From former cheerleader to head coach, Gardner has led Kalamazoo Central cheer since 1990 скачать в хорошем качестве

From former cheerleader to head coach, Gardner has led Kalamazoo Central cheer since 1990

Dr. Deveta Gardner has served as a coach of the Kalamazoo Central High School cheer team since 1990, graduating from the school and cheerleading squad back in 1986. Throughout her time as coach, Gardner has mentored and supported hundreds of young women, some of whom have returned to assistant coach alongside her. "Cheer is a byproduct of their opportunity to learn accountability, responsibility, discipline, and commitment," Gardner said. "...it's important for me, for my team, to be able to show up like every other team in this state and to hold them accountable for what that looks like. Kalamazoo Central's 2025-2026 competitive cheer team consists of over 20 student athletes, which Gardner calls one of the most diverse group of girls competing in the area. "There are not a whole lot of, you know, coaches that look like me, so, building an understanding for our children is important," Gardner said. "I honor and celebrate what it is to be a Black woman and to have a team in an urban district that is diverse. They come from all different backgrounds, but it is important to remind them when we go into places you come from an urban district and everybody doesn't celebrate that." Along with preparing the girls for what life after high school may be like, Gardner also provides opportunities for leadership after graduation. Aleigha Wheatly cheered for Gardner from 2006-2010, and now serves as assistant coach. "I would definitely say it's a full circle," Wheatly said. According to Wheatly, Gardner is a listening ear and willing to give advice on all things from academics to lifestyle choices. "She's one of the first people I would go to for that advice," Wheatly said. A similar sentiment echoed by current cheerleaders, who agree that Gardner's role in their lives has gone beyond their school's gymnasium. "I you don't believe in yourself no one else is going to believe in you," Senior Vee Ngyuen said. "She was like, one of the main ones that taught me that." Gardner's lasting impact on current and graduated cheerleaders is proof that the biggest cheerleaders aren't always in uniform. https://wwmt.com/news/local/cheer-che... _______________ Stay up to date with our social media: WWMT on Facebook:   / wwmtnews   WWMT on Twitter:   / wwmtnews   Subscribe to WWMT on YouTube:    / @wwmtnews   WWMT Daily News Digest:    • WWMT-TV Daily Digest   For more information, visit https://www.wwmt.com/ Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: desk@wwmt.com Call the Newsroom: 800.875.3333 WWMT is a MI based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. #WWMT #NEWSCHANNEL3 #Kalamazoo #Michigan #Cheerleading #competitivecheer #KalamazooCentral #DrDevetaGardner #TeannaBarnes #blackhistorymonth2026 #100yearsofblackhistory #Leadership #Team #discipline #studentathlete #Communityspotlight