Colorado student proves that flexibility, perseverance, and relentless practice can turn a long-time love of cheer into a championship moment—again.

A Champion’s Growth: New Role, New Demands, Same Drive
Cristian’s latest win reflects not only persistence, but growth. In earlier years, he competed as a flyer. Today, he contributes as a base, a role that demands strength, precision, and constant responsibility for the safety and execution of stunts.
“Now here being a base, able to carry the flyer, make sure they’re safe,” Cristian shared. He also described the intensity of keeping up with choreography and transitions: “A lot of cartwheels, movement…keep track of my memory of the routine.”
Maria has watched that evolution firsthand. “This routine, he’s in it a lot. They count on him a lot.”

Seizing Opportunity at School While Pursuing Excellence
Cristian credits GOAL’s model of online learning and supportive drop-in centers with helping him stay on track academically while training, traveling, and competing out of state.
“I think I was able to…get me on one part of the day on school, but the other part of the day on cheer,” Cristian said. “It was a good balance.”
Maria emphasized the difference that flexibility makes for families navigating demanding athletic schedules. “Being at GOAL has really helped,” she said. “In a public-school setting, it’s hard to go to those out-of-state competitions…when you don’t have that flexibility.”
Even while traveling, Cristian has been able to keep learning moving forward. “There’ve been times where I had to do some work out of state,” he said, “but I was able to bring my computer and…do it online.”

A Family Effort and a Community that Cheers Him On
Cristian’s success represents countless hours of preparation and a serious family commitment, including frequent travel to practice.
“We have to drive a whole hour each way to get to the gym…two to three times a week,” Maria said. “This one meant a lot for sure.”
At GOAL, that effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. Both Cristian and Maria described consistent encouragement from staff.
“They’ve been really helpful with my school and been cheering me on when I’m going to other states,” Cristian said.
Maria added, “I get a text everyday…from somebody here that’s giving me something positive about Cristian…It’s been amazing to have that.”

Looking Ahead
Cristian plans to continue cheering and says the experience has helped him beyond athletics—especially in focus, prioritization, and social confidence.
“Cheer helps me socialize a lot and always makes me focus on one task before I can focus on another one,” he said. “I think that would be helpful for me in the future.”
For families considering GOAL due to athletics, performance, or other demanding commitments, Maria’s message is simple: “GOAL is the perfect school for it… the flexibility, it’s been amazing… give it a shot.”