In this episode of the Cheer Biz Podcast, Dan Cotton shares the biggest red flags he has seen after 25 years of coaching cheerleading. From coaches blaming choreography or saying no athletes are ready to level up, to athletes cutting corners, parents talking negatively about other kids, and gym owners refusing to learn business, Dan breaks down the behaviors that quietly hurt teams, culture, and long-term success.
This episode is part tough love, part leadership lesson, and part reality check for the entire cheer community. Dan explains why these warning signs matter, what they usually reveal underneath the surface, and how coaches, parents, athletes, and owners can use them as a chance to grow instead of getting defensive.
If you are a cheer gym owner, coach, athlete, or parent, this episode will help you identify the patterns that create drama, limit progress, damage culture, and keep programs from reaching their potential.
