2007-2008 KU Cheerleading Squad

I was born in Iowa City, Iowa in 1974. Before high school, my family moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where I competed in gymnastics among other sports. In 1992, I went to KU to study Industrial Design. During my freshman year, I saw the cheerleaders tumbling at the games and thought, "Hey - I can do that." So I did. I cheered at KU for the next four years (it was a 5-year major - I swear!), earning two NCA All-American awards and two "KU Coach's Awards." In 1997, I graduated from KU and married Nami. We then moved to Iowa City where I attended grad school in Biomechanics (don't ask) at the University of Iowa, where we also assistant coached for Gregg Niemiec for five years. After graduating, we continued coaching and working in Iowa City until moving to Kansas City in 2004 to coach the KU squad and to live closer to our families. In addition to coaching, I work as a web site designer for KU's University Relations.

Nami grew up in Mulvane, Kansas, where she cheered in high school and competed at the state championships in Track (long jump). She was also an accomplished pianist and oboist, which she continued at KU while majoring in Exercise Science. At the University of Iowa, Nami earned a Master's degree in Physical Therapy and also helped coach the Iowa Cheer Squad and head-coached Cedar Rapids Prairie High School's competition squad for five years. Nami now works as a physical therapist at Kreider Rehab.

Jimmy and his wife Hallie (a former KU cheerleader) own G-Force Athletics in Lawrence. Jimmy cheered at Fort Hays State University and was the head cheer coach at Washburn University for four years.

Christopher Stone was born March 28, 2003 in Iowa City. He enjoys books, dinosaurs, running around, acting silly, and testing mommy's patience.

Cooper Stone was born November 11, 2005 in Olathe. Cooper likes cars, trains, and bellies.