Coach Kesha McGee -

Co-Director/PEARLS Coach/Education Director

Kesha is a member of Victory Apostolic Church and serves weekly during the Victory Worship Service in the Vessels of Victory Sanctuary Choir.  Kesha was a former Pep Squad Member at Hillcrest High School, Home of the Hawks.  In 2011-2012, 2012-2013, and 2013-2014 Coach Kesha served as Coach for the Thunderettes Pearls.  In 2015-2016 Kesha coached the Sapphires Team, and in both 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, Kesha Coached the Rubies.  Kesha enjoys seeing the growth of our smallest gems, and works diligently with them each week to help them learn and practice, and transition to the next level.  In addition, Kesha works to ensure that all incoming Coaches receive proper training in preparation of their role in the Ministry.  Coach Kesha is CPR/AED Certified.  Coach Kesha is an AACCA Safety Certified Coach*. 2017-2018 marks her seventh season as a Thunderettes Cheerleading Coach.  In May of 2013, Coach Kesha completed the IRCA Voices Coaches Conference Training.  Kesha is married with two beautiful daughters who also participate in ministries at Victory (her daughter Ja'ia cheers with the Sapphires, and her daughter Ja'Niyah cheers with the Rubies).

 

 

Coach Cassandra Jenkins (Coach San) -            

Co-Director/Competition Jr. Varsity Coach/Athletic Director

Cassandra has been a member of Victory Apostolic Church since 2004, and serves diligently with our youth as Co-Director for the Junior Vessels of Victory Youth Choir.  She also serves weekly during the Victory Worship Service in the Vessels of Victory Sanctuary Choir, is a leader of the Marriage Mentoring Ministry, and is a member of the Cultural Arts Ministry.  Cassandra has experience in the sport of Cheerleading, and was a former cheerleader at Hillcrest High School, and the Hazel Crest Mustang Football League.  While with the Mustangs, she was also a Jr. Coach.  2017-2018 marks her seventh season as a Thunderettes Cheerleading Coach, and her sixth year Coaching a competition team.  Coach Cassandra is an AACCA Safety Certified Coach*.  Cassandra brings exceptional energy and team spirit to the Thunderettes Ministry and provides direction to Coaches on all Team Levels. She is married with three children, and the entire family participates in several ministries at Victory (her daughter Mya is a former cheerleader with the Thunderettes Fall Performance and Competition Teams, and her son Myles is a former Equipment Manager for the Thunderettes Ministry). Coach Cassandra completed the IRCA Voices Coaches Conference Training, as well as completing CPR/AED Training.  We are very blessed to have Cassandra serve in such a dedicated capacity to the Thunderettes Ministry.  She is looking forward to watching this Ministry grow!

 

Coach CoMakiya Smith (Coach Kiya) -

Co-Director/Coach/Communications Director

CoMakiya "Kiya" has been a member of Victory Apostolic Church since 2006, serves weekly during the Victory Worship Service in the Vessels of Victory Sanctuary Choir, and is an Assistant Leader of a Women's Ministry Small Group.  Kiya also serves as an assistant for the F.Y.R.E. (Faithful Youth Reaching Everyone) Choir for the teens and young adults at Victory.  Her passion for the Thunderettes Ministry is fueled by the impact she sees in the spiritual growth and development of the Team Members. Coach Kiya is an AACCA Safety Certified Coach* and is a recipient of the President's Challenge - Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). 2017-2018 marks her seventh season as a Thunderettes Cheerleading Coach.  In 2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, and 2016-2017 Coach Kiya served as a Coach for the Thunderettes Emeralds Fall Performance Team.  She is also a Coach for the Southland Prep HS Varsity Cheerleading Team for two years.  Coach Kiya completed the IRCA Voices Coaches Conference Training, as well as completing CPR/AED Training.  Coach Kiya works throughout the year to ensure that scheduling and communications between the Coaching Staff, Parents, and Team Members are flowing smoothly via e-mail, voicemail and automated calling, website maintenance, and social media.  In her spare time, she enjoys exercising and participating in competitive races. CoMakiya is married with two children who also participate in other ministries at Victory (her daughter MaKiya, a former cheerleader with the Thunderettes Fall Performance and Competition Teams, is a Junior Coach with the Ministry, and her son MaKari is a former Equipment Manager for the Thunderettes Ministry).

