Gabi Butler’s Next Leap: From Navarro Legacy to Weber State’s Elite Cheer Program, Fueled by Peak Performance & Silk Oatmilk
For fans of competitive cheerleading, the name Gabi Butler is synonymous with unparalleled skill, dedication, and a captivating on-screen presence. After two challenging seasons with the legendary Navarro College cheerleading team, a period marked by the global pandemic and an unexpected setback at nationals, Butler is embarking on an exciting new chapter. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife.com, the star of Netflix’s acclaimed series Cheer opened up about her decision to move on from Navarro and where her ambitious spirit is leading her next, highlighting her commitment to excellence both on the mat and in her lifestyle, including her partnership with Silk Oatmilk.
A Fresh Start: Gabi Butler Sets Sights on Weber State
The cheer world watched as Gabi Butler navigated the ups and downs of competitive cheerleading, a journey prominently featured in the Emmy-nominated Netflix series Cheer. Her recent seasons with Navarro, while undoubtedly offering valuable experience, concluded with a taste of unfulfilled potential. “I just tried out for Weber State, based in Utah, so I might be going there, which I’m super, super excited about,” Butler revealed to HollywoodLife, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. This potential move represents more than just a change of scenery; it signifies a strategic step in her illustrious career, seeking new challenges and growth opportunities.
The opportunity arose thanks to an unexpected boon for collegiate athletes: an extra year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Because of COVID, they gave everyone one more year of eligibility and I watched Weber and they were just an amazing team and this year they came out with insane skills. So I really was intrigued and I wanted to learn more.” Weber State University’s cheer program is renowned for its innovative routines and high-difficulty stunts, making it an ideal destination for an athlete of Butler’s caliber who is always pushing boundaries. Her attraction to their “insane skills” speaks volumes about her continuous quest for mastery in the sport.
Gabi Butler: A Cheer Icon Before the Netflix Spotlight
While Netflix’sCheer undoubtedly catapulted Gabi Butler into mainstream stardom, she was already a formidable force and a household name within the competitive cheerleading community long before the show’s debut. Known for her exceptional talent and magnetic personality, she had earned a reputation as one of the sport’s finest, celebrated for her breathtaking stunts and precise tumbling. Her journey began at a tender age, illustrating a lifelong commitment to the sport. “I’ve been cheering since I was eight, and now I’m 23, so it’s been a while!” she shared, reflecting on her extensive career.
This long tenure in cheerleading underscores the immense dedication and perseverance required to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Butler elaborated on what it takes to excel: “It takes a lot of focus, it takes a lot of training, and it really takes a person to want to go above and beyond to be the greatest of all time.” These qualities are precisely what she intends to bring to the Weber State team, a program known for its demanding routines and innovative stunt work. The Florida native is eager to contribute her seasoned experience and unwavering drive to a team that performs some of the most challenging stunts in the entire sport, aiming to elevate their collective performance to new heights.
Mastering the Most Challenging Stunts in Competitive Cheer
One particular stunt, a hallmark of elite cheerleading and a specialty of teams like Weber State, truly exemplifies the extreme athleticism involved. Gabi described it: “It’s basically when a guy holds a girl with one hand when she is in a one-handed handstand.” This specific maneuver, known as a one-handed full-extension or a similar variation, demands incredible core strength, balance, trust, and impeccable timing from both the flyer (Gabi) and the base. It’s a testament to the sport’s evolution, where gravity-defying feats are executed with seamless precision, often requiring years of practice to perfect.
