When a person chooses to run a facility like this, they are making a moral agreement to the…read morechildren that attend to have their best physical and mental interests at heart. Shelby Swartz, the owner of The Cheer Pitt did not get that memo. She will undoubtedly reply to this review by stating "I'm sorry we don't see that you have ever had an account with us", as she has done the other negative reviews. This reaction only shows her lack of professionalism and willingness to take accountability for the negative events that take place in the environment that she fosters. At her business, when committing to a team you have to sign a legally binding contract. However, I assure you, this contract is one sided and only adheres the guardian to the financial obligation, and not the owner to have an obligation to your child's best interest.
During our time there we have witnessed parents making fun of parents, parents making fun of the owner, bullying, kids making fun of kids, parents making fun of kids, at least one coach high on cocaine while coaching (my daughter sprained her elbow during a class with him where he removed her spot without warning her), athletes getting hurt, the owner making fun of parents, the owner making fun of athletes, the owner speaking poorly of other gyms, binge drinking in front of athletes during "team bonding events", parents yelling at parents of other gyms, and name calling. Of all the practices I watched, there wasn't one that ended without a girl crying on my daughter's team.
The owner places profit and her ego above the well being of the athletes and if anyone has the willingness to speak on the blatant ill behaviors witnessed, their athlete will be kicked out. Shelby constantly threatens parents and athletes to keep them quiet. She praises herself as being a leader and a mentor, yet has little to no concern for lower level athletes, or providing an accessible path for them to advance. She only focuses on how everyone can serve her and not how she can serve the athletes. The Cheer Pitt operates closer to a cult than a facility that fosters character in children. I recommend saving your money, or better yet choosing another of the 3 cheer gyms very close by that have a greater and more successful selection of teams and classes.
I applaud the other people that were brave enough to come forward and speak on their negative experiences. I know from our experience at The Cheer Pitt that anyone with a true backbone and concern for the well being of the children, and not just the "leader", will be ridiculed and ostracized.
