Introducing the 2025 Cheerleading Legends Hall of Fame

This year marks a historic milestone for our sport with the launch of the Cheerleading Legends Hall of Fame—a new tradition created to honor the visionaries, leaders, and pioneers who have helped shape the cheerleading industry as we know it.

For this inaugural class, we recognize individuals whose influence runs deep. From founding iconic programs and events to championing innovation, education, and athlete experience, these honorees have each made a lasting contribution to the growth and integrity of our community.

They are not only builders of businesses and brands—but builders of people, purpose, and progress. We are proud to celebrate their stories as the first members of the Cheerleading Legends Hall of Fame.

Chris McNabb
iClassPro
Founder & CEO of iClassPro • Former USA Tumbling Jr. Elite National Champion

Chris McNabb has blended his background as an elite athlete, seasoned coach, and serial entrepreneur to become one of the most transformative figures in the cheerleading and youth activity industry. As Founder and CEO of iClassPro, Chris created a software platform that has revolutionized gym operations, empowering thousands of programs to run more efficiently and focus more on what matters most—the athletes.

Before he built one of the fastest-growing companies in the country (recognized on the Inc. 5000 list), Chris was training at the Olympic Training Center and competing at the highest levels. He was a member of the 1996 USA Tumbling & Trampoline Olympic Exhibition Team, a USA Tumbling Jr. Elite National Champion, and an international medalist representing the U.S. on the World Championship Team in New Zealand and at the Nissen Cup in Switzerland.

After his competitive career, Chris opened his own school in Texas, coaching tumbling and cheerleading for over two decades. His hands-on experience in the gym gave him firsthand knowledge of the operational challenges gym owners face. That insight sparked the creation of iClassPro, now a cornerstone platform for managing registrations, payments, class scheduling, communication, and more across the cheer, gymnastics, and dance industries.

Chris continues to stay actively engaged in the cheerleading community—attending events, collaborating with coaches, and speaking at conferences on AI, marketing, and business strategy. His leadership is shaped by mentors like Randy Dickey and Courtney Smith-Pope, whose belief in community-building and shared industry growth helped guide his own vision for iClassPro as a mission-driven company.

What sets Chris apart is his rare combination of athlete empathy, coaching experience, and technological acumen. He’s not just building tools—he’s building trust. Through servant leadership and a constant commitment to solving real-world problems, Chris has helped usher in a new era of professionalism and scalability for cheer gyms and youth programs worldwide.

Whether on the competition floor or in the boardroom, Chris McNabb’s purpose has never changed: to help others succeed—and to do it with excellence.

Becky Herrera
CheerForce
Founder of CheerForce • USASF Board of Directors Member & Chair of the Connection Leader Committee

For over two decades, Becky Herrera has helped define what it means to lead with purpose in the all-star cheer world. As the founder of CheerForce in 2001, Becky turned her love for dance and coaching into a trailblazing program that helped expand all-star cheer access across the West Coast—and beyond.

Today, CheerForce operates multiple locations in California and Arizona, and has represented at The Cheerleading Worlds every year since 2006—earning multiple medals, including six World Championship titles from its San Diego location. Her program has also captured NCA Grand Champion honors in 2014 and Cheersport Grand Champion recognition in 2023, with wins across every major event brand.

But Becky’s legacy stretches far beyond titles. She has spent her career building a culture that values kindness, leadership, and service—creating not just strong athletes, but exceptional human beings. Through her long-running role as a high school head coach, her deep commitment to STUNT, and now her seat on the USASF Board of Directors, Becky continues to advocate for inclusive pathways for all types of athletes and coaches.

As Chair of the USASF Connection Leader Committee, she has become a vital bridge between gyms and national leadership—facilitating change, empowering fellow coaches, and keeping the mission of community front and center. Her impact is so meaningful, her journey is even featured in the upcoming book Pioneers of the Industry by Stacy Rowe.

Becky attributes much of her leadership philosophy to mentors like Tammy Van Vleet, who first welcomed her into the community, and Kathy Penree, who inspired her USASF involvement and helped reshape the organization’s culture. Their influence—and her own desire to give back—have kept her grounded in the belief that leadership isn’t about status, it’s about service.

What sets Becky apart isn’t just her longevity—it’s her humility, her drive to lift others, and her belief that every child deserves a space to belong. From local gyms to national stages, she has used her gifts to leave cheerleading better than she found it. And she’s just getting started.

Lauri Harris
USA Cheer
Executive Director, USA Cheer • Director of STUNT

With a career spanning more than 35 years, Lauri Harris has led one of the most influential journeys in the cheerleading world—marked by innovation, service, and steadfast leadership. Today, she serves as the Executive Director of USA Cheer, where she has redefined what’s possible in the governance and growth of cheer and STUNT on a national and international scale.

