Merhonda Bridges is a native of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where her passion for cheerleading began at a young age and continued through high school. Cheer became more than just a sport for her it became a foundation for life lessons in teamwork, discipline, confidence, and resilience. She is a graduate of Virginia State University.

Merhonda is also a devoted mother of two and grandmother of one. Her love for the sport deepened as she supported her daughter’s journey through cheer, from early childhood through high school, including years at the all-star level. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for the commitment it takes to succeed in competitive cheer and fueled her desire to create access and opportunity for more families.

She began her leadership journey as a cheer coach and director at a local recreation center, where she launched a recreational competitive cheer program with a clear purpose:

To give athletes the chance to train and compete at a high level without financial barriers.

Her vision was to offer athletes the energy, structure, and excitement of elite competition while remaining accessible and affordable for families.

Under Merhonda’s leadership, she and her team of experienced coaches have led athletes to earn national titles at prestigious events such as the Varsity Recreational Summit, U.S. Finals, ACDA Reach The Beach, and The One Finals.

In addition to her work in cheer, Merhonda brings over 20 years of experience in financial and budget management, serving as the Treasurer of United Sports Alliance and ensuring strong organizational oversight and sustainability.

Today, Merhonda proudly serves as Co-Founder and Treasurer of United Sports Alliance and Cheer Director of United Cheer, one of the organization’s signature programs. She continues to lead with vision, purpose, and pride, creating an environment where young athletes are empowered to grow not just as performers, but as people. She is committed to building programs that uplift communities and strengthen character through sport.

Merhonda is a registered member of USA Cheer, the national governing body for cheerleading, reflecting her dedication to safety, education, and excellence in the sport.

Through United Sports Alliance, Merhonda is helping to shape a future where all youth can develop, compete, and thrive. Her work is guided by the core values of unity, inclusivity, integrity, and excellence ensuring that every athlete has a place to belong, a team to grow with, and the chance to shine.