Our Coaching Staff
Our staff strives to create confident, motivated cheerleaders with outstanding athletic and leadership skills. While we focus on individual skills, our main goal is to mold our athletes into members of a team that conducts itself with the utmost sportsmanlike conduct.
All of our coaches are experienced cheerleaders and coaches who are excited about helping our athletes work toward a rewarding season.
Michael Whitney
Owner, Coach
Michael and his wife Kristi opened KC Cheer in 1999. Michael graduated from Kansas State University, where he was a member of the cheer squad. Michael has coached many athletes from the time they were five years old all the way until they were seniors in high school. He loves when alumni come back to the gym to visit. Michael is a dad to Harrison and Ashleigh.
Kristi Whitney
Owner, Coach
Kristi is the co-owner of KC Cheer. She and her husband Michael graduated from Kansas State University. Kristi works with boys and girls of all ages in the gym, and is the primary contact for parent information and allstar program information. From the youth kids on Fuel all the way to the level 6 teams, Kristi is there to teach them to have the confidence they need to perform to the best of their abilities. Kristi is a mom to Harrison and Ashleigh. Contact Kristi
Mary Lewis
Gym Manager
When you walk in the door of KC Cheer, chances are Mary is going to be the first face you see. She's been part of the gym since 2002 when her daughter Katie joined the allstar program. When Katie graduated, Mary was hired on full-time as the gym operations manager. She takes care of billing, travel, practice wear, and classes. It's her job to organize all of the travel for the competitive teams, as well as all of the financial elements of KC Cheer. You can contact Mary with questions about payments, class registration, and travel.
Ashleigh Whitney
All Star Elite Team Coach & Tumbling Class Coach.
Ashleigh was on KC Cheer for 14 years, and is honored to have wrapped up her 15th season winning the bronze medal at worlds with Fierce 5. Ashleigh has experience with athletes of all ages and all skill levels. Contact Ashleigh
Harrison Whitney
Coach, Tumbling Instructor, Private Lessons
Harrison was an athlete at KC Cheer for 10 years and is starting his fifth year as a coach this season. He was on Fierce 5 for six years, where he led the team to a fourth place finish at The Cheerleading Worlds in 2014 and 5th place in 2015. For the past 4 years, Harrison has coached his teams to The Summit. Harrison is is available for private lessons. Contact Harrison
Amanda Ford
All Star Elite Team Coach
Private Lessons
Amanda was an athlete in the program (back before there were levels in all-star and we were the razors!) She has been a coach since 2017. Amanda has worked with all ages of athletes and specializes in lower level tumbling technique.
Kelly Walters
Team Coach
Tami Rose
Cheerabilities Coach
I am a wife, mom and a special education teacher. I have my masters and have taught special education at the elementary level in Olathe for the past 15 years. With several years of experience in education, I have developed a deep understanding and passion for supporting children with special needs. Cheerleading skills boosts kids confidence, helps them build strength and instills a sense of belonging within a team. I believe in the power of inclusive sports and the positive impact it has on the physical and social development of children with special needs. I feel that KC Cheer creates a safe and supportive environment where cheerleaders can build their self-confidence, improve their coordination, and develop lasting friendships. I am excited to be part of the Firecrackers team this season.
Anna Bridges
Tiny Team Coach
