Built By People Who Lived It A Conversation with Kaitlyn Crews

june 27. 2026

A Conversation with Kaitlyn Crews

As Director of Marketing at Southern Recognition, I have the privilege of hearing countless championship stories. Every team has its own journey, traditions, and defining moments, but every so often, I get the opportunity to sit down with someone who has experienced those moments firsthand.

Kaitlyn Crews, our Cheer Creative Manager, understands championship rings from both sides of the table. As a World Champion athlete, she's lived the pressure of competition, celebrated the victories, and earned the rings that represent years of dedication. Today, she helps coaches and athletes preserve those same memories by designing championship rings that tell their story.

I recently sat down with Kait to talk about her journey through the sport, what championship rings mean from an athlete's perspective, and why the smallest details often become the most meaningful.

Laura: You've competed at the highest level in cheer. What does winning actually feel like in that moment, and what do people outside the sport often misunderstand about it?

Kait didn't describe the trophy first. Instead, she talked about everything that came before it.

"Winning makes you reflect on every practice you walked out crying, every full out where you were pushed to do more, and all of the mentally tough challenges throughout the year. In that moment, you realize every challenge was 100% worth it."

She explained that while spectators often focus on the final performance or the championship title, athletes are reliving an entire season in those final moments.

"At end of season events, those are the last routines you'll ever perform with that particular team. It's such a bittersweet feeling. Being able to reflect on how much you've accomplished together is one of the most rewarding feelings."

Her answer perfectly captured what many people outside the sport never get to see. A championship isn't defined by one routine. It's built through months of sacrifice, resilience, trust, and countless moments that happen long before anyone steps onto the competition floor. That's exactly why a championship ring carries so much meaning. It represents far more than the victory itself.

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Laura: Looking back on your career, was there a moment that changed everything for you?

"Without a doubt, it was the development of the Non Tumbling division."

She shared that growing up, she never imagined competing at the World Championship level because tumbling wasn't her strongest skill. When the Non Tumbling division was introduced, it completely changed what she thought was possible.

"It opened up a world of creativity and showcased some of the strongest athletes in the sport. It shaped me into the athlete and person I am today."

As Kait reflected on that moment, it was a reminder that every athlete's path is different. Sometimes the opportunities that shape us most are the ones we never expected.

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Laura: Cheer is built on trust. What did that environment teach you?

Kait didn't hesitate.

"The relationship between you and your teammates is the most important asset to a team. Cheer is built on the foundation of trust and family."

It's a simple answer, but one that perfectly captures the heart of the sport. Every stunt, every routine, and every performance depends on complete trust in the people beside you. Those relationships often become just as meaningful as the championship itself.

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Laura: When you look at your championship rings today, what do they represent?

Most people would probably answer with victories or titles.

Kait's answer was much simpler.

"Family."

She explained that the teammates she competed alongside became some of her closest friends, making every championship even more meaningful.

"Knowing I was able to achieve those dreams with girls I'll have in my life for the rest of my life makes it even more special."

It was a powerful reminder that while a championship ring celebrates a title, it also preserves the people who made the journey unforgettable.

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Laura: From an athlete's perspective, what separates a ring that marks a win from one that truly means something?

Kait believes every championship season develops its own identity.

Sometimes it's a phrase. Sometimes it's a symbol. Sometimes it's something only that team understands.

"Throughout all of the trials and tribulations, that one symbol remains. Having it represented on our ring truly defines all of the small moments."

Those personal details, she explained, are what transform a championship ring into something far greater than jewelry. They become a time capsule of an entire season.

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Laura: What details do athletes care about most that people outside the sport might overlook?

Without hesitation, Kait shared one of her favorite memories.

During the 2023 World Championships, her team was standing on the competition floor waiting to begin their routine when their music unexpectedly stopped.

"It felt like forever."

As the silence stretched on, one of the coaches shouted three simple words.

"YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL."

Instantly, the nerves disappeared.

That same phrase was later engraved inside their World Championship rings.

To anyone else, those words might seem insignificant. But for that team, they represented one unforgettable moment that perfectly captured their entire season.

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Laura: How has competing at the highest level changed the way you work with coaches and teams today?

Kait smiled.

"While this sport seems so large, it's still such a small world. I've spent my entire life in this industry, so when I'm speaking with coaches, we often already know about their team and their season. Having that knowledge of the sport is so important."

Her experience allows conversations to begin long before design ideas are discussed. She already understands the culture, traditions, and significance behind many of the programs she works with.

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Laura: When a championship team comes to you, what are you listening for?

Interestingly, Kait said she's rarely thinking about stones or finishes first.

"The small details. The things that got the team through the hard practices. Themes are very prevalent in the sport, so understanding those themes is important."

Before a single sketch is created, she's listening for the story.

Because every championship has one.

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Laura: Why is it so important for programs to celebrate their accomplishments the right way?

Kait pointed out that success in cheerleading is never guaranteed.

"There are so many accomplishments throughout the season, but this sport is incredibly competitive. You're never guaranteed your next win."

That's exactly why recognition matters.

"When you have a ring for a specific competition, it becomes a reminder of those routines you competed to earn."

Years later, athletes may not remember every score or ranking.

They'll remember the people.

They'll remember the journey.

And they'll remember exactly how that championship felt.

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Laura: If you could give one piece of advice to a team preparing to design their championship ring, what would it be?

Her answer came easily.

"Trust the process."

"We want this process to be as stress free as possible. The Southern Recognition Cheer Division is here to help every step of the way and bring your vision to life to commemorate your one of a kind championship."

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As our conversation came to a close, one thing stood out more than anything else.

Kait isn't simply designing championship rings. She's helping preserve moments she's experienced herself.

That's what makes her perspective so valuable. She understands that every championship has a story, every team has traditions worth remembering, and every ring should reflect far more than the final score. Because the best championship rings aren't just built by expert designers.

They're built by people who lived the journey!