What Our Athletes Really Need From Us

In this powerful episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, host Dan Cotton tackles one of the most important conversations happening in the cheer industry right now—mental health, athlete well-being, and how we can do better as coaches and gym owners. After reading a viral article claiming that the all-star cheer industry is “failing its athletes,” Dan dives deep into what that really means—and what we can actually do to create change. He explores the pressures of performance, body image, mental blocks, and the lack of mental health resources available to gym owners and coaches. You’ll learn: How to create a psychologically safe environment for athletes Why communication and mentorship matter more than ever The difference between accountability and emotional safety What every gym should have in place before tragedy strikes Real, actionable steps to better support your athletes’ mental health This is a must-listen for cheer gym owners, coaches, and leaders who want to build a culture of growth, trust, and true athlete well-being—not just winning routines.