The USASF recognizes prestigious individuals who have made a profound impact on All Star cheerleading and dance. Members of the USASF Hall of Fame are not only recognized for their contribution to the USAS, but also for dedicating over 50% of their career to advancing All Star cheer and dance.
This year, Top Gun All Stars Founder, Kristen Rosario, will be recognized for this great honor at the 2015 Cheer Worlds on Friday, April 24, 2015. Her incredible contribution to the sport of cheerleading and dance reaches not just across the nation, but the world. The Top Gun All Stars have set the standard in not just their technically advanced routines, but in every aspect of their dedication to cheer and dance. This would not have been possible without Kristen being at the heart and soul of this great Jaguar Nation. She is an inspiration to All Star cheer coaches everywhere who strive to make their mark in the world.
GK: How and when did your passion for cheerleading and dance begin?
KR: My passion for dance began at eight years old when I took my first ballet class. I danced from then well into my college years. It was originally my first love. My passion for cheer however, began the first day I met Victor my sophomore year of high school. We became really good friends and exchanged multiple conversations about the similarities of technique between dance and cheerleading. My love and respect for it began immediately.
GK: When you were younger, did you dream of making a career out of cheer and dance?
KR: I always joke saying that if you would've told me 20 years ago what I would be doing today, I would've laughed, literally out loud. I often thought that I would own a dance studio since I loved teaching, but I never would have imagined that I would be part of something that has grown into what it is today. When I was younger, I actually wanted to be a dolphin trainer, but that lasted just about until the time I realized I also had to study algae.
GK: What is your favorite part about the sport of cheerleading?
KR: Hands-down, the most amazing thing about being involved in the cheerleading world is the amount of lives that I get to touch year after year. Watching how many people you help shape into good young adults is priceless.
GK: Explain a little about how Top Gun began and what it took to turn it into the nation it is today?
KR:We first started with 10 girls and 10 boys in a park. We didn't have the luxury of a roof over our heads, mats to train on, or mirrors to make our movements better. We also didn't have the social media of today so it was quite comical when practice was rained out. We would have to do a phone tree to let everyone know that we were canceling. All we had were two coaches that really cared and a bunch of kids that had a lot of heart and determination. That same recipe, caring coaches and athletes with a lot of heart and determination, continues today and has made us what we are now.
GK: How does it feel to be inducted into the USASF Hall of Fame?
KR: I'm not sure I truly even believe it yet. All I can say is that I still don't feel like I deserve it. Who should get an award for doing what they love? Instead, I should be giving the award to the kids who allow me to do what I love.
GK: After dedicating over 50% of your career to cheer and dance, what would you say is your most valuable lesson learned?
KR: Oh heavens, there are so many, but I think I would say that one of the most valuable lessons learned was when I realized the strength of a group is in the strength of its leaders.
Congratulations, Kristen! We are honored to partner with the Top Gun All Stars as they continue to make history. Click here to see the Top Gun GK Cheer Uniform Legacy.
GK Cheer. Choice Of Champions.
Click the link below to read more interviews from Top Gun Owners, Victor and Kristen Rosario:
Top Gun Large Coed Tells GK Cheer About Their Epic Illusion Hoop Routine
Top Gun's Kristen Rosario Visits GK Cheer