USASF National Conference 2025 Recap

From July 10th to 12th, Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) joined hundreds of athletes, coaches, and leaders in Las Vegas for the U.S. All-Star Federation (USASF) and USA Cheer National Conference to focus on strengthening the culture of youth cheer & dance. Through a series of workshops and panels, PCA helped recreate what’s possible when coaches lead with empathy, prioritize connection, and center equity in their programs. 

As a proud partner with USASF, PCA is committed to supporting the cheer and dance communities through research-based strategies that foster resilient athletes, inclusive leaders, and connected teams. Our presence at this year’s conference reflected that shared vision, with interactive sessions designed to provide attendees with actionable items they could bring back to the programs in their gyms and studios.

On Thursday, PCA’s Director of National Partnerships, Marti Love delivered a “Positive Motivation – Getting the Best from Today’s Cheer & Dance Athletes” workshop with over 90 athletes and junior coaches from USA Cheer, Stunt, and All Star programs. Drawing from sports psychology and youth development principles, attendees were guided through group activities and discussions to reinforce how connection drives performance.  Coaches walked away with a better understanding on cultivating trust, resilience, and sustained joy in their athletes’ sport experiences.

On Day 2, PCA’s Marti Love joined the “Inclusive Leadership in Sports – Creating a Culture of Belonging” panel co-hosted by RISE and USASF to discuss inclusive leadership and its practical application. The panel brought together diverse voices, from national sport leaders to athlete representatives, to share personal stories, challenges, and strategies for fostering inclusive team cultures. Discussions centered on the “6 C’s of Inclusive Leadership” and addressed key themes such as navigating bias and difficult conversations, the role of coaches as culture-setters, and the need to model vulnerability in leadership. The panel brought PCA’s core values to life—emphasizing how coaches can embed equity and empathy into their programs through intentional relationships and youth-centered approaches. Most importantly, the panel emphasized that creating a culture of belonging is an ongoing, daily practice that begins with how we present ourselves as leaders.

Later that Friday, PCA delivered a coach-specific workshop titled, “Mastery – The Pursuit of Peak Performance in Cheer & Dance.” With approximately 30 coaches in attendance, participants learned to shift away from outcome-driven coaching and instead center their approach on growth, resilience, and athlete well-being. Together, coaches explored how mental training, mistake rituals, and process-based goals can elevate their athletes’ sense of confidence and autonomy.

Throughout the conference, PCA’s presence and programming echoed a powerful and consistent message: the future of cheer and dance is not defined solely by performance, but by the strength of the communities we build and the sense of belonging we create. From motivation to inclusion to mastery, coaches are redefining what it means to lead, shaping cultures where athletes are seen, supported, and challenged to grow with confidence. 

PCA is honored to continue its partnership with USASF in driving positive youth sport experiences. Together, we’re investing in the kind of leadership that creates lasting impact: one athlete, one practice, and one positive conversation at a time.