Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 12/14/2023
EAST LONGMEADOW — North Star Athletics, an all star cheerleading program has kicked off their competition season which goes until the end of April. With over 90 athletes and seven teams, they’ve made nationals the last four years and are hoping to make this season five.
“These kids are excited for the competition season,” said co-owner Natalia Collins. “We want them to be happy, having a great time and learning new skills.” She went on to say, “You definitely can expect some great routines this year and a lot of creativity. My co-owner Jessica Prokop does all of our choreography for all of the teams and every year she puts together the most amazing creative routines.”
Collins and Prokop have been best friends for over ten years through their love for the sport of cheerleading. They started coaching recreational cheer for the Longmeadow Knights, a team Collins still coaches, but decided it was time to start their own gym and that is how North Star Athletics was born.
Two years ago, Collins and Prokop started North Star Athletics and began looking for their own gym, through Collins’ realtor Margie Berg. They found a space in East Longmeadow and knew it was meant to be. North Star Athletics opened its doors to its new location in May of 2023.
“The reason why we chose the name North Star is because we like the meaning behind it,” said Collins. “It stands for being a beacon of light and hope. One of our motto’s is that the destination is worth the journey, you were born to shine. We believe athletes that put in the work, will see it pay off and their goals and dreams will become a reality.”
Collins also said they believe in positive reinforcement, working hard, but also having fun while doing it. She wants her athletes to be proud of their performances and their competitions this year. “Our goals are to continue to expand, increase and have more athletes joining our program,” Collins added. “North Star Athletics is the only All Star facility in Western Massachusetts and will give all the cheerleading athletes in this area a place to continue their love for the sport and be competitive.”
North Star Athletics is located in the old Pioneer Gymnastics location of 45 Maple St., behind Joy Bowl. For more information visit their website at www.northstarathletics.com. For questions, call 413-717-0940 or email NorthStarAthletics@outlook.com for programs and teams they have available.