CheerForce is light-years ahead of the competition.
by Brittany Geragotelis
Cheer Biz News June/July 2010
CheerForce–Simi Valley
671 Cochran St * Simi Valley, CA 93065
805-582-2211 * cheerforce.com
It’s hard to believe that a program as successful as CheerForce was ever anything other than a force to be reckoned with. But the truth is, this California-based all-star program spent its first season practicing in parks with just a handful of athletes. “We literally told our students to bring a towel with them, so they wouldn’t get itchy stretching in the grass,” says CheerForce co-owner Becky Herrera. “We steadily grew into what we are today, through controlled growth and the support of some wonderful families.”
And my, how they’ve grown! The program has expanded to include approximately 400 students across four locations—recently announcing a fifth location to be opened later this year. With gyms in Simi Valley, San Diego, Rancho Cucamonga, Agoura Hills—and soon, Orange County—CheerForce seems to have the California cheer world covered.
While Becky and her husband (and co-owner), Shawn, rent floor space from existing gymnastics facilities in Rancho Cucamonga and Agoura for those teams, each of the other gyms are owned by the duo and operate fully as cheerleading gyms. One of the biggest sources of pride for the Herreras has been the Simi Valley location, which they say is unique due to the technology they’ve implemented in the facility.
Athletes can watch their performances instantly at the gym's playback stations.
“My husband is a technology guru and is always looking for ways to impress our customers,” says Becky. “From the flat-screen monitor in the lobby to the [recessed speakers] playing RadioDisney, we strive to achieve that image of being ‘current.’”
The tech doesn’t stop there. Everything from their customer database to class rosters is computerized. They’ve also installed cameras that record the whereabouts of the athletes and tape their performances throughout the gym, so the kids can see for themselves where they need to improve. “The team can run their routine, then walk over to the TV and immediately watch a playback and get a critique from the coach,” says Shawn. “Having a coach say the timing was off is one thing, but having the kids actually watch it themselves is quite another.” The Herreras have also mounted spotlights above one of the spring floors to mimic the atmosphere of an actual competition.
CheerForce may be celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, but they insist they’re just getting started. “I think a gym is like a house—there’s always a project in the works,” says Becky.
What’s inside the Simi Valley gym…
* Two full-size spring floors (with mirrors)
* 40′ Tumbl Trak
* 70′ rod floor
* Trampoline
* Security/replay cameras and critique station
* Spotlights rigged above competition floor
* Flat-screen in lobby, displaying past performances and business information
* Built-in recessed speakers in the ceiling
* Homework station for athletes
* Vending machines with snacks and drinks
* Kitchenette with sink and microwave
Other Locations:
CheerForce–Rancho Cucamonga
916 Monte Vista Ave * Upland, CA 91786
805-582-2211 * cheerforce.com/rancho.htm
CheerForce–Agoura
5331 Derry Ave * Agoura Hills, CA 91301-3382
805-582-2211 * cheerforce.com/agourahills.htm
CheerForce–Orange County
1801 E Dyer Rd * Santa Ana, CA 92705
805-582-2211 * cheerforce.com/oc.htm
Fun Facts:
- CheerForce got its name because co-owner Becky Herrera is a huge Star Wars fan. Their mascot is Yoda, and their theme this season was “May the CheerForce be with you!”
- CheerForce has won hundreds of national titles, including bronze medals at Worlds in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
- Approximately 300 athletes train at the Simi Valley location.
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