Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Names Samantha Kavulich Head Cheerleading Coach
6/23/2025 3:34:00 PM | Cheer
The Plymouth native was previously a cheerleader at Michigan State University
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University Department of Athletics named Samantha Kavulich as the new head coach of its cheerleading program today, June 23. Kavulich brings a strong background in both competitive cheerleading and professional leadership, positioning her to make an immediate impact on the program.
Kavulich's collegiate cheerleading career includes four years with Michigan State's co-ed program, where she served as captain of the white squad from 2009-10. Her background also includes competitive experience at the national level during high school, earning titles such as World Cheerleading Association (WCA) and Cheerleaders of America (COA) national champion.
"I'm honored to take on the role of Head Cheer Coach at Eastern Michigan University," added Kavulich. "The cheer team is an integral part of the game day experience, and I'm looking forward to showing up strong for our fans and community at EMU athletic events and college cheerleading nationals this spring."
A former Michigan State University cheerleader and team captain, Kavulich has coached at the high school level for nearly a decade. Most recently, she served as an assistant coach for Milford High School's varsity cheerleading team from 2021-24, helping the team reach the MHSAA State Finals in 2023 and earn Regional qualifying spots in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She also served as co-head coach at Haslett High School during the 2011-12 season.
Kavulich and her husband, BK Kavulich, own Detroit Tumble and D Elite, a Michigan-based, nationally recognized cheer, tumble, and stunt training company that offers team instruction, private lessons, camps, and clinics across the United States. Her involvement with the company not only highlights her deep roots in the cheer community but also provides valuable recruiting opportunities through its wide-reaching presence and established reputation. In addition to her coaching and entrepreneurial background, Kavulich brings extensive leadership and communication experience from her professional career in marketing and public relations. She has held senior roles at agencies such as FleishmanHillard and Weber Shandwick, where she led digital strategy, content development, and social media campaigns for major national and global brands. Her expertise in branding and community engagement will support the continued growth of EMU's cheer program on campus and in the surrounding Ypsilanti community.
Kavulich holds a bachelor's degree in advertising with a specialization in Public Relations as well as a master's degree in advertising from Michigan State University.
The EMU cheerleading team plays a vital role in supporting football, men's basketball, and women's basketball, while also representing the University at campus-wide and community events. The team participates in weekly practices and customized strength training sessions through EMU Sports Performance, upholding high standards both athletically and academically.
Kavulich's collegiate cheerleading career includes four years with Michigan State's co-ed program, where she served as captain of the white squad from 2009-10. Her background also includes competitive experience at the national level during high school, earning titles such as World Cheerleading Association (WCA) and Cheerleaders of America (COA) national champion.
"I'm honored to take on the role of Head Cheer Coach at Eastern Michigan University," added Kavulich. "The cheer team is an integral part of the game day experience, and I'm looking forward to showing up strong for our fans and community at EMU athletic events and college cheerleading nationals this spring."
A former Michigan State University cheerleader and team captain, Kavulich has coached at the high school level for nearly a decade. Most recently, she served as an assistant coach for Milford High School's varsity cheerleading team from 2021-24, helping the team reach the MHSAA State Finals in 2023 and earn Regional qualifying spots in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She also served as co-head coach at Haslett High School during the 2011-12 season.
Kavulich and her husband, BK Kavulich, own Detroit Tumble and D Elite, a Michigan-based, nationally recognized cheer, tumble, and stunt training company that offers team instruction, private lessons, camps, and clinics across the United States. Her involvement with the company not only highlights her deep roots in the cheer community but also provides valuable recruiting opportunities through its wide-reaching presence and established reputation. In addition to her coaching and entrepreneurial background, Kavulich brings extensive leadership and communication experience from her professional career in marketing and public relations. She has held senior roles at agencies such as FleishmanHillard and Weber Shandwick, where she led digital strategy, content development, and social media campaigns for major national and global brands. Her expertise in branding and community engagement will support the continued growth of EMU's cheer program on campus and in the surrounding Ypsilanti community.
Kavulich holds a bachelor's degree in advertising with a specialization in Public Relations as well as a master's degree in advertising from Michigan State University.
The EMU cheerleading team plays a vital role in supporting football, men's basketball, and women's basketball, while also representing the University at campus-wide and community events. The team participates in weekly practices and customized strength training sessions through EMU Sports Performance, upholding high standards both athletically and academically.
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