Inside the Stingray Way: Building a Legacy of Excellence in Cheerleading
When people think of The Stingray Allstars, they think of precision, power, and poise. But behind every championship ring and flawless routine is a story of vision, values, and relentless commitment. Recently, Casey Jones—one of the leaders behind the Stingrays’ extraordinary journey—sat down for a conversation on Beyond the Steps to share how it all began, what keeps the engine running, and where it’s all headed.
Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or someone dreaming of starting a program of your own, there's something here for you. Let’s take a look inside the Stingray Way.
What Sparked the Stingray Allstars Vision?
The inspiration for The Stingray Allstars wasn’t flashy. In fact, Casey remembers simply wanting a “white picket fence” life—stability, family, a job he loved. But a pivotal conversation early on challenged that mindset.
“Someone told me it sucked that I’d limit myself to that. It made me mad—and it changed me. I realized I couldn’t put a ceiling on what I could do… or what this organization could become.”
From day one, the vision for Stingrays was big. It wasn’t just about building a cheer program—it was about building a movement defined by excellence, integrity, and opportunity.
Early Challenges and Lessons From the First Seasons
Like any great story, the beginning wasn’t easy. Casey recalls how those early seasons were filled with trial, error, and a lot of humility.
“We were figuring it out as we went. But every challenge shaped the culture.”
The biggest hurdles? Learning how to structure a high-level program, earn community trust, and maintain consistency. There were long hours, financial risks, and growing pains—but the heart of the Stingrays' success was forged in those tough moments.
The Core Values That Define the Stingray Way
At the center of Stingray’s identity are a few non-negotiables:
-
Team-first mentality
-
Character and work ethic
-
Positive leadership
-
Respect—on and off the mat
These values aren’t just for show. They're woven into daily practices, athlete-coach relationships, and even hiring decisions.
“We don’t just coach cheer—we teach life. Our athletes leave here not only better performers, but better people.”
Is the Stingray Way Synonymous With Excellence?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Excellence at Stingrays isn’t just about winning—it’s about doing things the right way.
“We set the bar high because we believe in our athletes. Excellence is the standard, but it’s not about perfection—it’s about effort, attitude, and accountability.”
That mindset has led to a legacy of over 1,000 national titles—but ask anyone at Stingrays, and they’ll tell you: the culture matters more than the trophies.
What Makes a Champion Team—Year After Year?
Stingrays’ ability to build consistently strong teams comes down to a few key strategies:
-
Strong foundations in fundamentals and technique
-
Clear communication between athletes and staff
-
Purposeful team placement (not just skill, but chemistry)
-
Investing in long-term athlete development
“We’re not chasing wins—we’re building greatness over time. That consistency? That comes from structure, culture, and trust.”
How Do You Attract and Retain Top Coaching Talent?
Casey says it plainly: he hires people who are smarter than him—and then lets them do what they do best.
“I stay out of the way and let them shine. That’s leadership.”
Stingrays prioritizes mentorship, growth, and support. Coaches receive ongoing training, access to professional development, and the freedom to lead with authenticity.
This kind of culture doesn’t just attract talent—it keeps it.
Adapting to Change: Cheer Then and Now
The cheer world has evolved dramatically, and Stingrays has kept pace by staying flexible and proactive.
“What worked 10 years ago won’t cut it now. We’ve learned to innovate without losing our roots.”
From advancements in athlete care to shifts in scoring systems and team dynamics, Casey believes the future of cheer is headed toward even more athlete-focused programming, mental health awareness, and digital connectivity.
Safety First: Training, Prevention, and Athlete Wellness
Stingrays leads with a safety-first mindset—always.
-
Coaches are trained in proper spotting and progression
-
Training is structured to avoid overuse injuries
-
There’s a strong focus on rest, recovery, and education
The goal? Keep athletes performing at their best without sacrificing their long-term health.
Why Do the Stingrays Use Apolla Socks?
When you're operating at the elite level that the Stingray Allstars do, every detail matters—from choreography and coaching to recovery and readiness. That’s why Apolla Socks have become an essential part of the Stingrays' athlete toolkit.
It’s Not Just a Sock—It’s a Game-Changer
For Casey Jones and the Stingrays team, Apolla Socks are more than just footwear. They're a performance tool backed by science and trusted by professionals across the dance and cheer industries.
“We believe in giving our athletes every edge—and Apolla delivers. The support, the compression, the injury prevention… it just works.”
So, what makes them so different?
The Top Benefits of Apolla Socks for Stingray Athletes
Targeted Compression That Supports Performance
Apolla Socks are designed with graduated compression, which helps increase circulation, reduce swelling, and support muscles and joints. For athletes who are flipping, tumbling, and jumping day in and day out, this kind of support can make a major difference in endurance and output.
Built-In Arch and Ankle Support
Stingray athletes train hard. That kind of repetition can lead to fatigue, overuse injuries, and nagging pain. Apolla Socks help stabilize the foot and ankle, reducing the risk of sprains and providing reinforcement where it’s needed most—without compromising range of motion.
Reduced Injury Risk and Faster Recovery
In elite cheerleading, recovery is just as important as training. Apolla’s compression zones assist with lymphatic drainage and muscle recovery post-practice. This means athletes can bounce back quicker—and stay on the mat longer.
“We’ve seen fewer complaints of foot and ankle discomfort, and our athletes love how they feel after long practices or competition weekends.”
Footwear That Actually Moves With the Athlete
Unlike traditional athletic socks or bulky braces, Apolla Socks are sleek, breathable, and movement-friendly. They work with cheer shoes, grip the floor when needed, and stay in place—no slipping, bunching, or distractions during routines.
Building Community and Culture
One of the most unique aspects of Stingrays is the family feeling—even within a massive, high-performance environment.
“We want every athlete and family to feel seen, valued, and supported. That’s the difference.”
From regular events to open communication and intentional mentorship, Stingrays works hard to create an inclusive, uplifting space where athletes thrive on and off the mat.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Athletes and Gym Owners
To young athletes dreaming of joining a top team, Casey offers this advice:
“Work hard, stay coachable, and be a great teammate. Talent gets you noticed—character gets you far.”
And for those hoping to start or grow their own gym?
“Dream big. Surround yourself with the best people. And whatever you do—start now. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to begin.”
Final Thoughts
The Stingray Allstars are more than a cheer gym—they’re a blueprint for how passion, people, and purpose come together to create excellence. Whether you’re chasing gold medals or just trying to build something meaningful, the Stingray Way is a reminder that greatness starts with belief—and grows with action.
Want to learn more?
🌐 www.stingrayallstars.com
📧 Casey Jones: casey@stingrayallstars.com
📈 Interested in gym growth? casey@joinmotus.com
Watch the Full Episode Here!
