Come be ONE OF A KIND!
Live too FAR to JUST COMMUTE to STINGRAYS?
Here are some first-hand accounts of some of our favorite Stingrays and how they came to be “One of a Kind”!
Paul Beck
When I started cheering for a small gym in Columbus, Georgia in the 7th grade, I didn’t realize all the places I would go and all the friends I would make because of this sport. As I grew in skills and determination, I wanted to be at a gym that would continue to push me to be the best I could be. The Stingray Allstars had always stood out to me as a program with class, character, and amazing talent & technique from their youngest and lowest level team all the way to their Worlds teams. Through social media, I had made many friends that cheered at Stingrays and would often meet up with them at competitions or whenever I was in the Atlanta area. Taylor, one of my best friends, introduced me to a girl named Christie at a competition when we were in 10th grade and pretty soon, we were all inseparable. A year and a half later, my mom agreed that if I found a host family, I could move to Marietta and be a part of the Stingray Family. That night, I called Christie to tell her the news and no less than ten minutes later, Christie’s parents agreed to let me become a member of their family. Switching schools & moving away from my family made me a stronger, more independent person and becoming a part of The Stingray Allstars has made me the cheerleader & person I am today. Now, 6 years later, I am a University of Georgia graduate (where I cheered 4 years and was captain my senior year) and a coach and athlete at The Stingray Allstars.
Cat Haley
I moved to Marietta in the summer of 2012 to fulfill my dream of working and competing for The Stingray Allstars for my super senior year, as well as starting college life. Let me tell you about my unique process! I was born and raised in Maine, and cheered at a small home gym for several years. Seeking a large gym experience, I sought out The Stingray Allstars for what I saw as a well-rounded program with both athletic and respectful athletes. I applied to Kennesaw State University and, after being accepted, knew that KSU and The Stingray Allstars was the place for me. Becoming a member of this program has allowed me to win a few National Championships, but most importantly has taught me valuable life skills that are used in and outside of the gym every day.
Today, I am a member of Rust, and a tumbling instructor and team coach for all
levels inside the gym. Oh, and, a 2013 World Champion and proud Orange Alumnus! We hope you join our family as a Stingray Allstar. It’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Let’s go…Rays!
Ali Garwood
Even though I lived in Oregon, It had always been a dream of mine to cheer for the Stingray Allstars so when my mom told me that her friend lived near the gym, I begged her to let me try out. She agreed to it and actually encouraged me. After I found out that I made a worlds team, Peach, I chose to move to Georgia and compete with Stingrays for my senior year. Although the process wasn’t easy, I trannsfered high schools and moved in with a mom’s friend’s family. I now have an extra mom, a brother and two sisters. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home. Because of them, my senior year at a new high school has been incredible and enjoyable. Not only did I fall in love with this gym, I ended up being part of two families that I can’t imagine my life without.