Madison Metz: Director of Allstar Program CEA DMV

Did you perform or compete?

At a young age I spent 9 years participating in competitive gymnastics. After letting go of such a big part of my self and an even bigger time commitment, I found the love for All-Star Cheerleading. I adjusted to the new sport and quickly found a new passion for stunting, tumbling, and the team aspect cheerleading offers. I participated in All-Star cheerleading between the years of 2004-2013, competing with United Spirit Allstars, Allstar Legacy, and Maryland Twisters. I competed at The Cheerleading Worlds in 2009 for my very first time. In 2014 when I joined Shockwave Allstars, I went on to compete at Worlds 6 more times. I have competed with Electri5, Super, and Savage. I enjoyed getting to compete on two of the biggest stages in Cheerleading, NCA & Worlds. My cheerleading career as an athlete went on much longer than I could have ever guessed and that is where some of my most favorite memories remain. 

What motivates you as a coach to inspire your athletes ?

My personal experience as an athlete helps my drive and ability to coach. I love that I can relate to the athletes when working through a challenge, or a new skill. Being able to get on an athlete's level and reach them in a way to produce the most out of them is very rewarding for both the athlete and the coach. I absolutely love when I see a former athlete, on another team in the gym, using the same fundamental skills and thought process, I once had the privilege of guiding them through, to help their teammates and themselves to continue being the best athlete and person they can be. Ultimately, yes, I love the sport, but I mostly love that every bit of problem solving, ability to respect others and work together, perseverance, and time management, is what grows these athletes to be great people one day. That is what matters most to me as a coach. 

Do you have a favorite quote or coaching philosophy that you would like to share?

I will always remind every athlete, when I have the chance..Be a good person first. Respect your self, your coach, and your teammates. Trust the process, and enjoy your time here. 

How long have you been coaching?

I have been coaching cheerleading and tumbling for 15 years. I began my coaching career in 2009 instructing tumbling classes at a local gymnastics facility. I later found what was Shockwave Allstars at the time, in 2014. I joined their coaching staff as a cheer coach. I began my cheer coaching journey with a mini 1 team and quickly took on coaching more teams of various levels and ages, that very next season. The following season, I opened up the branch location of Shockwave Allstars in Frederick, MD. After 4 seasons, we became Cheer Extreme. I spent 8 years between our Frederick & Mt. Airy facilities managing the program, and head coaching multiple teams from Tiny 1-Worlds Senior 6. In my collective 9 years of coaching with Shockwave/Cheer Extreme, I have guided an immeasurable number of athletes through the sport of All-Star Cheerleading. Not only have I gotten to enjoy the world of All-Star Cheerleading, but through this outlet, I have spent a great deal of time with Rec. & High School programs, providing a space and instruction to enhance the knowledge, and experience of those athletes within the sport. I now get the privilege to manage and oversee our All-Star Program here at our CEA Gaithersburg location.