Megan Steele: 

Did you perform or compete?

I cheered and danced at Infinity All-Stars from 2009-2014. I finished out my years at Infinity on their Senior Hip Hop and Senior Coed 4 teams. From 2014-2018 I cheered on varsity for Centreville High School while also continuing all stars at Velocity Dance on their Junior and Senior Hip Hop teams. After graduating high school, I cheered D1 at Longwood University for a year prior to transferring schools.

What motivates you as a coach to inspire your athletes ?

I’m motivated to inspire athletes because of my own experiences. I’ve faced challenges and achieved goals in my own athletic journey, so I understand the struggles and successes involved. Sharing with my athletes how I’ve overcome obstacles and achieved goals help me offer real life advice that they can relate to.

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

I always encourage athletes to celebrate the small victories. I feel it helps build their confidence. For example, lets say an athlete is trying their standing tuck by themselves for the first time. They may feel nervous knowing that they are capable doing one without a spot as they are used to having someone there to spot them, but instead of feeling nervous...that's something they should feel proud of! That's one step closer to them achieving their goal of having a standing tuck - and that is a victory to be celebrated!

How long have you been coaching?

I’ve spent nearly eight years coaching, starting with PreK and Grade School Gymnastics at a Northern Virginia rec center from 2015 to 2019. In addition to gymnastics, I simultaneously coached tumbling classes and offered private lessons at local cheerleading gyms. After relocating to Maryland, I continued coaching gymnastics at several locations until 2022. I was thrilled to return to the cheerleading world when I was offered the opportunity to join CEA!