 

 

Coach Kelly Gary -

S.P.O.R.T.S. Ministry Co-Director/ Competition Varsity Coach

Coach Kelly is a member of Victory Apostolic Church.  She serves weekly during the Victory Worship Service in the Vessels of Victory Sanctuary Choir, with the Cultural Arts Ministry, is a Co-Director of the S.P.O.R.T.S. Ministry Basketball and Baseball Teams, and is the Fundraising Coordinator for all R.O.C.K. Youth Ministries at Victory Apostolic Church.  Kelly has experience in the sport of Cheerleading, and has coached several other Teams, including the Harvey Colts, and has coached other teams for competition cheer.  2017-2018 marks her seventh season as a Thunderettes Cheerleading Coach, and her sixth year as the Varsity Competition Team Coach. Coach Kelly completed the IRCA Voices Coaches Conference Training.   Coach Kelly is an AACCA Safety Certified Coach*.  Her daughter Lisa is also a Coach for the Varsity Competition Team.

 

 

Coach Amber Whitted -
Competition Team Choreographer

Coach Amber is a member of Victory Apostolic Church.  She serves weekly during the Victory Worship Service in the Vessels of Victory Sanctuary Choir, and with the Instruments of Praise Liturgical Dance Ministry.  Coach Amber also works with the youth at Victory by providing instruction to the Petite and Junior Instruments of Praise Ministry.  Coach Amber provided the wonderfully creative routine performed by the Thunderettes at the 2012 Victory Jam, and provides the phenomenal dance routines for the Jr. Varsity Competition team in since 2012.  2017-2018 marks her sixth season as a Thunderettes Competition Cheerleading Coach. 

 

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Coach Deloris Walker -
JV Competition Team Coach

Coach Dee Dee is a member of Victory Apostolic Church.  She serves during the Victory Worship Service in the Instruments of Praise Liturgical Dance Ministry. 

 

 

 

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Coach Angela May-
JV Competition Team Coach

Coach Angie is a member of Victory Apostolic Church.  She serves weekly during the Victory Worship Service in the Vessels of Victory Sanctuary Choir, and with the Instruments of Praise Liturgical Dance Ministry. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Lisa Gary -
Competition Team Choreographer

Coach Lisa is a member of Victory Apostolic Church.  Lisa has several years of experience in the sport of Cheerleading, and provides instruction and guidance to the Junior Coaches on all levels of the Thunderettes Teams.  2017-2018 marks her seventh season as a Thunderettes Cheerleading Coach. Coach Lisa is a college student, and also cheers on her collegiate team.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coach LaShunte Walton (Coach La-Lo) -

PEARLS Coach

Coach LaShunte is a member of Victory Apostolic Church.  She has prior experience as a Cheerleading Coach, and in 2011-2012 through our current season, she brings a sincere level of love, nurturing, and support to our 4 and 5-year-old Gems on the Pearls Team.  Coach LaShunte is CPR Certified.  2017-2018 marks her seventh season as a Thunderettes Cheerleading Coach.  We love Coach LaShunte's energy and enthusiasm!  

 

 

 

 

Coach Fannie Ivy -

PEARLS Coach

Coach Ivy has been a member of Victory Apostolic Church for six years and serves with the Ministerial Alliance, VOICE Outreach Ministry, Vessels of Victory Sanctuary Choir, and Singles Ministry.  Coach Ivy is so excited to work with our Precious Pearls this season.  She is sure to help them have smiles on their faces each week and have lots of super-duper-fun!  2012-2013 marks her first season as a Thunderettes Cheerleading Coach.  Coach Ivy is a former majorette, and shares outreach skills with the Team.  Coach Ivy has one son, who is also a member of Victory.  



 



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Coach Mariah - Mariah loves cheerleading and has been a Jr. Coach with the Thunderettes ministry since 2011.  Mariah has served as a Jr. Coach for the Thunderettes Emeralds and Diamonds Teams, as well as the Jr. Varsity Competition Team.  She has also served as a Jr. Coach with the Richton Park Raiders Football Cheerleading Team.  Mariah has cheered with the Richton Park Raiders, and with the Rich East Rockets High School Cheerleading Team.

