Athlete Advisory Council

ATHLETE ADVISORY COUNCIL

The USASF Athlete Advisory Council (AAC) includes high school-aged athlete members and college-aged alumni mentors of All Star, selected to provide the USASF Board and other committees with valuable insights and feedback from the athlete perspective. AAC members have also historically served on The Cheerleading & Dance Worlds Ambassador Program.

Eligibility and Application Details

HOW TO APPLY

The application link for the 2026-2027 season will open on June 22, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be an eligible 2026-2027 USASF athlete in good standing (meeting all USASF membership requirements) and entering grades 9-12 at the time of application deadline (July 17).
Actively participate on a team within a USASF-member program during the application year and the term.
Demonstrate leadership experience, community involvement, and a commitment to the All Star cheer or dance community.
Be able to attend virtual meetings, participate in council projects, and contribute to discussions and initiatives throughout the term.
Maintain a positive image on and off the floor, upholding the values of the USASF and modeling exemplary behavior for fellow athletes.

Selection:

Upon receipt of your application, a sub-committee of Connection Leaders and USASF staff members will review and select qualified athletes to serve.

Term:

Serve a one-year term, with the opportunity to reapply in subsequent years (if eligibility requirements are still met).

Timeline

Week of June 22

Applications open for the 2026-2027 Season

July 17

Application Submission Deadline
Applications missing required materials will not be reviewed.

Week of July 20

Application Review by the Selection Committee
Review includes, but is not limited to, confirmation of 2026-2027 USASF membership and evaluation of social media presence.

Week of July 27

Applicant Notifications & Interview Scheduling
All applicants will be contacted. Finalists will be identified , and interview items will be scheduled.

August 3-12

Finalist Interviews

Zoom interviews conducted with members of the Selection Committee.

August 13-14

Final selections by the selection committee

Week of August 17

Notifications
All finalists will be contacted. Selected AAC members will be notified.

Week of August 31

First AAC meeting

Orientation and kickoff meeting for the 2026 Athlete Advisory Council.

Qualifications for selection:

NEW CANDIDATES:

In preparing to apply, you must have:

Resume
Letter of Recommendation from a USASF Member Coach or Owner
Video submission (2:30 min. max) answering these questions:

Why do you want to serve on the Athlete Advisory Council, and what unique perspective would you bring to the group?

What is one issue, challenge, or opportunity currently impacting All Star athletes that you believe deserves more attention, and how would you help address it?

The AAC exists to elevate athlete voice and leadership. What does being a positive representative of the All Star community mean to you?

RETURNING CANDIDATES:

In preparing to apply, you must have:

Video submission (2:30 min. max) answering these questions:
Since your time on the Athlete Advisory Council, how has your understanding of athlete leadership or advocacy changed, and how have you applied that growth in your team or community?
Reflect on one initiative, conversation, or contribution you’ve been part of through the AAC. What impact did it have, and what would you improve or expand moving forward?
As a returning applicant, what do you feel you are now specifically responsible for elevating within the AAC (voice, culture, communication, athlete experience, etc.), and how will you take action on that next season?
How have you used your AAC experience to influence or support athletes outside of the Council (your team, region, or broader All Star community)? Give a specific example.
What is one area where you feel the AAC can grow or evolve next season, and what role would you personally take in helping that happen?

Terms for Removal from the USASF Athlete Advisory Council:

An AAC member may be removed from the council before the end of their term for any of the following reasons:
Violation of USASF Policies or Code of Conduct. Engaging in behavior that violates USASF’s rules, ethical guidelines, or athlete safety policies.
Inactivity or Non-Participation. Failing to participate consistently in meetings, initiatives, or assigned responsibilities without prior communication or valid reason.
Misrepresentation of the Council or USASF. Acting in a manner—online or in person—that misrepresents, discredits, or undermines the AAC or USASF.
Loss of Eligibility. No longer being an active athlete on a USASF-member team or no longer meeting grade-level requirements during the term.
Unprofessional or Disrespectful Conduct. Demonstrating behavior that is disruptive, disrespectful, or inconsistent with the values of leadership, inclusion, and teamwork.

Apply to the Athlete Advisory Council

Kinshasa Garrett

Chairperson

Lauren P

Vice Chairperson

Athlete Alum and Mentor

Mia L

Secretary

Athlete Alum and Mentor

Midwest

Zoey H

Southwest