Ryan, a former High School and College National Title Winning cheerleader and Donna, her legendary cheerleading coach mother, both hold cheerleading tryouts at their respective schools--Ole Miss University and Dunbar High School, in order to choose the best of the best who will help them get to the National Cheerleading Championship. Together, they hope to become the first mother/daughter coaching duo to win their division and make history. However, things become more challenging for Ryan when she finds out she's pregnant with her first child and due the same time as Nationals. How will she juggle her cheer career and pregnancy living in another state? Added pressure from the challenges facing their individual cheerleaders complicates the road to victory.
As Donna prepares her squad for their final football game of the season, some of her senior's stress about their last chance to get on the Nationals mat, while others are struggling with perfecting their tumbling. Meanwhile, coach Ryan focuses on helping some of her cheerleaders that are in need of an extra motivational push - such as, Jordan and Nick who clash over their partner stunt routine. At the football game, Donna receives some heartbreaking news that will change her life forever.
Coach Ryan works overtime to get the squad prepared to perform in front of a crowd at the Ole Miss basketball game. However, Jordan and Nick make it increasingly difficult when they continue to fight over their inability to execute their partner stunts. Meanwhile in Kentucky, Donna grows frustrated with her high schoolers who can't hit their stunts and debates on whether to water down the routines in order to succeed.
Coach Donna needs a win at Regionals in order to secure a spot at Nationals but worries that her girls aren't ready. The pressure becomes overwhelming for Maddie and Elissa, who both strive for perfection under the watchful eyes of their mothers. While at Ole Miss, Coach Ryan warns scholarship student Kevin that if his grades don't improve, he'll not only be off the mat, but he'll lose his scholarship.
For the first time in front of an audience, the Ole Miss squad performs their full Nationals routine during half-time. Freshman center flyer Casey struggles with her stunts leaving Coach Ryan frustrated and seriously considering giving Freshman alternate Jordan a place on the Nationals mat instead. Meanwhile in Kentucky, Coach Donna waters down Elissa's stunt to assure a win at this week's competition.
Despite splitting her time between throwing Ryan's baby shower and intense practices, Donna has high hopes for a 20th State Competition title. But, Mallory's intense stress and lack of sleep could mean disaster on the mat at the competition.
Donna Martin
Self
Ryan O'Connor
Ben Silverman
Producer
Howard Owens
Laurie Girion