KALAMAZOO, Mich. — 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.
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“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…