Welcome to Spirit!
Spirit began in 2004 with customized private clinics and changed the cheer industry in Michigan. Since then, Spirit has expanded throughout the Midwest using our unique methods to help teams achieve skills they once thought impossible. Spirit continues to make the impossible possible everyday - growing, improving and never settling for less than the best!
About the Owner
Mary Frances Milke
Mary is a former Class A State Champion Coach. She credits the success of her teams to the dedication of the athletes, parents, and coaching staff as well as the numerous people who have helped throughout the years. It is Mary's firm belief that a coach can best serve his/her team by providing a wide variety of experiences. She also believes that no coach can (or should have to) do it alone. Thus, North American Spirit was born. Spirit can help you take your team to the next level like no one else can. Mary has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 27 years, has two beautiful children, Scott and Julia. and has been an official and choreographer for 24 years
Professional Memberships
- Michigan Cheerleading Judges Association
- National Federation of State High School Associations
- Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan
- United States All-Star Federation
- National Science Teachers Association
Awards
- MCCA Class A State Champion Coach
- 10-time MCCA Class A State Finalist Coach
- MCCA Coach of the Year
- MCCA State Sportsmanship Award Coach
- NHSCC 3rd Place Partner Stunt Champion Coach
- NHSCC 4th Place Small Coed Champion Coach
- MAHPERD Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year
- NASPE Physical Education Major of the Year
- Wayne State University- Summa Cum Laude and Graduate-Professional Scholarship
- Eastern Michigan University- Summa Cum Laude with Honors and Regents Scholarship
- Macomb Community College- Valedictorian and Iams Scholarship
- MCCA Scholarship Award Recipient
- Former GLCC and ACP National Champion Coach
Professional Experience and Certifications
- Owner and founder- North American Spirit
- MHSAA Registered Competive Cheer Judge and Official- 24 years
- USASF Safety Certified Levels 1-5
- AACCA Coaches Certification
- ASEP Heat, Concussion, and cardiac certifications
- Spcial Olympics Athlete certification
- Former USASF Certified Safety Judge
- STUNT Official
- Choreographer- 24 years
- Public Education Teacher- 19 years
- Cheer Coach/Advisor- 15 years
- Speaker- National, Regional and State Conferences
- Published Research in JOHPERD
- Masters Degree in Health Education
- Bachelors of Science in Teaching Physical Education and Biology with Honors
- Associates of Applied Science- Veterinary Technician
- Associates of Arts
- Cheerleader- 6 years
- Dance- 11 years
- Dance Instructor - 6 years
- Gymnastics- 7 years
"Many options for location and style of experience to suit your needs.
Mary Frances Milke has set up an amazing camp. You will not be disappointed !!"
Sheila Brownlee
Former State Champion Coach and
2005 MCJA Official of the Year
Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31)
