Champ Chat

Episode 9: A "Special" Competitive/In Season Champ Chat; Tournament Time

In this special edition, episode of Champ Chat, hosts Celia Kiogima, Amber Sullivan, and Carter Kiogima discuss the intense and emotional journey of cheerleading and College STUNT as MHSAA Competitive Cheer approaches tournament time. They share personal stories from warm-up rooms, highlight moments of athlete success, and provide valuable advice for coaches and athletes navigating the pressures of competition. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindset, preparation, and the heart behind coaching, reminding listeners that the journey and memories created are just as important as the wins.

Episode 8 | Be A True Champion: Kim Kaye

In this episode of Champ Chat, hosts Celia Kiogima and Amber Sullivan welcome Kim Kaye to discuss her journey in the cheerleading world. They explore the purpose behind Champion Cheerleading, the importance of community, and the impact of purposeful coaching. Kim shares her experiences, challenges, and the evolution of this sport over the years; emphasizing that it’s about more than just winning—it’s about empowering individuals and creating lasting connections. The conversation also touches on the future and the legacy that Champion Cheerleading aims to uphold. They dive into discussion on transitioning leadership within Champion, the emotional weight of change, and the incredible power of divine timing.

Episode 7 | Real Talk with Celia: For the Love of the Game

This week on Champ Chat, Celia steps up to the mic solo for a raw, reflective episode from her family vacation in northern Michigan. With the originally planned guest postponed, she takes the opportunity to speak directly from the heart—about transition, identity, and the enduring impact of coaching. Celia shares some of the most meaningful quotes she’s ever sent to her athletes, unpacking the stories and emotions behind them. She reflects on the bittersweet journey of stepping away from daily coaching, the weight of words in big and small moments, and what it means to lead with both grit and grace. It’s a love letter to the sport, to the athletes who shape us, and to every coach who’s ever questioned if their work makes a difference. Because it does.

Episode 6 | Support in Sync: Coaching, Family, and the Power of Showing Up with Celia & Carter Kiogima

In this heartfelt episode of Champ Chat, Celia and Carter Kiogima explore what it really takes to feel supported in the cheer and stunt world -- from the gym to the home front. Together, they reflect on the many forms of support coaches and athletes need to thrive, including behind-the-scenes administrative champions, open-door coaching philosophies, and what it means to self-reflect and grow. They open up about the shift in their own dynamic as Carter steps away from coaching to prioritize family, and how their partnership continues to anchor their work. It’s a raw, emotional, and ultimately uplifting conversation about knowing your limits, asking for help, and finding your “cheer person” -- in sport and in life. Stay tuned until the end for a special shout-out tradition and a powerful teaser for next week’s episode on mental health in athletics.

Episode 5 | No Fear: Lessons in Leadership, Loyalty, and the Athlete’s Journey with Keaghan Otto & Tenley Piper Brown

In this special episode of Champ Chat, Celia is joined by two of her former captains and lifelong Panthers, Keaghan Otto and Tenley Brown. Together, they revisit the pivotal moments that shaped their college cheer and STUNT careers -- from unexpected recruiting twists to championship wins and personal growth off the mat. Keaghan and Tenley reflect on the challenges of transitioning from shy freshmen to confident, compassionate leaders. They share the quiet moments, powerful phrases, and deep bonds that carried them and their teammates through high-pressure competitions, culture shifts, and personal setbacks. This episode is a raw, emotional tribute to the power of relationships, resilience, and choosing to stay when things get uncomfortable. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone standing at a turning point, this conversation is a reminder: growth happens in the small moments -- and leadership begins with connection.