneers Leslie Matz and Kimberly Millar. Discover how the iconic uniforms, recruitment strategies, and team dynamics were crafted to build a legacy of excellence and diversity. Join Leslie Matz and Kimberly Pixton Millar as they share their experiences leading the TopCats, the standards they set, and the legacy they built. Discover insights on teamwork, discipline, and the evolution of cheerleading in the NFL.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating 30 Years of TopCats

05:25 Creating the TopCats Identity

11:32 Building a Cheerleading Program from Scratch

17:17 Traditions and Changes in Cheerleading

22:16 Nostalgia and Tribute to the 90s

24:09 Journey into Cheerleading and Dance

27:54 The Importance of Diversity in Teams

30:08 Encouraging Growth and Opportunity

31:57 Recruitment and Finding Talent

34:23 The Audition Process: First Impressions

40:58 The Emotional Side of Selection

42:08 Diverse Perspectives in the Cheerleading Community

44:58 The Inaugural Top Cats Squad Experience

45:25 Establishing Standards and Expectations

48:59 Leadership Styles and Team Dynamics

51:54 Time Management and Accountability

58:54 Evolution of Dance Styles and Techniques

01:01:18 The Impact of Social Media on Cheerleading

01:03:55 Rapid Fire Reflections

01:04:35 Pregame Rituals and Team Dynamics

01:05:15 Personal Growth Through Top Cats

01:06:38 90s Hair and Makeup Trends

01:07:16 Regrets and Lessons Learned

01:08:32 Living in the Moment

01:10:55 Challenges and Triumphs on the Field

01:11:04 Teamwork and Leadership Lessons

01:16:22 Inspiring Team Members

01:20:20 Advice for Aspiring Top Cats

01:21:44 The Value of Sisterhood and Legacy

Leslie Matz

1994-2005, TopCats Director (created the program)

Kimberly Pixon Millar

TopCats Coach and Choreographer, 1995-2001

www.pixtondesigngroup.com

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In this engaging conversation, Mariel Swan and Whitney Dillon share their journey of friendship and entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of authentic relationships, the challenges of transitioning from cheerleading to business, and how their artistic backgrounds shaped their identities. The duo emphasizes the role of faith in maintaining their bond and navigating life's ups and downs, while also highlighting the significance of open communication in their partnership. Their story serves as an inspiring example of how true friendship can lead to successful ventures and personal growth. Mariel Swan and Whitney Dillon discuss the importance of building safe relationships rooted in spirituality, the journey of embracing authenticity in their careers, and the unique lifestyle of being NASCAR wives. They share their experiences in reality TV, the challenges of motherhood, and the significance of accepting imperfection. The discussion is filled with laughter, insights, and a deep sense of friendship, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself and supporting one another through life's ups and downs.

Takeaways:

• Showcasing the importance of true friendship is vital.
• Monetizing friendship can be authentic and fulfilling.
• Growing up in small towns shapes strong bonds.
• Artistic backgrounds provide a foundation for creativity.
• Cheerleading experiences foster teamwork and resilience.
• Pageantry teaches confidence and self-presentation.
• Transitioning from cheerleading to business is a natural progression.
• Maintaining a 50-50 partnership in business is crucial.
• God's presence strengthens friendships and business ventures.
• Open communication is key to resolving conflicts. Building a safe relationship is rooted in spirituality.
• Authenticity is key in pursuing a career.
• It's important to communicate openly in relationships.
• The NASCAR lifestyle is fun but changes with motherhood.
• Reality TV experiences can be surreal and challenging.
• Embracing imperfection is essential for personal growth.
• Trusting God is crucial in navigating life's challenges.
• Friendship provides support through spiritual warfare.
• Being true to oneself attracts the right people.
• It's okay to be vulnerable and share struggles.

00:00 Introduction to Friendship and Collaboration

04:40 The Journey of Dance and Cheerleading

10:29 Transitioning from Cheerleading to New Ventures

16:26 Lessons Learned from Pageantry

24:12 Finding Genuine Connections

29:17 God at the Center of Relationships

34:12 Navigating Challenges Together

42:59 Love Stories in NASCAR

48:14 Navigating Life Changes: From Racing to Motherhood

57:25 Rapid Fire: Fun and Favorites

Follow The BFF Blog @WhitandMariel on social media, Mariel Swan @Marielswan on social media and keep up with the latest audition prep tips @theprofessionalcheerleader on Instagram and @thepro.cheerleader on TikTok.

In this episode of the Imperfect Cheerleader Podcast, host Jasmine Neely welcomes mental performance coach Gary Chupik, who specializes in helping athletes unlock their potential. Gary discusses the key traits that make someone a great candidate for coaching, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset and the willingness to experiment with oneself. He shares insights into the common mental blocks athletes face, particularly around confidence, and how these can be addressed through targeted coaching sessions. Gary highlights that confidence is crucial for performance and explains how athletes can regain it by focusing on their strengths and preparing adequately for their performances.

The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of performance, with Gary sharing a transformative story about a young hockey player who regained his confidence by focusing on his unique strengths. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and how it can be nurtured through preparation and positive reinforcement. The episode also touches on the significance of visualization techniques in mental performance, encouraging athletes to engage all their senses to enhance their confidence and performance. Gary concludes by offering a free mental performance assessment to listeners, showcasing his commitment to helping others achieve their best.