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JUNIOR COACHING STAFF: MaKiya

Our Junior Coaches LOVE the sport of cheerleading and work diligently each week to ensure that our team members learn proper techniques, build confidence, and receive peer support as they develop in the sport.  They are wonderful additions to our Ministry, and we pray for their success continually as they navigate through High School and prepare for their future endeavors. 

 

Jr. Coach MaKiya - MaKiya has been a part of the Thunderettes ministry since 2011 as a Team Member with the Emeralds 5th/6th Grade Team, then as a member of the Diamonds 7th/8th Grade Team and the Varsity Competition Team.  She has also cheered with the Illinois Wolves team and the Huth Knights Team.  She was the recipient of the S.P.O.R.T.S. Ministry Light Award in 2012, and she received recognition for outstanding cheerleading from the Huth Knights.  MaKiya is a three year member and Co-Captain of her High School Team

 

 

EQUIPMENT MANAGERS:  Myles and MaKari 

Throughout the season, our equipment managers always lend a hand wherever needed by transporting supplies and exercise equipment, as well as setting up, and breaking down tumbling safety equipment.  They also play an active role as Team Photographers capturing us in practice and performances so we can relive our most exciting moments in pictures.  They are a vital part of the Thunderettes Ministry, and their service is always welcomed and appreciated.

 

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SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Pastor Andrew D. Singleton Jr., Pastor Andrew Singleton III, Pastor Steve Wright, Gwen Benton, Yevette LaVine, O'Brian Jenkins, James McGee, Erik Smith, Dr. Takara Ebbin, and Evangelist Tracye Hutsona 

Our Ministry is held together by an awesome group of loving parents and supporters.  We would like to give special Thank You's to the supporters who have gone the extra mile either up front, or behind the scenes in order to make our season run smoothly.

 

 

*AACCA Certified Coach Search:  http://aacca.org/content.aspx?item=Resources/CoachSearch.xml

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​Coaching Inquiries
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Thank you for considering the opportunity to support our youth as a Coach or Junior Coach for the Victory Thunderettes Youth Cheer Team!

We are preparing for an amazing season, and look forward to welcoming new members of our Team, who are willing to share their gifts and talents with the youth of Victory Apostolic Church and our community! As an approved Coach or Junior Coach on this Team, you will represent the values of Victory Apostolic Church and you are always expected to exhibit Christlike behavior, a positive attitude, and appropriate attire during practices and performances.  We always encourage and promote Prayer, Unity, Team Spirit, Sportsmanship, Morale, Healthy Lifestyles, and Community Outreach opportunities for Parents and Youth.  We welcome your ideas and suggestions for making our Team exceptional.  Coaching Experience is not necessary, but is certainly welcome!  Our mission is to assist you throughout the year with training and development, as well as to provide fun team building events and activities.
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Inquiries regarding Coaching should be sent to: thunderettesrock@gmail.com
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Coaching Requirements
Must be age 18+
Must be member of Victory Apostolic Church
Must complete a background check form for Victory Apostolic Church
Must be available for practices Wednesday evenings 6:15 - 9:00 pm (November- April)
Must be available for basketball performances Saturday Mornings (January - March)
Must complete a MANDATORY Screening, and Training sessions
Must complete a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) class and review safety videos on Concussion and Emergency Action Plan Preparation
Coaches are expected to check e-mail regularly throughout the week, respond to inquiries, and communicate with parents as needed


​Junior Coaching Requirements​
Must be in High School (age 14-17) with GPA 2.5 or higher - Grades will be requested at the end of each quarter
Must be reliable and responsible
Must be available for practices Wednesday evenings 6:30-9:00 pm (November - April)
Must be available for basketball performances Saturday Mornings (January - March)
Must review safety videos on Concussion and Emergency Action Plan Preparation
Must complete a MANDATORY Screening and Training sessions
Junior Coaches are expected to check e-mail and/or the Team Website regularly throughout the week, and respond to inquiries as needed