WE ARE
ALL-STARS
ABOUT THE NATION
WORK. HUSTLE. REPEAT.
United Rock Nation is dedicated to teaching our athletes the value of commitment, hard work, sacrifice, the meaning of TEAM, integrity, leadership, self-confidence and positive attitudes; all while instilling and nurturing a love for the sport of cheerleading. For over 11 years, our goal has always been to be the most united family and offer the best program in the nation, as well as enrich the lives of all of our athletes and their families through our love and passion for the sport of competitive cheerleading.
Our staff takes great pride in working with all our athletes, from beginner to elite. We strive in assisting each athlete to not only reach, but surpass their personal goals while instilling key leadership qualities to last a lifetime. We build champions through love, disciplined training, teamwork, and dedication to the United Rock Nation family... the family that ROCKS!
OUR SERVICES
TRAINING ATHLETES FOR EXCELLENCE
TUMBLING
Strong basics in handstands, cartwheels and back bends are the fundamentals of tumbling and essential for competitive cheerleading.
JUMP
From herkies to pikes, and turntables to a toe-touch, we have the tools to launch you skyward into success.
STRETCH
Nimble, strong and flexible all start with a good routine in stretch. And if you want to be a flyer, it all starts here.
FLYER/STUNT
The most coveted position on the team comes with the greatest amount of focus, skill, power and trust in their team.
ONE ON ONES
Sometimes we need to focus on ourselves. Private lessons ensure we concentrate on areas most important to your progression.
FLOOR
Need a space to practice? Looking to prep for the big game? Between our classes, the floor is yours with available hourly rentals.
FLOOR HOURS
92,696
ATHLETES TRAINED
2,532
AWARDS WON
657
SOME STATS
THE BLOG
THE LATEST AT UNITED ROCK NATION
EVERY FAMILY HAS A STORY
It all began back in 1994 at Miami’s first cheer gym, Cheer Factory. Ernie, a high school junior, was a first-year staff member and Shannon, a first-time cheerleader, was a student in both of his tumbling classes...
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2018-2019 HIGHLIGHTS
The 2nd season of our 10th anniversary celebration was one of new beginnings and growth. We came out of the gate with a summit bid, followed by a year of excellence for all team across all levels...
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2017-2018 HIGHLIGHTS
2017-18 proved to be such an amazing way to celebrate the first season of our 10th anniversary. United Rock Nation, earned many Grand, State, National, and International Titles...
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NAPOLEON HILL
"PATIENCE, PERSISTENCE AND PERSPIRATION MAKE AN UNBEATABLE COMBINATION FOR SUCCESS."
OUR COACHES
MEET THE COACHES
SHANNON BUCKNER
CO-FOUNDER/OWNER
During her years as an All-Star competitive cheerleader, Shannon has won 2 gold medals competing in the Junior Olympics, over 50 National Championship titles, 10 State Championships and a World Championship. After years of training, competing and even coaching at a collegiate level for the Florida International University Panthers, Shannon decided in 2008 that it was time to make her presence official in the national competitive cheerleading arena and opened the doors to her own private facility in Miami, Florida. Since then, the gym has achieved 2 International All-Level Grand Championships, 3 International All-Level Championships, over 30 National Championships, 10 State Championships and numerous regional titles.
MEGAN BUCKNER
HEAD COACH
10 National Championships, 5 State Championships and numerous regional titles has solidified Megan in the competitive cheerleading sport. For over 7 years Megan has coached and nurtured all our athletes, pushing them to excel at every level. She is not shy to hard work and is a huge motivator for our team. Her knowledge, vision and dedication has been a driving force at keeping U.R.N. at the top of our game.
ERNIE VALDES
COACH
Ernie Valdes was born and raised in Miami where he got his start as an All-Star cheerleader. He has coached, directed, and served as the in-house choreographer for several successful cheer programs throughout the country. Early in Ernie's coaching career, he head coached Top Gun Jr All-Stars where he had the privilege of coaching United Rock Nation's owner and founder, Shannon Buckner. This team later became the first Top Gun Sr. Lady Jags team. As he pursued his four year degree at FIU in Miami, he went on to form his own program, the Legend All-Stars. As an athlete, he was nominated both high school and collegiate All-American and was a member of the 1996 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies Performance Team. During the end of his own cheer career, he went on to win the top prize “NCA Nationals Grand Champion” by beating every other team at the college level while competing with the Florida International University Competition Cheer Squad. As a coach and choreographer, Ernie has won numerous innovative choreography awards, as well as several NCA, UCA, JAMFEST, WSF, and USASF Worlds Titles. While away from Florida Ernie has coached at the college level, by joining the coaching staff at the University of Maryland. He was also part of the world champion winning coaching staff at Maryland Twisters and ICE of Illinois. Ernie is a great motivator. His passion and work ethic is easily noticed around the gym and at competitions. He loves what he does and feels blessed to have the opportunity to work with such incredible athletes. He is a teacher, mentor and a wonderful role model for everyone at United Rock Nation.
Joshua Stone
COACH
We are thrilled to announce Joshua Stone as another phenomenal addition to the United Rock Nation Family in 2018. Joshua has an absolutely amazing history of success as an athlete, coach and leader that spans nearly two decades. Raised in Elkhart, IN, Joshua’s passion for the sport was ignited in his teens and led the way for him to cheer at the collegiate level for Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. There he earned his Bachelor Degree in Health and Fitness and graduated from Purdue University in 2011. As a former athlete, he then returned to his childhood program of ICE All-Stars in Aurora, IL and began coaching. During his tenure coaching, Joshua has been the head coach of numerous competitive NCA National Champion, Summit finalists and mid-season teams that have been highly successful locally and nationally with over 70 National titles in the past 6 years alone! Joshua’s passion is coaching and mentoring kids of all ages and specializes in drill emphasis, technique correction and tumbling progression. His goal is to teach his athletes life long lessons that will help kids of today become successful thinkers and adults of tomorrow.
Katie Gow-Soto
After just finishing our first season with United Rock Nation, there’s a reason why I was told by many that this is “The Family that Rocks”. I can truly say my daughter absolutely LOVED her experience this season. The Coaches/Owners treat their athletes and families as their own family. I am truly blessed that we are a part of such an incredible program that genuinely cares about the well-being of the athlete and their skill ability, always giving positive reinforcement and motivation to strive to do better and focusing on the best interest of the athlete. Thank you United Rock Nation. You guys ROCK and we’re looking forward to another exciting season with our cheer family!
Marianela Sanchez
Mas que orgullosa de formar parte de la familia de United Rock Nation. Gracias por la ayudar tanto a mi niña en su primer año de muchos.
Lydia Losas
I am forever grateful for how confident my daughter became after just her first season cheering. Thank you United Rock Nation Coaches and Staff for teaching so much more than just skills.
CONTACT US
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
7200 NW 46th Street
Miami, Florida 33166
305-597-0002
info@unitedrocknation.com