Follow Gary @elitemindset on Instagram

• Visit https://bit.ly/49JgDsJ to get your mental performance assessment. Use discount code: ELITE100

Follow @theprofessionalcheerleader on Instagram and @thepro.cheerleader on TikTok for more pro dance topics

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching

00:40 Identifying Candidates for Coaching

01:28 Understanding Mental Blocks and Confidence

03:35 The Nature of Confidence Loss

05:06 Building Confidence Through Preparation

06:06 Transformation Stories in Coaching

09:47 The Power of Focusing on Strengths

11:06 Belief and Self-Confidence

12:18 The Importance of External Belief

14:31 The Impact of Positive Reinforcement

16:16 Fueling Motivation: Positive vs. Negative

17:17 Transitioning from Pastoral Work to Coaching

19:48 Challenges of Being a Pastor

22:32 Reflections on Pastoral Work

23:57 The Smartness of Quitting

24:37 The Art of Quitting: Knowing When to Let Go

29:30 Mental Performance: Visualization Techniques for Success

34:30 Understanding Emotional Expression: Men vs. Women

37:30 Traits of High Performers: Resilience and Focus

40:13 Gary's New Initiative: The Mental Performance Assessment

Jada Samuel is an author, marketing-communications professional and the founder of a girl’s nonprofit mentoring organization called iShapeMe. In 2023, she became the oldest and only the 4th Black woman to win the title of Miss South Carolina. Now, she’s a pageant coach and professional speaker sharing messages about confidence, mentorship and sisterhood.

In this engaging conversation, Miss South Carolina, Jada Samuel, shares her insights on fashion, confidence, and the journey of pageantry. She discusses the importance of authenticity, the challenges of public speaking, and the impact of vulnerability in a world that often demands perfection. Jada emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and the necessity of self-reflection and growth through adversity. Her journey through multiple pageant competitions highlights the importance of persistence and trusting the process, ultimately leading to her success. In this engaging conversation, Jada Samuel shares her journey through pageantry, self-care, and the importance of authenticity. She discusses the emotional challenges faced during her reign as Miss South Carolina, the significance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of pageantry. Jada emphasizes the need for self-acceptance and the value of genuine connections, while also addressing the practical aspects of competing, including costs and preparation. Her insights into personal growth, community service, and inspiring the next generation through her nonprofit and children's book highlight her commitment to empowering young women.

Find Jada here:

https://www.instagram.com/jadamsamuel/ https://www.facebook.com/JadaMSamuel/ https://www.tiktok.com/@jadamsamuelhttps://www.instagram.com/positionedtowin/ https://www.positionedtowin.co/links Find more about pro dance @theprofessionalcheerleader on Instagram

I caught up with Look Love Beauty Babes Sabrina and Charisse! We talk all things pro cheer/pro dance. My past experience as an NFL Cheerleader with the Panthers' Topcats and my current role as an NBA dancer with the Honeybees.

We also get into Taylor Swift and my personal research project on why she's such a big superstar.

This episode was so fun! Go check them out here at Look Love Beauty

Make sure to follow me on Instagram @theprofessionalcheerleader and on TikTok @thepro.cheerleader.

I sat down with sports podcaster Ayokunle Adewuya to talk all things pro cheer, pro dance, advice, NIL deals and more!

Go follow him on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rayodfilms/videos

Follow me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUfNIPC6PxR4_Xxwd2Imdg

Follow me on Instagram: @theprofessionalcheerleader

Follow me for TikTok fun: thepro.cheerleader

Next dance class: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1736197275789?aff=oddtdtcreator

Chapters:

0:00 How Jasmine got into dance

10:15 Dancing at CHAPEL HILL

17:00 College Bsketball vs College Football Dance

23:00 Cheering during PRIME CAM NEWTON

29:45 Becoming a CAROLINA PANTHERS DANCER

36:12 AUDITING for the Carolina Panthers

41:30 How to train to be a Dancer/Cheerleader

48:00 Panthers Cheerleading Style

51:25 Cheerleading FILM STUDY

53:29 Jasmine’s cheelrleading routine

1:04:00 A 9-5 Job AND being a Professional Cheerleader??

1:10:00 PAY THE CHEERLEADERS

1:12:20 Jasmine’s practice schedule

1:14:39 Jasmine’s path to being a Charlotee Hornets HONEYBEE

1:26:47 Advice for Young Dancers

1:29:00 Advice for Girls who are Trying Out for a Pro Team

1:31:00 Jasmine’s Future Goals

In this final episode recap of the DCC series, host Jasmine Neely reflects on the journey of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, discussing key moments such as Victoria's move to New York, Chandi's controversial decisions, and the emotional weight of the last game. The episode highlights personal growth, the importance of support systems, and the unique bonds formed through shared experiences in cheerleading. Jasmine also touches on the significance of raising awareness for causes like alopecia and the challenges faced by the cheerleaders as they navigate their futures beyond DCC.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Class Announcement

02:14 Victoria's Move to New York City

08:40 Chandi's Controversial Choices and Empathy

09:54 Performing with Kacey Musgraves and Personal Growth

13:45 The Emotional Last Game and Retirement Decisions

16:41 Navigating Life After DCC

18:55 KayDiana's Leadership Challenges and TikTok Drama

22:20 End of Season Reflections and Future Prospects

Follow @theprofessionalcheerleader on Instagram and @thepro.cheerleader on TikTok.

Send questions through DM or message me at theprofessionalcheerleader@gmail.com.