Built under pressure. Trusting the Process. Living in Purpose.
More Than Cheer. A Home With Purpose.
828 Elite Cheer exists to build athletes who are well-rounded, competitive, and confident — not just on the mat, but in life.
Founded and led by Coach Ken, 828 Elite was created out of a deep belief that youth deserve more than a program. They deserve a home — a place where they are seen, challenged, supported, and believed in while they discover who they are and who they’re becoming.Our work is rooted in purpose, guided by integrity, and driven by a standard of excellence that prioritizes the whole athlete.
Our Story
Coach Ken has spent 11 years coaching youth athletes, watching firsthand how sports can either build confidence or break it — depending on the environment.
In 2023, she launched her first competitive cheer program with 13 athletes who had never cheered before. Many came from tumbling backgrounds, ranging from cartwheels to full-twisting layouts. What they lacked in cheer experience, they made up for in heart, discipline, and potential.
By the following season, the program grew to 16 athletes, rebranded, and took the floor for an exhibition performance — executing a clean, confident routine that reflected growth, trust, and preparation.
Today, the program has expanded to 30 athletes in its second full season, operating under the theme Unbreakable Legacy — a reflection of the resilience, confidence, and character being built in every athlete who walks through the doors.
That growth didn’t happen by accident. It happened because families trusted the process — and because athletes felt safe, supported, and believed in.
Understanding Our Name
Why “828”? Why “Elite”?
Names matter — and ours was chosen with intention.
Why 828
The name 828 comes from Romans 8:28, a verse that reminds us that all things work together for good when purpose is present.
For us, 828 represents calling, alignment, and trust in the process — even when the path is challenging. It reflects the belief that every athlete’s journey matters, and that growth, resilience, and purpose are being built even in moments that don’t feel easy.
828 is a reminder that this program exists for more than performance. It exists to serve, develop, and uplift youth as they discover who they are and who they are becoming.
What “Elite” Means to Us
At 828, elite is not about exclusivity, pressure, or winning at all costs.
Elite means a standard of excellence.
It means:
- Leading with integrity
- Prioritizing athlete mental health
- Choosing character over trophies
- Holding high expectations while providing strong support
Being elite is about how we train, how we treat people, and how we develop the whole athlete — on and off the mat.
Together, 828 Elite Cheer represents a commitment to purpose-driven excellence, intentional leadership, and creating a home where athletes are believed in until they learn to believe in themselves.
Our Mission, Vision and Heart
Mission
The mission of 828 Elite Cheer is to develop confident, disciplined, and purpose-driven youth through competitive cheerleading, academic support, mentorship, and inclusive programming—empowering every child to thrive athletically, academically, socially, and spiritually.
Vision
Our vision is a generation of youth who know their worth, walk in discipline, pursue excellence, and lead with purpose—on the mat, in the classroom, and in life.
Heart
828 Elite Cheer was born out of obedience to a God-given calling: to serve youth who are too often overlooked, underestimated, or misunderstood.
This organization is not just about cheerleading. It is about creating a home with purpose—a place where every child is seen, supported, challenged, and loved.
We believe that talent without support fades, discipline without compassion breaks spirits, and potential without opportunity goes unrealized.
828 Elite Cheer exists to stand in that gap.
Promise
828 Elite Cheer is more than a program. It is a promise.
A promise that talent will be nurtured. A promise that academics will matter. A promise that special needs will never mean lesser value.
A promise that every child who walks through our doors will know they were created on purpose—for a purpose.
Core Values
Discipline
Consistency, structure, and accountability build confidence and character.
Excellence
We pursue high standards in athletics, academics, leadership, and conduct.
Integrity
We lead honestly, responsibly, and with transparency.
Compassion
We meet youth where they are and help them rise.
Meet the founder
Coach Kenya – Owner & Founder
Coach Ken is the Executive Director of 828 Elite Cheer, Inc. and the Owner of 828 Elite Competitive Cheer, LLC.
She is known for her ability to develop confident, disciplined athletes while creating an environment where youth feel safe, supported, and appropriately challenged. Parents consistently describe her as a coach their children trust — and a leader who believes in athletes before they believe in themselves.
As one parent shared:
“We believe in you, we support you, and we’re absolutely coming with you.”
Another simply said:
“My daughter told me she doesn’t want to cheer for anyone but Coach Ken.”
Just days before the launch of 828 Elite Cheer, Coach Ken received an unexpected message from her own childhood coach — a full-circle moment that affirmed her calling:
“You are amazing. We need more of you in the world working with these young people. You have a gift.”
That trust — from parents, athletes, and mentors who helped shape her journey — is the foundation of everything we do at 828 Elite Cheer.
Founder’s Story
The moment I realized I had to build 828 Elite Cheer was when I could no longer do what I knew was best for the kids because I did not have the authority to make those decisions.
For several years, I coached and helped develop a competitive cheer program operating within an existing gym. Alongside a dedicated coaching staff, we took athletes who had little to no cheer experience and developed them into confident performers. Families trusted us. Athletes grew. The culture was strong.
However, as the program grew, it became clear that while the athletes were thriving, the structure did not allow for the level of athlete advocacy, mental health prioritization, and integrity-driven leadership that I believe youth deserve.
That realization led to the creation of 828 Elite Cheer — a newly established organization built to place youth first in every decision.