Amanda Gaines & Melissa McGhee on Leaks, Legacy, and Leadership | No Counts Given #1

With the University of Minnesota ‪@gophersports‬ and The Ohio State University ‪@ohiostatedanceteam3290‬ we have Amanda Gaines and Melissa McGhee! #podcast #universityofminnesota #theohiostateuniversity #danceteamunion #uda

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In this episode of No Counts Given, we're joined by two powerhouses in the collegiate dance world: Melissa McGhee from The Ohio State University and Amanda Gaines from the University of Minnesota. We dive into the social media "rivalry" between OSU and UMN, explore the evolving landscape of UDA Nationals, and discuss what it takes to set the standard in competitive college dance.

From training with intention to the impact of choreographic choices like switching from “This Woman’s Work” to “Lose Yourself to breaking down the controversial leaked OSU Pom video, debate artistry vs. athleticism, and talk about the future of Pom, recruiting practices, and navigating the elite dance team world.

Whether you're a coach, dancer, alum, or fan of performance cheer and college dance teams, this episode delivers unmatched behind-the-scenes access and perspective from two of the sport’s most respected voices.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00-0:09 Episode Intro 
0:10-1:04 Flight Contest for 2026 DTU Nationals
1:05-4:10 Welcome to No Counts Given 
4:11-6:26  Amanda Gaines and Melissa McGhee Intro
6:27-7:45 Who is Amanda Gaines? 
7:46-8:33 Who is Melissa McGhee?
8:34-14:15 Respected Rivalry between University of Minnesota and The Ohio State University
14:16-19:55 The Ohio State University 2025 Leaked Video
19:56-24:12 University of Minnesota Change from “This Womans Work” to “Lose Yourself” 
24:13-25:14 Dance Team Union: Your Voice Matters!
25:15-29:13 Artistry or Athletism? 
29:14-32:51 Setting a Category Standard for UDA Nationals
32:52-35:00 The Ohio State University Giving Up Pom!? 
35:01-38:08 Common College Dance Team Recruiting
38:09-41:46 Being the “Standard” for Dance Team 
41:47-44:16 TRAIN WITH INTENTION!
44:17-47:59 Competition Restrictions and Limitations 
48:00-52:17 Kyle is TIRED! Performance Cheer or Dance Team?!
52:18-53:30 Thank you Melissa McGhee and Amanda Gaines! 
53:31-54:42 Episode Closing