In this episode of the Especially for Athletes Podcast, we’re joined by Ammon Montenegro and Aislee Meachum, two standout cheerleaders at Brigham Young University who are not only athletes at the top of their game, but also thoughtful leaders and examples of how to balance faith, resilience, and intentionality in a fast-paced world.

Whether you’re an aspiring college athlete, a current high school cheerleader, or someone simply trying to be more deliberate with your time and goals—this episode is packed with practical advice, vulnerability, and inspiration.

Highlight Moments

Winning the Hour
Ammon and Aislee share how they structure their jam-packed days and the tools they use—from color-coded planners to weekly resets—to stay focused and intentional.

Bouncing Back from Setbacks
Aislee opens up about tearing her ACL in high school and how that detour led to something better than she could have imagined. Ammon shares the powerful story of shifting from football to cheerleading and how going “all in” opened a door he didn’t even know was there.

Advice for High Schoolers
They reflect on what they would tell their 15-year-old selves—including the danger of closing doors out of fear, and why it’s worth being vulnerable and taking your shot.

Competing Without Contempt
From their roles at LaVell Edwards Stadium and the Marriott Center, they talk about creating loud, energized, and loving environments without falling into hate or mockery. It’s all about gratitude and respecting your opponents.

Using the Spotlight
Aislee shares what it’s like being in the spotlight and how she uses it to be a source of light for the little girls who look up to her. Ammon reflects on the power of clean, uplifting content on his social media platform (@unclebub) and why it matters to be intentional with your influence.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode if you want to:

• Build better time management habits
• Learn how to turn trials into triumph
• Understand how to thrive in your role—even if it’s not the one you imagined
• Compete with class and purpose
• Use your platform to lift and inspire others

📚 Learn more about the Especially for Athletes movement, order the book The Sportlight, or bring the program to your team or school at especiallyforathletes.org

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Especially for Athletes:• Website: https://e4a.org • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EspeciallyForAthletes/ • X: https://x.com/E4Afamily • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/especiallyforathletes/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmbWc7diAvstLMfjBL-bMMQ

Join the conversation using #TheSportlightPodcast

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Credits: Hosted by Shad Martin
Produced by Shad Martin and IMAGINATE STUDIO