History making cheerleaders.
Two area youths who represented Cheer Athletics Dallas brought home silver medals from the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics July 27-28 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
Averie Long is an eighth-grader at McAnally Middle School and Mia Garza-Gambino is a fourth-grader at Annetta Elementary School. They competed on the Junior Level 3 team.
This was also a historic achievement, as this is the first year that cheerleading has been officially included in the AAU Junior Olympic Games.
Previous accolades for the two include Averie winning first place at the American Cheer competition in Tulsa earlier this year, along with winning at American Cheerleading Association Grand Nationals in Fort Worth and the National Cheerleading Association All-Star National Championship in Dallas.
Mia is a 2024 NCA national champion, also winning a national championship in Cheersport last year.
Averie is entering her second year cheering for McAnally. Mia began cheering for Aledo Peewee football in 2020.
Each took some time to discuss their thrilling experience with The Community News:
CN: What was your most enjoyable part of the whole experience?
Averie: The best part of my AAU Junior Olympics experience was sharing it with my team and making memories we’ll never forget. Walking out on that floor together, knowing we were about to make history, gave me chills. We’ve worked so hard for this moment, and to finally perform in front of that crowd and feel the energy in the arena was unreal.
But honestly, it was also the little moments, laughing with my teammates in between events, cheering each other on, and realizing how far we’ve come together, that made it so special for me.
Mia: Hitting an amazing routine with zero deductions was unforgettable, and hearing the crowd cheer while watching their reactions made the moment even more special. It reminded us why we train so hard and how powerful teamwork really is.
CN: What do you think of making history?
Averie: It feels absolutely incredible to make history as one of the first athletes to compete in cheerleading at the AAU Junior Olympics. This isn’t just about performing a routine, it’s about representing our sport on a stage where it’s never been before, and hopefully opening doors for future athletes to follow. Knowing that we’re helping set the tone for what cheerleading can be at this level is something I’ll carry with me forever.
Mia: I think it’s so exciting that all-star cheerleading is finally being recognized as a real sport. It’s an incredible honor to be part of this movement and the beginning of what could one day lead to cheerleading becoming an Olympic sport. I’m proud to represent this community and help show the world what cheer is truly about.
CN: What all did you have to perform in the competition?
Averie: We had the incredible opportunity to perform a highly competitive Level 3 routine, showcasing a full-out performance that lasted an intense two-and-a-half minutes. Throughout the routine, we demonstrated a dynamic combination of skills, including powerful tumbling passes, high-level stunts, synchronized jumps, sharp motions, and a high-energy dance to close it out. Every second of the routine required focus, teamwork, and precision, pushing the athletes to give their absolute best from start to finish.
Mia: A Level 3 All Star cheer routine combines elite tumbling, stunting, and choreography with high energy and precision. Athletes perform advanced skills such as back handsprings, tucks, full-up stunt transitions, extended body positions, and creative pyramid sequences. The routine demands strong technique, synchronization, and showmanship, all within a fast-paced 2:30 performance. It showcases the strength, flexibility, and teamwork required at this competitive level.
CN: Do you both plan on cheerleading for the Bearcats and Ladycats in high school?
Averie: Looking ahead, one of my biggest dreams is to continue cheering in high school. I’ve always admired the high school teams and the energy they bring, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to work toward that next goal and hopefully be part of something even bigger.
Mia: I’ve decided to take a break from Peewee for now, but my heart is still with Aledo. I’m so excited for the future and can’t wait to represent my hometown and be a part of the cheer team in middle and high school.
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