Meet The Minnesota Jets
Leadership Team
Executive Director, Coaching Director
Derek P. Nelson
8 years coaching cheerleading including High School, Recreation, and All-Star.
Accredited Interscholastic Coach
NFHS Coach Level 2
Member NFHS, MCCA, USA Cheer
15 years working with Youth and Nonprofits
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"Cheerleading is truly a team sport. The stunt groups, pyramids, and routine rely on every individual performing to their highest level. To develop the team bonding necessary for successful performances and skill progressions, we create opportunities for the cheerleaders to volunteer their time giving back to their communities and others. We believe philanthropy is a cornerstone to leadership development and the secret to establishing a unique culture within the program where every individual excels because they have a passion for their team and a desire to achieve that next level. Cheerleading is about being a part of something greater than yourself. We see this with our Minnesota Jets cheerleaders, their families, and the legacy forming within what will be an incredible program. Uniforms and bows do not make the cheerleader; those are merely the branding of something far more amazing."
Association President
Annette Balken
Works in finance, and loves the outdoors!
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"My kiddo does cheer - I love this organization and like that, we provide opportunities for youth from various communities"
Association Vice-President
Jon Schreiner
Enjoys spending time with his fiance and 3 children, and loves Football and Golf!
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"I support the MN Jets because my daughter is a part of the team, but more specifically I believe in the cheerleaders, parents, coaches, and board."
Association Secretary
Kelly Lemire
Is a Nurse and enjoys spending her weekends in the camper with Family!
Treasurer
Michelle Swenson
Has spent years working in Clinics, Schools, and Volunteering at her Church!
Coach
Illeana Miller
22 years coaching cheerleading including High School, Recreation, and College.
Member MCCA, USA Cheer
25 years working with Youth and Nonprofits
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"I support the Minnesota Jets because of the team culture. The athletes put forth maximum effort and show that they can overcome any obstacles that are thrown their way. The coaches take a true interest in not only the ability to complete stunts and dances but take an interest in making sure that each athlete is an amazing person and can be the best that they can be. They are always there for the athletes and are looking for ways for them to succeed in all aspects of their lives; cheerleading is just the starting point."
Coach
Mandie Bueckers
7 years coaching cheerleading including High School and Recreation.
Member MCCA, USA Cheer, NHSCA
Former High School and College Cheerleader
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"Cheerleading is in my blood. I coached both my sisters when they begged me to keep cheerleading around my alma mater high school when no one else wanted to, so cheer is in my family as well. I am glad I fell into helping the Jets in their first year, I had been trying to get back into cheerleading now that I am done having kids and they are old enough to not be constantly supervised!"
Coach
Chantelle Greeley
1 year coaching Recreation cheerleading.
Member MCCA
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"Cheerleading is a place to come make friendships that will last a lifetime. There is nothing like building up the energy of a crowd but also building up your teammates and accomplishing amazing things TOGETHER."
Coach
Lindsey Gasper
Member MCCA, NFHS, USA Cheer
NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach
NFHS Coach Level 3
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"Why do I support the Minnesota Jets? The answer is simple-we're a family. I've never seen a group work so hard, love each other, connect so profoundly, and support one another in such a short amount of time. I've also seen many parents and coaches come together to make the Minnesota Jets association what it is. I couldn't find a more uplifting, positive reinforcement-based, and fun-loving cheer family if I tried. I am truly honored to be a part of this."
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Choreography
Kaylene Nelson
COMING SOON
Coach
Mikaela Christensen
COMING SOON
Coach
Haley Schingledecker
COMING SOON
Volunteer
Lilly St. Jean
COMING SOON
Volunteer
Dakotah Lankki
COMING SOON
Jr. Coach - Raptors
Ciarra K.
COMING SOON
Jr. Coach - Raptors
Keira M.
COMING SOON