Richmond Cheer Team Aims for Excellence Under Kelli Matthes

Richmond’s cheerleading program, under the leadership of coach Kelli Matthes, continues to establish itself as a formidable force in competitive cheer. After a brief setback in 2024, the Blue Devils have returned to form, finishing third in the MHSAA Division 3 state finals and aiming for further success in the upcoming season.

From Retirement to Coaching Legacy

Initially envisioning a gradual exit from coaching, Matthes found herself drawn back into the sport. “The old athletics director at Richmond at the time, John Nader, kept encouraging me to come back to coaching,” she recalled. After leading Macomb L’Anse Creuse North to a Class A state championship, Matthes agreed to coach at Richmond. “I said I would give him one year to help the program continue in the right direction,” she said, laughing. Nearly two decades later, Matthes remains dedicated to the Blue Devils.

Matthes’ coaching journey began in the small school circuit before she took on her first significant role at Lake Orion High School in the mid-1990s. She transitioned through various positions before joining Richmond during the 2007-08 school year, where she has since made a lasting impact.

A History of Excellence

Before Matthes took the helm, Richmond had not qualified for the MHSAA state finals in Division 3. The turning point came in 2007 when the Blue Devils advanced to the finals for the first time, finishing ninth overall. The team continued to improve, achieving fifth place in 2008, third in 2009 and 2010, and ultimately becoming state runner-up in 2011. Richmond claimed its first state titles in consecutive years, 2012 and 2013, solidifying its status among Michigan’s elite programs.

During Matthes’ tenure, Richmond has maintained a consistent presence in the state finals, achieving a remarkable four consecutive state championships from 2019 to 2022. “Each group comes in and sees what the upperclassmen do and how they practice,” Matthes explained. “By the time they are juniors and seniors, they set the example.”

The 2024 season brought challenges, as Richmond did not qualify for the state finals, finishing fifth out of eight schools at the regional competition. Despite this setback, Matthes saw it as an opportunity for growth. “I think that might have turned out to be a blessing,” she noted. The experience motivated the team to work harder, culminating in a strong third-place finish in 2025.

Richmond’s team score of 778.52 at the 2025 MHSAA Division 3 state finals marked a triumphant return to the top tier of competition, trailing only powerhouse teams like Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Grosse Ile.

Building Momentum for the Future

As the Blue Devils prepare for the upcoming MHSAA districts, regionals, and state finals, they have carried their momentum into the new season. Currently ranked No. 1 in the state in the coaches association Division 3 polls, the team has already secured victories at several invitationals and jamborees.

Matthes emphasizes a philosophy focused on continuous improvement. “We have a saying that we try to be better each time out,” she explained. “It’s not about numbers. It’s about the things they need to focus on in that particular round.” This mindset has cultivated a culture of resilience and determination within the team.

Senior leader Khloe Allison expressed confidence in the team’s potential. “This team is capable of more than I can imagine. There is just a different vibe,” she said. The experience from the previous year and a strong bond among teammates have contributed to their drive to succeed.

While the Blue Devils are focused on their immediate goals, Matthes remains cautious about looking too far ahead. “Sure, they do want to win every competition, and I know they would love to win a state championship. But we can’t look at that right now,” she stated. The team’s legacy of consistency over the past two decades serves as a foundation for their aspirations this season and beyond.

As Richmond continues its journey through the competitive cheer landscape, the Blue Devils are poised to maintain their reputation as one of Michigan’s premier programs. With Matthes at the helm and a talented roster, the future looks bright for the Richmond cheer team.