The End Is Near (and We're All Crying in the Parking Lot About It)

We’re getting close to the end.

And maybe your athlete is chasing a score, or a title, or just that clean, hit-zero routine they’ve been working toward all year. But here’s your gentle reminder—not everything meaningful is measured by medals or placements. Because while we’re all keeping an eye on the finish line, there’s still magic happening right here, in the middle of it all.

It’s in the way they tie their own shoes without needing help. It’s in the pre-practice rituals with teammates that feel more like siblings. It’s in the way they bounce back from a tough practice, instead of shutting down. It’s in the habit of showing up—tired, sore, maybe a little over it—but still showing up.

This part of the season is emotional, especially for parents who know what’s coming. You’re watching your kids grow up in real time, and sometimes that growing up happens under bright lights and loud music, in arenas filled with glitter and grit.

So if you find yourself getting caught up in the drama or the placements or the low-stakes chaos of “who’s moving up next year” talk, come back to this:

You’re not just raising a cheerleader. You’re raising a human. One who knows how to commit, how to support others, how to sweat for something bigger than themselves. That’s not just rare—it’s powerful.

Take a breath. Take it in. You’re still in it. The season’s not over yet. Soak it up.

You’ll miss this—yes, even the smelly gym bags and the 6am call times.

And when it is over—when the lights go down and the music fades and you're left with a car full of glitter and a heart full of feelings—what will really matter is how they grew.

At Motor City Cheer, our mission has always been simple: to coach great athletes and build great people. And if you've been paying attention this season (which we know you have, because you’re reading a blog post and not doom-scrolling Facebook placement rumors), you’ve seen that mission in action.

You’ve seen confidence bloom in quiet athletes who found their voice. You’ve seen integrity when someone admitted a mistake and worked harder the next day. You’ve seen discipline in early morning full-outs and late-night conditioning. You’ve seen community in the way they lift each other—literally and emotionally. This is the real stuff. The stuff that lasts longer than a trophy shelf.

We know it’s tempting to get swept up in the noise—what team they’re going to be on, who’s leveling up, who's staying and who's leaving. But we also know our MCC families are built different. You're not here just for the glitter and the grand champions (though hey, those are fun too). You're here because you care about who your child is becoming.

So as we head into these final moments—these last few practices, comps, and team dinners—don’t just look forward to what’s next. Look around at what’s now.This is the season they’ll remember. Not because of where they placed, but because of how they felt. Who they became. Who stood beside them. What they overcame.

And who knows? Maybe they’ll win it all. Maybe they won’t.But if they walk away a little braver, a little stronger, and a little more sure of who they are?

That’s the kind of win we’re after.

We’re proud of every single one of them. And we’re proud of you, too—for choosing the long game, the meaningful game, the MCC game.

Let’s finish strong. Together.