July 15, 2022-
Wheaton Academy is pleased to announce that Melody Berendt has been named cheer head coach and will take over the program for the upcoming 2022-23 season. Coach Berendt's vision is to build upon a growing cheer program and to grow and develop leaders who will take what they learn through cheer into life.
Coach Berendt is a 2014 graduate of Wheaton Academy. Following her time as a Warrior she spent a year at Judson University in Elgin where she was on the cheer team. She transferred to Illinois State University following her freshman year and graduated with a degree in Middle Level Teacher Education. After graduation in 2018 Berendt spent the next several years teaching elementary school in Arizona. Coach Berendt brings experience in both gymnastics and tumbling to Wheaton Academy. Berendt coached sideline and competitive cheer at Castro Middle School in Phoenix and has gymnastics, tumbling, and coaching experience in the area with the Bartlett Gymnastics Academy here in Illinois.
We are confident that Coach Berendt will build relationships with our current athletes. As a school alumni Coach Berendt reflects the values of a Wheaton Academy coach who will use her sport to disciple young women to become followers of Christ. Her knowledge of the sport and her love for young women and Wheaton Academy make her the perfect fit to be our next head coach. We are excited for her to lead our cheer program as they seek to impact the next generation of young women for the glory of God.
Brad Byrne
Athletic Director