Achieving such complex stunts and maintaining a spot on a top-tier team like Weber’s requires an unwavering commitment to training and mental fortitude. “The main thing for training to be on a team like Weber’s is focus and bringing your A-game because it is a very competitive team to be on,” Gabi emphasized. This means not just showing up, but showing up with an intention to push limits every single day. The competitive environment fosters excellence, but also demands extra effort. “I have to put in extra training in, I have to put extra reps in,” she added, highlighting the personal accountability required to succeed at the elite level. Her rigorous approach to training isn’t just about physical conditioning; it’s about mental resilience, precision, and an unyielding desire to perfect every movement.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Gabi Butler (@gabibutler1617)
The Role of Nutrition: Fueling an Elite Cheerleader with Silk Oatmilk
Beyond the countless hours of physical training, a crucial component of Gabi Butler’s sustained success and ability to perform at the highest level comes from her meticulous attention to nutrition. For an athlete whose body is constantly under immense physical stress, the right fuel is not just beneficial, it’s absolutely essential. Gabi’s regimen includes a key plant-based staple: Silk Oatmilk. “I put it in my yogurt, I put it in my coffee, I put it in my smoothies — It has the right nutrients that your body needs,” she explained, emphasizing its versatility and nutritional value.
This approach to diet reflects a deeper understanding of athletic performance. Gabi eloquently summarized her philosophy: “Your body is a temple and it’s like a car, so you have to put gas in your tank to get the proper results.” For competitive cheerleaders, this means consuming foods that provide sustained energy, aid in muscle recovery, and support overall health to prevent injuries. Silk Oatmilk, with its plant-based goodness, offers essential nutrients that contribute to these critical aspects of an athlete’s diet, providing the clean energy required for demanding training sessions and high-stakes competitions. Its smooth taste also makes it an enjoyable addition to various meals and beverages, ensuring she meets her nutritional goals without compromise.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Gabi Butler (@gabibutler1617)
Celebrating Greatness: Silk Oatmilk’s G.O.A.T. Campaign
Gabi Butler’s partnership with Silk Oatmilk extends beyond personal consumption; it’s intertwined with Silk’s recent campaign celebrating its “G.O.A.T.” (Greatest Of All Time) status. A national taste test has officially declared Silk Original Oatmilk as the best-tasting oatmilk on the market, a significant achievement that underscores its quality and appeal. To commemorate this, Silk has launched an engaging campaign that invites everyone to embrace and declare their own “G.O.A.T.” status.
This campaign resonates particularly well with athletes like Gabi, who constantly strive for greatness in their respective fields. For fans and aspiring cheerleaders alike, the campaign offers a fun, interactive way to participate in the celebration of excellence. Silk has introduced an interactive Facebook and Instagram AR (Augmented Reality) filter that allows users to immortalize their selfies into a marble G.O.A.T. bust. This innovative digital experience provides a unique opportunity for individuals to virtually embody the “Greatest Of All Time” moniker, connecting personal aspirations with the brand’s message of superior taste and quality. By encouraging fans to proclaim their own greatness, Silk Oatmilk fosters a community that values achievement and self-confidence, mirroring the very ethos that Gabi Butler embodies in her cheerleading journey.
Looking Ahead: Gabi Butler’s Enduring Impact on Cheerleading
As Gabi Butler prepares for this new chapter at Weber State, her influence on the sport of cheerleading continues to grow. Her transparency on Cheer, coupled with her unwavering dedication, has inspired countless aspiring athletes and brought unprecedented visibility to a sport often misunderstood. Beyond her competitive pursuits, Gabi has become an ambassador for cheerleading, demonstrating the rigorous athleticism, mental toughness, and artistic expression that define it. Her commitment to optimal health and performance, exemplified by her nutrition choices and partnership with Silk Oatmilk, sets a positive example for all athletes.
Whether she’s executing a complex one-handed handstand or advocating for balanced nutrition, Gabi Butler remains a pivotal figure in modern cheerleading. Her move to Weber State is not just a personal career decision; it’s a testament to her persistent pursuit of excellence and a signal that she is far from done leaving her mark on the sport. Fans eagerly await to see how she will continue to push the boundaries of cheerleading, both through her performances and her evolving platform, cementing her legacy as one of the true G.O.A.T.s in the cheer world.