The Leap | Athlete Stories
The Leap | Athlete Stories
The one story only they can tell. The Leap sits down with college athletes and coaches, going past the box score to the moment everything changed — unedited and unaired until now, in their own words. New interviews weekly on YouTube @theleapmediaco.
Grant Gurtin
PodcastAI
PodcastAI

Emily Bott on Cheerleading, Social Media Challenges, and Inspiring Young Athletes

S1 E26 • Jul 14, 2026 • 13 mins

Emily Bott opens up about her early cheerleading journey, highlighting her passion for tumbling and the challenges she faced along the way. She candidly discusses overcoming injuries and her initial experiences with social media. Emily shares the difficult period of losing her Instagram account, the process of rebuilding it, and how she managed criticism from online platforms. She recounts dealing with threats that necessitated police involvement, emphasizing the importance of personal safety. The episode concludes with Emily offering advice and sharing positive experiences for young athletes navigating the world of social media, providing a balanced perspective on its impact.

Key Points

  • Emily Bott's relentless pursuit of new skills and dedication to tumbling from a young age helped her progress rapidly in cheerleading.
  • Despite facing serious online harassment and a terrifying stalking incident, Emily found ways to regain her sense of security and continued to share her passion for tumbling on social media.
  • Emily believes that social media can be a powerful tool for young athletes to express their love for their sport and connect with others, as long as they remain cautious and aware of potential dangers.
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