Coaches Advisory Panel
Your decisions about what uniforms to buy and where to buy them are probably some of the biggest you... 
Your decisions about what uniforms to buy and where to buy them are probably some of the biggest you’ll make as a coach or gym owner. Any mistakes can be not only be costly, they can be devastating to your squad. With this in mind, we queried our Coaches’ Advisory Panel about their experience and what factors they considered when purchasing uniforms. Below you’ll find our questions and their answers.

Question: “What are the deciding factors when choosing your team's uniforms and where you are going to purchase them?”

Sebrina Phillips, Owner/Director of Classic Allstar Cheerleading, NC: We recommend you carefully evaluate costs, comfort and style. Take the time to consider what type uniform best fits they different shapes and sizes on your team. Attempt to choose a pattern or style that flatters everyone or the majority of your team. Don't worry about trends. Go with what works for your team. Definitely seek some input from a uniform company such as Dehen.com and a host of other companies (varsity.com, gtmsportwear.com and eliteuniform.com). Consider working with a local uniform representative that works directly for the company. A professional representative will be more than happy to get you samples of their product before purchase and possibly work out a package deal for your team. Do your research and ask for references before purchasing uniforms. Make sure to purchase uniforms shortly after tryouts to ensure ample time for returns and correct sizing before competition season.

Brian Elza, General Manager and All Star Director, Premier Athletics/ Kentucky Elite All-stars, KY: We have only used Varsity or Cheerleader & Danz team since we opened in 1995. One of our uniforms is from Varsity and the other from Cheerleader & Danz Team. We just ordered new uniforms this year and absolutely love them. We have been even more impressed with the time that it takes when we do reorders. The turn around time if we add kids to the program has been approximately 2 weeks.

Autumn Nabors, Head Coach of James River High School, VA: Our school owns the uniforms and we buy new ones each year. Therefore, we frequently order from the same company, Varsity, so we can mix and match different pieces. If we move to other companies, a lot of times the colors won't back. Also, we occasionally have to fill in pieces because we might have different sized cheerleaders from past years. This is easier to do when you are working with the same company.

Tanya Roesel, Owner of Midwest Cheer Elite, OH: When choosing where to purchase our uniforms, we look at the quality and timeliness of getting our orders. We need a company who is going to provide good customer service so that the uniforms meet our needs and specifications and a sales rep who can stay on top of our orders, so they arrive on time. In the all-star industry, we also need a company who will provide the flexibility needed for a unique but stylish uniform.

Nickie Shields and Kim Wheeler, Co-Owners of American Spirit Elite, FL: It depends on what program we are ordering for. If we are ordering for the Flag Football program we will always go with the cheapest company to keep costs low for those participating. For the Competition program we use Varsity. They have the most up to date designs and their prices are great for that type of uniform compared to others. They have all of the fabrics that are the current trends. We just ordered new uniforms this year after four years with our other design (All from Varsity) and we love them. Varsity is also very quick to fix an issues that may arise they stand behind there product 100%.

Janet and Mack Hirshberg, Owner of Mac’s All Star Cheer, UT: We order uniforms based on quality. We use Varsity due to their great quality, on-time delivery and customer service. Varsity is also able to make most designs for us due the large # of uniforms we order.

Kerrie Overall, Owner of Cheer Zone, KY: Most important is customer service and uniform construction quality. In the past, we had problems in both areas. We are now with Cheerleader & DanzTeam and are really pleased with our customer rep and the quality of the uniforms. If there ever is a problem, it is remade quickly and that is a big plus in keeping our business. I also want a company that stays with newer materials and keeps an eye on current trends.

Todd and Amy Grey, Directors and Co-Owners of Desert Valley All Stars, Thousand Palms, CA: When it comes to choosing our uniforms we look for the company that can be consistent in getting it right the way we envision it and if it’s not, fixing it promptly. Is the representative easily reached and easy to work with? Customer service and quality of product is the most important factors in deciding who we use for our uniforms and attire. Too often uniforms are expensive, but don’t last the season without stitching and seams coming undone.

We’re looking for you -- If you’d like to be a part of coaches helping other coaches, then take a minute to join our Coaches’ Advisory Panel. All you have to do is send an email with your request to vninemire@cheercoachmagazine.com for our consideration. Be sure to include a short bio and headshot.