Gulf Coast Cheer squad competes in Tampa

MANATEE COUNTY — Southeast High junior Jeremy Rhodes didn’t know what to expect when he walked into the gym for the first time four years ago.

At the urging of his younger sister, Jenna, Rhodes, who was 12 years old at the time, decided to see what cheerleading was all about. He ended up trying out for the team and has been competing ever since.
Today, Rhodes, 16, is one of 30 All-Stars on the Gulf Coast United Cheer cheerleading squad.

“She tricked me into it,” Rhodes said of his sister. “She influenced me to join. I liked it (though). It was really fun.”

On Feb. 13, Rhodes and the rest of his Gulf Coast United Cheer teammates competed in the Official Florida Cheer and Dance Championships at the Tampa Fair Amphitheater.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how we do because we’re good,” 12-year-old Danielle Flammia said before the competition. “We work hard and we all work well together.”

Gulf Coast United competed against nine other squads, winning the Superior Award.

“They’ve worked really hard to be where they’re at,” Gulf Coast United Cheer co-owner Felice Flammia said. “They’ve all come a long way. It’s a good bunch of girls (and boys).”

A former office manager, Flammia, who never cheered, purchased Gulf Coast United Cheer, formerly Bradenton Cheer Academy, two years ago, along with co-owner and coach Terri Harrington.

The purchase completes a dream for Flammia’s daughter, Danielle.

“I wanted my mom to open the gym so I could be more of a part of it and keep doing it forever,” said Danielle Flammia, who began cheering with Harrington when she was 6 years old.

Gulf Coast United Cheer’s All-Star team comprises 30 boys and girls, ranging in age from 11-18. Last month, the team moved to its new gym, located at 3220 59th Ave. Drive E. Unit 104-106.

Gulf Coast United Cheer competes once a month from December through May. During competition season, the squad practices for close to three hours six nights a week.

The team’s hard work paid off Jan. 29 when it won first place at the Spirit Cheer competition in Orlando. The squad was also crowned Grand Champion.

“Spirit Cheer was my favorite competition because I liked how it was run, and we competed against a lot of other teams,” Rhodes said.

Following this year’s competition season, Gulf Coast United Cheer will hold tryouts. In addition to its All-Star team, Gulf Coast United Cheer also is hoping to start tiny, mini and youth teams as well.

“Our goal is to get more kids to know about cheerleading and to get them involved,” Felice Flammia said. “Our goal is to have at least six teams. Right now we have one.”

For more information on Gulf Coast United Cheer, visit its Website at www.gulfcoastcheer.com.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].