In the Spotlight: KC Cheer

KC Cheer Fierce

Would you believe that a well-known gym like KC Cheer started with only 13 athletes practicing in a rented church? Yes, you read that right. Today, the gym is MUCH more significant, with WAY more than 13 athletes, but the level of ambition within the program has remained constant since day one. Their incredible 22-year journey (and counting) has resulted in countless new experiences, athletes turned into coaches, National and World titles, and memories that will last a lifetime.

KC Cheer was founded in 1998 by Michael and Kristi Whitney, a power duo with a shared passion for leading others and dreams larger than most can imagine. The two worked at several recreational and all-star cheerleading programs, gaining experience and learning the intricacies of the industry before going all-in with their very own gym. Both Michael and Kristi grew up with a strong desire to coach youth sports, knowing they had the ability and experience to make athletes' dreams come true, assisting them in personal growth and development along the way. Their urge to build something great, combined with their various cheerleading experiences are what led to the enormous success of their gym.

Though the Kansas City area wasn't previously a booming all-star cheerleading region, the two recognized what the city was lacking and knew the potential was there. As you may imagine, many challenges come along with starting an all-star cheerleading gym, especially in an area that isn't already thriving with young cheerleaders looking for a place to train. But that didn't stop Michael and Kristi; they faced the challenge head-on.

It may surprise KC Cheer's thousands of dedicated fans to learn that this powerhouse gym began with just 13 cheerleaders practicing in a rented church and racquetball gym.

But it didn't matter where they were practicing. They had a vision and a handful of hard workers. They knew that to accomplish their dreams, all they had to do was to start.

Although the circumstances weren't "perfect", the success of a team ultimately comes down to the drive of the coaches and athletes. They may have lacked the best equipment, but they had plenty of heart.

KC Fearless

KC Cheer has had many defining moments over the years that led them to where they are today. One moment the Whitney's have always taken pride in, said Kristi, was "finally being able to have a building we could call 'home' and not have to travel around the city to find gym space."

Facility ownership was a huge stepping stone in their pathway to success. Fast forward several years later, and KC Cheer had so many spectators at their Showcase that the Fire Department had to sit outside to regulate admission. Talk about a transformation from their practices in a racquetball gym!

More recently, KC Cheer's teams placed in the top 10 at Worlds, bringing home the Bronze Globe in 2017. They also participated in the Majors in 2018, an exclusive competition at which only a few teams in the industry ever have the opportunity to compete. This list of accomplishments and stand-out moments goes on and on.

"Some of the most defining moments of our career have been some of what others may consider 'small,' but most of the time, those are the ones we cherish the most," said Kristi.

KC Cheer formed a 501c3 for their Booster Club so that many families could benefit from fundraising. It is obvious the KC Cheer owners and staff are more than a cheer gym; they are a family that has each other's backs and wants to see one another succeed in and out of the cheer world.

Why red and black, we asked?

"We chose red and black for our colors because I felt like the red would "pop" more off the blue mat than most other colors we considered," said Kristi.

Well, they were right. Plus, being in Kansas City, the home of the Chiefs, the red was a clear choice and a fantastic representation of their story. Their red and black Rebel uniforms stand out, that's for sure. KC Cheer chooses to wear Rebel because they believe in the power of a gorgeous uniform giving athletes an extra boost of confidence to absolutely slay their routine.

On top of that, Rebel can bring the creative visions KC Cheer has dreamt up over the years to life. As trendsetters in the industry, they never shy away from outfitting their teams in uniforms and practice wear that will cause double-takes and drop the jaws of competitors and fans.

KC Cheer prides itself in its tight-knit gym where the gym owners form a relationship with every family that comes through the doors.

"We hope to always teach more than "cheerleading" and create individuals prepared for life's ups and downs," said Kristi.

KC Cheer athletes and staff are lucky to call their gym "home" and with a dynamic like theirs, their success is only climbing from here.