After a busy and eventful summer, Gabi Butler, our 2013 Cheer Catalog front cover model shares with us how she is adjusting to her new life in Cali with team SMOED. She was excited to tell us all about a few of the challenges she has faced and what she has learned so far with her new lifestyle change. Learn about her intense training regimen and how she loves to model our innovative cheer leading apparel.
1. We understand you came from Top Gun All Stars in Miami, FL. Now that you are a California girl and joined the California Allstars, what challenges and lifestyle changes have you had to overcome or adjust to?
The biggest challenge has been the conditioning. Top Gun did conditioning, but SMOED does a lot more. It was really hard to get used to it but now I am in better shape and it has helped me to perform better at competitions because I am stronger. I have also had to get used to the weather change. In FL, it is warm most of the time, but here in Cali it gets cold a lot. I had to get some cooler weather clothing to keep me warm. Shorts in Cali don't always work!!
2. What have your summer activities consisted of? Have you had some down time to enjoy any hobbies?
My summer was VERY busy. I had many clinics that I was teaching over the summer at different gyms all over the country. I also was a guest at Camp Woodward in California and in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, I haven't had a lot of down time because of all the clinics, but I did have a little bit of time in Florida to enjoy my family and the beach.
3. Why do you like modeling 
for GK Cheer?
It has been such an honor to model for GK Cheer because they have such amazing uniforms. I really love going to the competitions and seeing all of the amazing GK designs. When they chose me to be on the cover of the catalog I felt so honored and proud. The GK staff is really nice, and it's always great working with them!!
4. How do you train? Tell us about a typical training day on your own and with your new team.
My day usually starts with breakfast. I have to eat before I start my day. Then I will usually do some type of workout like Acro Yoga or running. I like to do a core workout every few days to strengthen my core. Practices are really tough. Coach Eddie and Coach Orby work us really hard, but I know that it helps me to be stronger at competition. We do a lot of running, usually 4 - 5 miles. Then we hold a plank position for a while. We usually do about 40 - 50 candlestick back tuck drills followed by full up drills repeatedly. It's kind of crazy, but it really keeps us in great shape!
5. When it comes to a competition or performance, what do you do to get psyched up before you go out on the floor?
It may sound weird, but I usually have a conversation with myself in my own head. I remind myself to be confident and to have faith above fear. Then I talk to my teammates and together we get pumped up to go out and hit our routine. Usually there's not much we need to do, because as soon as I hit the floor and hear the crowd, I get focused and ready to perform!
6. Tell us about your favorite or specialty tumbling skills. How about any stunting skills?
Right now I just got my 2 to whip double really solid. I am very excited about that. I am also working 1 1/2 through to whip double in running tumbling and I also have a front front through to double as well. I have really been working on getting better at my tumbling. It is something that I really want to get more elite skills in. Stunting has always been a strong point for me and I do really well with 1 man coed stunting. I feel really balanced in the air and it has always been a comfortable place for me.
7. What are your goals for the future? Do you plan on attending college?
I do plan on attending college, but I haven't decided yet where I will go. I really love animals and would love to be a veterinarian. I also would love to continue to be involved in cheer. Maybe I will have the opportunity to coach one day when I am too old to cheer, but I think that time seems really far away!
8. Now that you have traveled across the country, we are sure you want to see more of the world. Name a place you want to travel to next and why?
I really want to go to Europe. I have met a lot of cheerleaders online that cheer in the UK, Sweden, Norway and New Zealand. I may be able to travel there next summer for clinics and I am really excited about seeing those places. It's an amazing opportunity to travel the world and meet new people. I really love it!!
In the photo above, Gabi is wearing GK Cheer's Off the Shoulder 3 Strap Cheer One Piece Uni U1101, a sleek and strappy off the shoulder one piece cheer uniform. This unique, clean design features a wide binding neckline, triple shoulder strap, and banded wrap around fabric details. This special order design can be ordered in your team's colors for your own custom look! Be sure to check out this and other hot looks in cheer with our Special Order Uniforms Design Studio.
We are so proud of Gabi as she continues to grow in her cheer career and look forward to hearing more updates in the future! Be sure to check back periodically for updates on SMOED's progress this season.
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