As Cheer returns with a distinctly darker edge, Georgia Aspinall gets the lowdown from coach Monica Aldama.
When Netflix’s Cheer tumbled into our lives in January 2020, it thrust competitive cheerleading into the spotlight and forced hardened sports fans to ask why it was not considered a ‘real’ sport. As the world watched the gravity-defying stunts, complex gymnastic tumbling and electric dance sequences of the team at Navarro College, Texas, it seemed a no-brainer that cheerleaders should be considered athletes.
That was head coach Monica Aldama’s goal – for people to ‘finally see the true athleticism’ of cheerleading. She tells me this over Zoom when we meet to talk about her new book, Full Out: Leadership Lessons From America’s Favourite Coach. With her packed red trophy cabinet in view behind her, Monica’s success beams through the screen – the result of her uncompromising brand of discipline and consistency. It’s why she became an inspiration to so many in 2020, with even Reese Witherspoon tweeting that she was brought to tears by her dedication.
But, as Cheer has returned for season two it has taken a dark turn. Former team member Jerry Harris is facing trial after pleading not guilty to making child pornography and soliciting sex from minors at competitions.
The day Monica found out, she cried herself to sleep. ‘It was definitely a different show as things unfolded. We had to cover some really tough times,’ she tells me. ‘Before season two came out, I talked a lot to Morgan [Simianer, a cheerleader] and said, “We know to get ready for the negative, but we’ve got each other’s back.”’
Monica also prepared herself for trolling after backlash grew when season one showed her demanding athletes train despite injury. ‘I’ve had death threats. I’ve had people say, “I hope you break every bone in your body like you make your cheerleaders do,”’ she says. Is there a double standard for her as a female coach? ‘Oh, 100%. The things I was criticised for they wouldn’t say to Nick Saban [head football coach at the University of Alabama]. It’s just a given that you can be direct and say you expect [athletes] to push and be their best.’
Last year, Navarro’s star athlete, La’Darius Marshall, accused Monica of physical and emotional abuse. Their relationship fell apart after Monica chose to appear on Dancing With The Stars, missing the first few months of Navarro practice. La’Darius quit the team and went public with his allegations. But at the end of season two, the pair have an emotional reconciliation. ‘Do you really think I was abusive to you? Monica asks. ‘That just tore my heart apart.’ ‘When I think of our relationship, I see you as my mom,’ La’Darius replies. ‘Throughout this past year I feel like we lost sight of that. Do I believe that you’re abusive? No.’
Their conversation spotlighted the central role Monica plays in these teens’ lives. She’s not just their coach, she’s a surrogate parent at times. Does she feel the weight of that? Monica pauses. ‘There have been times where someone expected more of me than I could give… You are their coach, their counsellor, their mother figure, their disciplinarian.’
Would she do it all again for a third season? Monica blushes. With the NCA College Nationals less than three months away, Netflix would already be filming if a third season had been commissioned. ‘I guess I’d just have to see we’re where at mentally,’ she says.
‘Cheer’ is on Netflix now