Praise
"I wanted to take a quick moment to tell you how much I appreciate all of you and what you do for my girls.
My older daughter had a rough start to her season. She struggled to stay up in her stunts and moving to level 2 was a real challenge for her. She learned that with lots of hard work and perseverance she could succeed. I am not sure how many 8 year olds get the opportunity to learn that. It’s through this program that she is given that. She is a shy girl but at Unique she has learned to have self confidence and to believe in herself. She has learned that from her coaches.
My younger daughter’s rookie year has been a blast to watch. Self confidence is not her issue LOL. Believe it or not she has learned to focus a lot more than she use to. Something like this program is exactly what she needs to learn how to stay on task and I am seeing her improve and mature. She has learned quickly. Her sister’s first year was knee stunts and round offs. Her first year was switch ups and walkovers. Thank you for pushing her to be all that she can be. She LOVES you guys.
I am sure that coaching can be frustrating and thankless at times; Listening to parents complain and children cry. Just know that you are appreciated for everything you do. My girls wouldn’t be who they are today with you."
"As usual, GREAT J0B coaching!!! They were amazing!!! The new pyramid is as you say......HOT!!!! Just make sure its "legal" for South Carolina and every team down there will remember that small team from Maryland..............UNIQUE!!!!!! THANKS for ALL you do!!"
Fierce Boards discussion post by wcsstilldeath, Feb 7, 2011:
I like it...
"when teams can hit a routine and not look like they are all about to pass out, fierce little tumblers but most importantly SPORTSMANSHIP. This past weekend my team competed at American Masters Nationals in Baltimore. Unique Allstars from Maryland came in second behind us and I have to say that they are some of the nicest cheerleaders I have ever met. Before they called our division we wished each other luck and when they were called for second they came over and gave us hugs knowing we won and we all hugged each other and said congratulations. Little things like that instead of the "you beat my team" death stare are heart warming. Thank you Unique Allstars you guys truly are a class act."
"I have two grandchildren on Unique for the first time. One is very shy and the other pretty outgoing. I have watched them both grow under Yuri, Nate, Star and Brittney. Especially the youngest who was very shy. She has blossomed this year. Yuri is very strict but so encouraging at the same time. I so expected my youngest to cry but she has not. She has come home and told me "Mr. Yuri made me do v-ups because he knows I can do it so I did it right." I really had to laugh because it sounded so funny coming from a little girl. The thing that has impressed me the most is the way tumbling is taught at Unique, which is do it correctly so you do not injure yourself. My oldest grandchild was injured at another gym as she was pushed to perform a skill before she had mastered the beginning skills. To any parents who are considering Unique I strongly encourage you to join."
"I wanted to let you know that my daughter has been involved in activities from competitive soccer, dance and softball since she was 3 but has not always fully enjoyed doing them. She has truly loved every minute at your gym and NEVER complained about having to go once. Not sure how much you know the girls love you, but they do. I constantly joke that you rule with an "iron fist of love." I want to thank you for all the encouragement and help that you have given to her this past season. The girl went from not even knowing how to roll, to being a national champion and my husband and I both thank you for that. I want you to know that your dedication to all of the squads has not gone unnoticed and just wanted to give you a MUCH deserved shout out for going above and beyond. If we ever get stationed back here, she will be definitely be back."
"I actually got a chance to watch a few teams [at Laurel Spiritfest] and I was so excited for your program. You have done such an awesome job with those kids. They looked fantastic...and it was a foam floor.
Hope to see you again soon!"
Tracy Farasy
President of Competitions
Spirit Unlimited Cheer and Dance
“Dear Coaches,
On many levels this has been a hard year with many difficult lessons. And, as a parent, I experienced a strong feeling of disillusionment after the UCA experience that I wasn't sure what to do with. However, the girls' behavior and performance this past weekend evidenced a spirit of teamwork and character that literally stunned me. Most people never in their lifetimes achieve the level of confidence and self-worth our girls showed last weekend. I am so proud my heart feels as if it may burst. This is what I meant when I said that you teach more than athleticism at Unique. So, thank you for teaching me and my daughter that some hard lessons are worth learning.
I can see that your job is often difficult. You treat the girls, even the little ones, as athletes. This stance is not always popular; but there are those of us who appreciate what you are trying to do and have seen the result. I have seen too that you make an effort to listen to us and consider our advice as well. Please do not doubt that we are behind you.
I am a believer.”
“Yuri and Nate did an amazing job with all teams this year. I know I get on Yuri sometimes, but I have much respect for him and the Unique organization. I am very proud to say that my daughter is apart of a Unique team :-)
She has learned and grown so much over the past year. Being apart of a team sport provides the opportunity to build many strong qualities. While Yuri only has the girls twice a week, the amount of dedication, drive and ambition that has been exemplified throughout out this season is amazing. For that, I thank both Yuri and Nate.”
“Yuri, Nicole, and Nate:
I just wanted to take a minute and thank you guys. The three of you work so hard and give your all with little to no thanks. It is amazing to see how much the girls have grown in experience and confidence this season, we have the three of you to thank for that. Despite how you may feel or what you may think, please know that we do appreciate you and everything that you do. Keep your head up, we love you guys!!!!!
Thank you for an amazing season!!!!
See ya at try-outs!!!!!”
“Knowing her strengths, he doesn't allow her to slack off or push beyond what she is capable of achieving. He also knows when to relax and allow some down time after a tough competition or intensely challenging day. He strives to enhance her motivation, focus, and work ethic and is dedicated to her success in school as well as in cheerleading.”
“This is awesome! As a parent, I have been waiting for all the hard work of all our girls (and boy) to payoff, but I never imagined that it would be at such a large scale!! I am very impressed with the way these kids have worked and the the way Yuri and Nate have pushed for excellence.”
“Our family moved from Texas to Windsor England where cheerleading was not a very common sport and training was difficult. When we moved to Maryland I began to look for a coach to get her back in shape. Having taught, coached and judged dance, gymnastics, musical theater and cheerleading in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma in the U.S. and in Thorpe England, I was very careful about where I placed my daughter to train. After a lot of research and visiting numerous gyms, I chose Yuri to coach my daughter and I have not been disappointed! He has done a fabulous job of getting her back in shape to get her ready for the coming cheer season. Not only has he gotten her tumbling to a superior level, he has made sure her technique is correct so she will not get injured and be able to progress smoothly to the next level.”
“I never did get a chance to thank you for what you have done for my daughter. I really do think your cheerleading program is truly her happiness in life right now. I'm not sure what she would do if she didn't have your program. My husband is coming with my daughter tonight because all she talked about this weekend when she was over our house, was everything she can do now with your training and I can't wait to see the program in competition and see my daughter and your team perform. You are a wonderful person for giving my daughter this opportunity, and my husband and I truly thank you for everything you have done for her.”
“Yuri was right about cutting the cord. I've never seen my daughter work so hard. She loves stunting, she told me so the other day. I'm amazed at her progress. She's thrilled at being asked to be on the higher level team and is taking it really seriously.”