It is fitting that Hilda McDaniel created the first all star cheerleading team because she went on to be one of cheerleading's biggest stars.
 
Although cheerleading had long been a popular sport in schools, competitive teams that were not affiliated with a school didn’t emerge until the 1980's. McDaniel founded the first “all star” team in 1982 in Richmond, Virginia. The Q94 Rockers competed with teams from schools and athletic leagues until 1987 when the National Cheerleading Association created a separate division for these teams.
 
A number of associations sprung up around the all star industry. Without the rules provided by schools and leagues, some all star cheer teams performed dangerous stunts or had unqualified coaches. McDaniel’s helped to found the U.S. All Star Federation, a governing body which creates uniform safety rules and judging standards.
 
McDaniel’s accomplishments did not go unnoticed in the cheerleading world. Both Cheer Biz Magazine and American Cheerleader Magazine named her one of the most influential people in all star cheerleading. American Cheerleader also profiled her for their series “Who’s Who Of All Star Cheerleading.” She was also nominated for Cheer Ltd’s “Coach of the Year.”
 
Although she was dedicated to cheerleading, she also worked for Bell Atlantic Telephone Co. for 30 years. She passed away at the age of 64 in March 2011 and was survived by her daughter and three grandchildren.