Coach – Cheerleading
Donna Jean Robinson Wilson was born in 1955 to parents Wallace and Cora Robinson. She grew up with siblings George (Alberta), Wayne, Dean, and Anita (Francis). Her childhood was spent in the small, quaint neighborhood of St. Martins Village in Lexington, KY. The 1973 Bryan Station High School graduate participated in and excelled in gymnastics, track, and cheerleading throughout her high school years. During her senior year, Donna was hired by the National Cheerleaders Association to travel across the United States and teach cheerleading. From 1974 to 1977, she went to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY, where she cheered and was captain of the co-ed team. Donna married Felix Wilson in 1995 and they have one son.
Donna’s first coaching jobs were at Crawford Middle School and Henry Clay High School in Lexington, where she simultaneously coached more than 30 girls. She was hired full time at Henry Clay High School in 1983, teaching health and physical education while continuing to train the cheerleading squad. During her years at Henry Clay, Donna led her team to 10 state championships, five national championships, and one World Japan title over the course of 35 years. She was named National Coach of the year in 1985, 1987, 1991, 2004, and runner-up in 1992. Through her expertise and guidance, Donna’s teams have been awarded 15 KAPOS Regional At-Large Championships, 12 NCA Awards of Excellence, 10 UCA Camp Dance Championships, along with many other accolades. In 1990, Donna was chosen to choreograph a routine for cheerleaders from around the world for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Today, Donna is still involved in the cheerleading and local communities. She aids with the annual S.T. Roach Cheerleading Camp, which provides low-income athletes with free clinics. Donna also serves as Vice President of “Thy Will Be Done” with Angela Rice, and she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Reflecting, Donna says the biggest struggle of her career was being the only African-American woman everywhere she went. She attributes her success to her two strong black parents who instilled in her the confidence to overcome any barrier.