Lauri began her path as a student-athlete and captain at Sacramento State University, where she would later return as Spirit Director and lead her alma mater to its first UCA College Nationals appearance in 2000. Her professional career took flight with UCA and Varsity Spirit, where over 25 years she served as West Coast Regional Manager, impacting thousands of coaches and athletes through education, event leadership, and community outreach.

Known for her ability to bring cheer into the mainstream, Lauri helped produce major performances for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards, Pro Bowl, NBA, and more—showcasing spirit on some of the world’s biggest stages.

Her work has always reflected deeper purpose. One of her most heartfelt achievements was leading St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s fundraising initiative across Varsity camps—raising millions while instilling values of giving and service in young athletes.

At USA Cheer, Lauri has elevated the organization to new heights—expanding U.S. National Teams from five to eighteen, overhauling safety and education standards, and helping to secure official recognition from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Her governance-forward leadership has built a strong, sustainable foundation for future generations of athletes and coaches.

Perhaps her most defining legacy is as Director of STUNT. Lauri has led STUNT from concept to NCAA Emerging Sport for Women status across all divisions in 2024, paving the way toward full NCAA championship recognition. Her tireless efforts have created new collegiate opportunities for thousands of young women—opening doors to scholarships, leadership, and career pathways through sport.

From launching college combines to increasing access at all levels of cheer, Lauri continues to craft systems that are inclusive, equitable, and empowering. She credits her growth to mentors like Bill Seely and countless colleagues—especially the powerful network of women in cheer who helped shape her career.

Lauri Harris is not just a leader—she’s a builder of institutions, pathways, and people. Her influence on the sport is felt not only in titles and milestones but in the lives changed by the systems she’s helped create. Her Hall of Fame legacy is one of purpose, progress, and possibility.

Nicole Leago Devall
USASF / University Cheer Air Force
USASF Chairman of the Board • Founder of University Cheer Air Force

With over 35 years of experience, Nicole Leago Devall has stood at the forefront of all-star cheerleading as a coach, choreographer, club owner, and now as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for USASF. Her journey has been fueled by a lifelong passion to serve others—starting at just 12 years old when she began junior coaching in her hometown.

Nicole is the founder of University Cheer Air Force in Houston, Texas—one of the early pioneering programs in the all-star world. Her teams have earned titles across all levels and divisions, including a USASF World Championship in 2008 and a Bronze medal in 2009. She is known for leading with both competitive excellence and unwavering integrity.

Beyond the mat, Nicole is deeply committed to uplifting others. She’s served as a Peer2Peer club mentor, USASF Connection Leader, and a Southwest representative on the NACCC, eventually being elected Chair of the entire USASF Board. Her contributions have helped shape national standards, build bridges across regions, and empower the next generation of gym owners and coaches.

Her personal resilience is what sets her apart. Nicole has consistently adapted through every phase of the sport’s evolution—never resistant to change, always ready to lead through it. Her ability to reinvent herself while mentoring others has made her a beacon of stability and progress in an ever-changing industry.

Nicole credits Kristen Rosario as a major inspiration—not just for her artistry and choreography, but for her thought-provoking keynote at a USASF conference that challenged Nicole to define her why. That pivotal moment has guided her ever since, grounding her purpose as a leader in cheerleading and in life.

Off the floor, Nicole is a certified life coach, a proud wife to Duane Devall, and dog mom to Buddy, Bella, Boogie, and Baby Breckyn. Whether in the gym or the boardroom, she leads with heart, purpose, and a vision for a better, more inclusive future for cheerleading.

Emmitt Tyler
Royal Events Group
Founder of Royal Events • Co-Founder of JAMfest & The JAM Brands

From backyard flips onto piles of leaves to reshaping the global event landscape, Emmitt Tyler has built a legacy rooted in joy, creativity, and fearless innovation. His journey began with raw passion for tumbling, which led him to cheer at the University of Louisville, where he earned All-American honors and helped secure a National Championship in 1994.

In 1995, Emmitt co-founded JAMfest Events, which quickly evolved into The JAM Brands—one of the most influential companies in cheerleading history. With over 150 events across three continents, JAM Brands introduced a new standard for the athlete experience: free admission, energetic mascots, dad dance-offs, giveaways, athlete parties, and a level of customer service that forever raised expectations in the industry.

In 2015, Emmitt sold The JAM Brands to Varsity Spirit, marking a significant chapter in cheerleading business history and solidifying the value and impact of what he helped build.

His vision wasn’t limited to events. In 1996, he opened Power Cheer Training Center, laying the foundation for All About Kids Sports Center—now a 110,000+ sq. ft. multi-sport complex across two Louisville locations and one of the nation’s premier youth activity centers.

