Actress Channels Cheer Coach Monica Aldama in New NBC Sitcom

In the new NBC sitcom Stumble, which premiered on November 7, 2025, actress Jenn Lyon, 45, took on the challenge of channeling the essence of Cheer's renowned coach Monica Aldama. While Courtney, Lyon's character, is inspired by the 55-year-old Aldama, the actress worked to make the role her own.

Aldama, who makes a cameo in Stumble's series premiere, was previously featured on the hit Netflix docuseries Cheer, which followed her and her cheerleading squad at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas as they trained for a national competition. Lyon drew inspiration from observing Aldama's no-nonsense yet nurturing leadership style, as well as her deep expertise in the world of competitive cheerleading.

"Monica is one of those people that you learn by watching them," Lyon shared. "The way she has this encyclopedic knowledge of stunts and the whole world of cheerleading is a wonder to behold. I learned so much by just walking behind her while she was talking to people or sitting beside her and eavesdropping."

With Aldama serving as an executive producer on Stumble, Lyon was able to gain valuable insights that helped her bring the character of Courtney to life in a way that captured the essence of the real-life cheer coach, while still making the role her own.