You’ve seen our Warren  Hills Cheerleaders  compete for many championships throughout the years, but behind the scenes Kimberlee Sweet puts her all into this team. 

Sweet, who previously coached at Delaware Valley High School, and prior to that, St. Joseph High School,   recently joined the Warren Hills coaching staff just last year. Sweet gained her coaching passion at Belvidere High School where she cheered for all four years, attending the State Championship in 1999.  During her senior year, Sweet helped her head coach with the choreography. 

Sweet also partook in the sport throughout her college career at East Stroudsburg University, where she was a part of the competitive cheer team.

  After graduating high school, Sweet was given the chance to work for a company called UCA (Universal Cheerleading Association).  

“This experience changed me,” she said. “I worked for this company for 20 years and have been blessed with so many opportunities and experiences.”

 This is Sweet’s 17th year coaching; her second at Warren Hills.

“I am beyond grateful to be here at Warren Hills,” she said. “Coaching here is one of my favorite places. The athletes, the atmosphere, the spirit, the support, it’s all so refreshing.”

 “Last year was an awesome year for the team,” she continued. “We achieved our goals and really grew together as a program. It is not always easy having a new coach come in and have to build rapport and start from scratch, but I feel the transition was seamless for both me and the athletes.”

Since Sweet has been coaching, the team has achieved multiple titles, including Hackettstown/Warren/Sussex Champs, Regional Champs, State Champs and placing 4th in the nation.

 “I feel like I have known these kids for years and wish I found them sooner,” she said. “We are a true family and support each other through all the good and bad times. Most of these athletes have been cheering together since they were young, their bond is so special and it is such a privilege being on this journey with them so far.” 

During the time Sweet has been coaching, the team has achieved multiple accomplishments including, Hackettstown/Warren/Sussex Champs, Regional Champs, State Champs and placing 4th in the nation. 

Sweet has even bigger goals for this year’s winter season.

 “We are setting ourselves up to defend our titles from last season, while also going for a National Championship,” she said. “This team is the team to make Warren Hills history.” 

Sweet said the relationships she has built throughout the years  is what keeps her inspired.

“Staying in touch with athletes over the years and attending their college games or being invited to their weddings or holding their babies, the relationships truly keep me going,” she said. “I am blessed to have a community of people who support each other and cheer each other on, all because of this little world we are a part of, called Cheerleading.  But most importantly, being a part of these young athletes’ lives and watching them grow is the most rewarding thing to me.”

When asked if she had any advice for future athletes, Sweet was quick to respond.

 “Be coachable, be a leader and realize that your coaches are on your side and on your team,” she said. “If someone is choosing to coach, it is to make athletes better.  Believe that!”