After stepping away from cheer in 2015, Emmitt returned in 2021 with a renewed purpose and a new venture: Royal Events Group. With the same passion for unforgettable experiences, Emmitt continues to push the industry forward—always putting athletes, families, and coaches at the center of every decision.

Over his 35-year career, Emmitt has worn nearly every hat: athlete, gym owner, parent, coach, and event producer. His story is one of balance—business innovation grounded in love for the sport. He credits much of his growth to legendary coach James Speed, whose lessons in respect, authenticity, and perseverance continue to guide him today.

More than a founder or executive, Emmitt Tyler is a culture-maker. His innovations didn’t just improve events—they redefined how people feel when they walk through the doors. Behind every scoreboard is a moment of magic. And behind every brand like JAM or Royal Events is someone who dreamed it could be better—and then made it happen.

Kevin Brubaker
Charlotte Allstar Cheerleading, The CheerExpo and MotUS
Founder of Charlotte Allstars • Creator of Cheersport • Co-Founder of MotUS & The CheerExpo

Few names have influenced the shape and spirit of all-star cheerleading like Kevin Brubaker. From founding Charlotte Allstar Cheerleading in 1990 to pioneering innovations that are now foundational to the sport—Spring Floors, LevelPlay, and the “Full-Up”—Kevin’s work has helped define the modern cheer experience.

What started as a small gym and local competition in North Carolina quickly became a national force. In 1997, Kevin launched Cheersport Nationals in a high school gym with just 32 teams. Under his leadership, Cheersport would grow to become the largest cheerleading competition in the world, hosting over 1,300 teams at its peak and transforming the Georgia World Congress Center into a global destination for competitive cheerleading.

But Kevin’s impact isn’t measured only in events. It’s reflected in his unwavering work ethic, personal outreach to over 1,100 gyms, and his tireless drive to build community through sport. His days often stretched to 90-hour work weeks, fueled by faith, family, and purpose.

After selling Cheersport to Varsity in 2015 and helping lead national sales, Kevin returned to his roots—partnering with Cole Stott, Stacy Rowe, and Casey Jones to launch MotUS and the growing event series The CheerExpo. With 16 events projected for 2025–2026 and the launch of the Prime Alliance, Kevin continues to elevate the athlete experience nationwide.

A trailblazer of infrastructure and opportunity, Kevin has worn nearly every hat: coach, choreographer, gym owner, judge, event producer, speaker, and mentor. His influence has extended across school cheer, all-star, international judging, and even halftime shows for the NBA and NFL.

At the heart of it all is Kevin’s love for his wife Jenn—his partner in life and business—and their daughters Sky and Ava, both of whom he proudly coached at Worlds. His guiding values stem from his faith and his best friend and late business partner Julia O’Brien, who helped shape the kindness and compassion that define his leadership today.

Kevin lives by the acronym J.O.Y.—Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third. That spirit has permeated every team, event, and athlete he’s touched. A builder of programs and people alike, Kevin Brubaker’s story is a blueprint for legacy—and a reminder that great leaders serve first.

Tim OBrien
Cheer Replay & RT Event Productions
Founder of Cheer Replay & RT Event Productions

Tim O’Brien entered the world of cheerleading in 2000 not from the sidelines, but from behind the camera—filming training videos for JAMZ Cheer Camp in a Box. What began with VHS tapes quickly evolved into a full-scale media operation. From action photography to scoring systems and live streaming, Tim’s companies—RT Event Productions and Cheer Replay—have become foundational tech pillars of the cheer industry.

By 2010, Tim had scaled from working six events a year to supporting more than 100. Today, his team touches over 600 events annually, powering everything from scoring to video production. His passion for efficiency and improvement has led to the development of critical software solutions that address the real-world pain points of event producers, judges, and gym owners alike.

A visionary at heart, Tim has consistently been two to three steps ahead of the curve—applying emerging technologies to solve old problems in new ways. His work in AI and automation is poised to transform the cheer industry yet again, pushing boundaries while keeping the athlete experience at the center.

Tim credits much of his journey to mentors and collaborators: Robin Bolden, who pushed him to develop judging software; Shannon Smith, for his drive to make systems more robust; Tammy Van Vleet, for instilling the importance of independence; and Marty and Julie Grogan, without whom “we wouldn’t be here.”

Tim’s contributions go far beyond technology—he is a relentless problem solver, a pioneer of digital transformation in cheer, and a creative mind who refuses to stay in one lane. His legacy is not only in what he built, but in how he’s helped evolve the entire ecosystem of cheerleading events.

Teresa Barbiere
Rebel Athletic
Executive Vice President of Dance & Partner Relationships, Rebel Athletic

With more than three decades of impact, innovation, and leadership, Teresa Barbiere stands as a guiding force in the cheer and dance industry. From her beginnings as a coach to building a successful event production company (GMCE) with her husband, Teresa’s career has been marked by a commitment to excellence, athlete experience, and community service.

