Meet Javon Kendrick

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Javon Kendrick. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Javon, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I’ve always been motivated by the belief that there is someone out there better than me, which pushes me to work harder every day. This mindset has driven me to never settle, always seek new challenges, and continuously push my limits to become the best version of myself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I was born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, where I didn’t grow up with the most fortunate circumstances. In my senior year of high school, I made a bold move to Dallas, Texas, where I knew no one, just to join the club program team “Cheer Athletics.” Little did I know, this leap of faith would lead to my first world championship title. My journey continued at Navarro College, where I was featured in the Netflix docuseries “CHEER” on Seasons 1 and 2, and won a national title there. From Navarro, I was recruited by The University of Alabama, where I cheered and recently graduated in the Spring of 2024. During my time there, I also had the honor of being a part of Team USA for cheer winning 3 world championships, further enriching my experience and skills.

Professionally, I’m incredibly passionate about my business, “Altitude Cheer,” an elite cheer training company I founded while still in school. With Altitude Cheer, we travel across the country, working with athletes who dream of cheering for top college teams or achieving their personal bests. What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to inspire and mentor young athletes, helping them unlock their potential and reach for their dreams just as I did. We’re constantly expanding, with new programs and events aimed at offering unique training experiences. I want people to know that Altitude Cheer is more than just training; it’s about building confidence, instilling a strong work ethic, and creating a community of supportive, driven athletes who push each other to excel.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are perseverance, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.

1. Perseverance: This quality has been essential, especially in a sport as demanding as cheerleading, where setbacks and challenges are part of the process. Whether it was moving to a new city where no one knew me, facing tough competition, or pushing through tough training sessions, perseverance kept me going. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Don’t be afraid of failure; instead, see it as a stepping stone to success. Stay committed to your goals, and remember that perseverance will help you overcome any obstacle.

2. Adaptability: Throughout my journey, I’ve had to adapt to new environments, teams, and challenges, from moving to Dallas for Cheer Athletics to transitioning from Navarro College to The University of Alabama and then competing on a global stage with Team USA. Being adaptable allowed me to thrive in different settings and overcome uncertainties. For those starting out, it’s crucial to stay flexible and open to change. Embrace new experiences, be willing to learn from others, and don’t get too comfortable with the familiar. The ability to adapt will open up new opportunities and help you navigate unexpected situations more effectively.

3. Strong Work Ethic: Consistent hard work has been the foundation of all my achievements. From countless hours of practice to balancing school and cheer commitments, my work ethic has driven me to continuously improve and reach my goals. For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: be willing to put in the effort every day. Set small, manageable goals, and focus on giving your best effort in everything you do. Understand that success doesn’t come overnight; it’s the result of sustained effort and dedication. Cultivate a strong work ethic, and you’ll see progress in ways you never imagined.

By focusing on these qualities perseverance, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, you can build a solid foundation for success in any field.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my mom did for me was allowing me to move to Texas so I could follow my dreams. Despite not being the most fortunate, my mom brought our entire family with us and made incredible sacrifices to support my journey. We stayed in an “Extended Stay Hotel” for a year and a half, living with very little just so I could have the opportunity to pursue my passion for cheerleading. Her bravery and unwavering support were instrumental in getting me to where I am today. I truly wouldn’t be here without my mom’s selflessness and determination to help me succeed.

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