Golden State Grit Tryouts Mark a New Era in Professional Cheer

San Marcos, CA — Athletes from across California and beyond packed into California All Stars’ gym for Golden State Grit’s inaugural Pro Cheer League tryouts, turning anticipation into action and setting the tone for history in the making.

For Savannah Correa of Menifee, CA, the moment was both surreal and validating. “I’ve been cheering since the age of two. Cheering is my second home,” she said. “The fact that we can be paid to do this for a living is insane. Cheerleading has always been defined as not a sport, and that’s hurtful to athletes. But now, as a pro league, it shows the world that we are athletes.”

That sentiment - blending gratitude with determination - carried across the room. Foxy Beasley, recalled starting cheer at just five: “I thought it was about time. I’m tired of cheerleaders not being seen as real athletes when they put in just as much or more work than professionals.”

Amanda Costa echoed the excitement for extending careers beyond school. “For most, college is the end of the cheer story. The Pro League means it doesn’t have to end when you graduate.”

For veteran athletes like Ashley Mo Dobre (25 years in the sport), it’s about blazing a trail. “I want to show little girls that cheerleading can be a sport at any age, and you can be paid to do something you love.”

Younger athletes and newcomers felt the same pull. Joseph Sullinger, who flew from Wisconsin, said: “I want the athletes in the sport to get the respect it deserves. Most people don’t realize the level of talent and dedication required.”

Even international voices stood tall. Claudio Vargas, originally from Puerto Rico, put it plainly: “I applied without hesitation. Twenty years from now, this is going to be a big thing. I wanted to be one of the pioneers.”

Head coaches Brandon and Didi Madsen said they were impressed not only with the skills but with the culture that emerged. “Unity was the biggest takeaway,” Brandon said. “Athletes were cheering each other on and pushing out of their comfort zones. Alone we’re good, together we can be amazing.”

With baskets launched sky-high, tumbling passes judged by height and precision, and smiles breaking nerves into confidence, Golden State Grit’s tryouts felt like the start of something transformative.

As Tatiana Cavenagh summed up, “I’ve been cheering nearly my whole life. Thanks to the Pro League, we can keep going for a very long time.”