Her influence spans multiple leadership roles across the industry’s top boards and organizations, including the Cheer Advisory Board, Dance Advisory Board, and the original Independent Event Producers (IEP), where she served as Secretary. Today, Teresa continues to shape the future of performance cheer as the Executive Vice President of Dance and Partner Relationships at Rebel Athletic, working alongside leaders she deeply admires—Karen Aldridge and Kellie Varga.

Among her proudest contributions is her work with the Exceptional Athletes (EA) Board, a cause close to her heart. Teresa’s advocacy has helped bring visibility and opportunity to athletes of all abilities, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport’s values and inclusivity.

A true trailblazer, Teresa credits mentors like Ann Lehrmann, who once encouraged her to “find her voice.” Teresa not only found it—she used it to drive meaningful change, lift others, and redefine what’s possible for women in the cheer and dance industry.

Her story is one of resilience, growth, and purpose. Whether she was creating events, designing pathways for future leaders, or helping Rebel Athletic expand into dance, Teresa has always led with passion, heart, and integrity. Her journey continues to inspire the next generation to follow their dreams—and to build a legacy of their own.

Tammy Van Vleet
The Spirit Network
Founder of GSSA, Aloha Spirit Championships & The Spirit Network • USASF Board Member – Event Producer Director

Tammy Van Vleet has spent more than two decades shaping the cheerleading industry with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to elevating coaches, athletes, and event professionals.

Her journey began as a high school cheerleader and continued at Fresno State University, where she cheered collegiately. After college, she worked in event and sports conference management at UCLA, an experience that directly inspired the launch of the Golden State Spirit Association (GSSA) in 1999. What started as a regional coaches conference quickly evolved into one of the most trusted event production companies on the West Coast.

Tammy later launched Aloha Spirit Championships, expanding her reach and signature brand of athlete-focused events. In 2016, both GSSA and Aloha were acquired by Varsity Spirit, marking a major milestone in her entrepreneurial career.

She went on to found The Spirit Network, a platform devoted to coach education, gym owner support, and industry collaboration. Her events and trainings have empowered hundreds of professionals across the country.

Tammy also created her own scoring system and scoresheet, bringing fairness and innovation to the judging space. Behind the scenes, her work continues to shape how events are run and how programs grow.

Today, she serves as Event Producer Director on the USASF Board of Directors, helping guide strategic decisions for the all-star community with a focus on safety, balance, and long-term sustainability.

A mentor to many and a quiet force for good, Tammy Van Vleet has built more than events—she’s built a legacy grounded in humility, leadership, and lasting impact.

David Hanbery
Deep South Spirit / Open Championship Series
Founder & CEO of Deep South Spirit • Co-Founder of Open Championship Series & Allstar World Championship

David Hanbery has spent the last two decades building platforms that have reshaped the cheerleading landscape—from local Mississippi gyms to one of the world’s largest all-star events.

David’s journey began as a standout athlete, cheering at Mississippi College and making history as the first male athlete featured on the cover of American Cheerleader Magazine. In 1999, he launched Central Mississippi Cheerleading, laying the foundation for what would become Deep South Spirit—founded in 2000 to serve a growing need for quality events in the Southeast.

Under David’s leadership, Deep South grew into one of the region’s most trusted event producers, known for its welcoming atmosphere, consistent quality, and focus on athlete experience. But his biggest contribution came in 2020, when he co-founded the Open Championship Series and launched the Allstar World Championship (ASWC).

In just a few short years, ASWC has exploded in size and significance—now hosting over 1,700 teams annually and earning its place as one of the largest cheerleading events in the world. Through Open Championships, David helped create an inclusive and affordable alternative for programs seeking recognition and opportunity beyond the traditional models.

Known for his creativity, heart, and fearless thinking, David continues to challenge the status quo and raise the bar for event producers everywhere.

Fun Fact: Before all of this, David was also the co-student choreographer of the world-renowned Attaché Show Choir in high school—proof that his eye for performance and production has always been second nature.

From choreography to championship stages, David Hanbery has proven that bold ideas, when paired with purpose, can transform an entire industry. His legacy is still being written—and it’s already unforgettable.

As we close out this first chapter in Hall of Fame history, we do so with deep gratitude for the leaders who laid the groundwork for what cheerleading has become—and what it has the potential to be.

This inaugural class sets the standard not just for what success looks like, but for how it’s earned: through hard work, bold ideas, and a commitment to making the sport better for everyone.

To each inductee—thank you for your impact, your leadership, and your legacy. The Cheerleading Hall of Fame begins with you.