“Even 10 years later, I'm still just as passionate about what I do and believe in our philosophy and approach toward cheerleading, which is building the whole cheerleader,” Goncalves said.
Zooming in
Sideline Spirit opened its doors in October 2012 with the mission to provide a space where aspiring cheerleaders could learn the skills and receive the training needed to advance their careers.
The cheerleading company specializes in game-day cheerleading and helps students make their school cheerleading teams. Goncalves said the name of the business represents the company's focus to support athletes at sporting events.
Goncalves also said cheerleaders at Sideline Spirit have the opportunity to perform for local universities, including Rice University, Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston. Goncalves said this provides students with the exposure they need to perform at the collegiate level.
The details
Sideline Spirit focuses on helping kids make their school cheer team by offering support ahead of tryouts in addition to squad training, cheer classes, cheer camps and prep clinics.
Goncalves said mental wellness is an important topic Sideline Spirit prioritizes. In fact, during its first overnight camp, Sideline Spirit incorporated wellness sessions with a licensed therapist who discussed the importance of self-esteem and mental wellness as well as a yoga instructor.
“Knowing what it looks like to be your own cheerleader is a life skill you’re going to need for the rest of your life,” Goncalves said.
Sideline Spirit offers prep clinics, including Operation Try-Out—a tryout simulation conducted about two months before tryout season—as well as First 15, a trial prep clinic in where individuals get private time with instructors to improve their tryout performance.
The framework
Goncalves said her cheerleading aspirations started at a young age when she cheered for Strack Intermediate School and went on to continue cheering during all four years of high school.
“Cheerleading runs through my blood,” Goncalves said.
She then attended Louisiana State University on a track and field scholarship, where she studied business management. After college, Goncalves became a cheerleader for the Houston Texans, where she served as the line captain for three years.
Using her cheerleading experience and degree in business management, Goncalves decided to merge her passions, to create a business that could provide future cheerleaders with the training and life coaching needed to create a cheerleader with both skill and character.
“We want you to have skills and talent because that's what gets people's attention. Once they meet you, we want you to have the character to back it up,” Goncalves said.
According to Goncalves, Sideline Spirit achieves this by encouraging its cheerleaders to give back to the community through volunteerism. Some organizations the company has contributed to include the Houston Food Bank, Moms Helping Moms and Mia's Closet.
“We are a small business and boutique, and we're truly passionate about what we do and want to provide our community with the best service possible,” Goncalves said. “We have an amazing team of coaches that really care about the athletes. It has been a blessing to be open for 10-plus years, and we hope to continue to serve the community for many more.”
Sideline Spirit
- 21621 Rhodes Road, Ste. C, Spring
- www.gosidelinespirit.com
