Home to 2025 USASF Senior Level 2 National Champions
Gem City’s all star cheer squad competes under the rules of the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF). Cheer competitions consist of a 2 minute and 30 second routine in which squad members tumble, stunt, dance, and jump. This complicated by the fact that this is often done in unison. Because of this all of competitions and practices are mandatory for Gem City all star squad members.
We hold tryouts to form our all-star cheer squad here at Gem City around May. The tryout is judged by at least three people, who score a jump series, two tumbling passes, and a dance. Full information on tryouts is posted on our website and social media months ahead of time, and we offer an information meeting before tryouts each year.
We are often asked, “Do you need a back handspring to tryout?” Nope. Again, routines are packed with stunts, dances, cheers, chants, and tumbling. Tumbling is only one element of forming a strong, competitive squad. Every team needs a combination of bases, flyers, tumblers, and dancers. Most of our well rounded athletes are capable of performing all of these skills to some degree, but no one is perfect.
Athletes without a back handspring can and should tryout. We look for potential beyond that one skill. Plus, we’re confident in our coaching abilities to get our athletes to the level they need to be!


Workout Schedule
Senior Squad
- School Year – Saturday @ 8:30-10:30
- Summer – Tuesday @ 6:00-8:00
Youth Squad
- School Year – Tuesday @ 4:00-6:00
- Summer – Tuesday @ 4:00-6:00
Squad members are required to practice at minimum twice a week. Along with our mandatory weekly practice, members must be enrolled in a cheer tumbling class or take a private lesson each week. (Please note that athletes may also meet the tumbling class requirement by being a member of the gymnastics or tumbling team.)
Meet Schedule
- December 7, 2025 – Des Moines, Iowa
- January 31 to February 1, 2026 – Collinsville (two-day competition)
- February 28, 2026 Des Moines, Iowa
- April 11, 2026 – Senior & Youth Nationals – Louisville, Kentucky
News from the All Star Cheer Squad
June Athlete of the Month: Dorothy Kay Boehmer
We are now on month ten of our twelve-month celebration recognizing incredible athletes as we build toward our 20th anniversary in August.
Read More ›May Athlete of the Month: Sylvia Winking
We are proud to recognize an athlete whose commitment, positivity, and work ethic have made a lasting impact on our gym community.
Read More ›Cheer Squads Cap the Season with Top Finishes at National US Finals
Both of Gem City's all-star cheer squads traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, on April 11, 2026, to compete at U.S. Finals. The Phoenix earned 2nd place, and the Diamonds closed out their season with a 4th place finish.
Read More ›






















