Veteran coach, youth-development leader and former law-enforcement professional will lead DME Academy’s new Cheer Sports program
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., August 1, 2026 — DME Academy today announced the hiring of Jerry Sasser as Director of Cheer Sports and Campus Safety, bringing more than 35 years of cheerleading, coaching, leadership and public-safety experience to the Academy.
In his new role, Sasser will lead the development and launch of DME Academy Cheer Sports, a comprehensive program offering sideline cheer, competitive cheer, tumbling, stunting, skills instruction, camps, clinics and college-preparation opportunities. He will also support campus safety initiatives across DME Academy.
“Jerry brings a rare combination of competitive experience, youth mentorship, program leadership and public-safety expertise,” said Seth Brown, CEO of DME Academy. “He understands that developing successful athletes requires more than teaching routines and technical skills. It requires building confidence, discipline, accountability and trust. Jerry’s experience and leadership make him the right person to establish that culture from the beginning.”
Sasser has served as a high school and college cheerleader, high school and college coach, gymnastics and tumbling instructor, competitive cheer coach, cheer judge, program director and all-star gym owner. His industry experience also includes work with the Universal Cheerleaders Association, National Cheerleaders Association and TCA.
His international experience includes founding a cheer federation in Puerto Rico in 2005 and helping establish competitive cheerleading opportunities throughout the region. That foundation contributed to the growth of the sport and preceded Puerto Rico’s later success in earning an International Cheer Union World Championship gold medal in Orlando.
“I am honored to join DME Academy and help build a Cheer Sports program that develops the complete athlete,” Sasser said. “Our responsibility is not only to teach athletes how to stunt, tumble, perform and compete. It is to help them become confident teammates, disciplined students, capable leaders and prepared young adults. DME provides the environment and resources to make that possible.”
In addition to his cheerleading background, Sasser brings 12 years of prior law-enforcement experience across three Florida agencies: the Ocala Police Department, Port Orange Police Department and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. His service included six years as a School Resource Deputy with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. He has also served as a Florida School Guardian and public-safety leader, with training in threat assessment, active-shooter response, community policing and criminal investigations.
“Jerry’s background strengthens two important areas of our campus,” Brown said. “He will lead an ambitious new athletic program while also helping us maintain a safe, structured and supportive environment for every student-athlete.”
Sasser’s broader leadership experience includes youth sports programming, camp direction, community outreach, coach development, athlete development, public speaking and organizational leadership. He has received recognition as an All-American athlete, national championship athlete, Head Instructor of the Year and for his service in law enforcement and the community.
As Director of Cheer Sports, Sasser will oversee program development, coaching standards, athlete evaluations, training pathways, community outreach and the integration of Cheer Sports into the larger DME Academy experience.
DME Academy Cheer Sports will initially serve middle and high school athletes through sideline and competitive cheer, private instruction, tumbling, camps, clinics and community-based training opportunities.
About DME Academy
DME Academy is a nationally recognized sports academy located in Daytona Beach, Florida. DME provides student-athletes with a comprehensive development experience that integrates rigorous academics, elite athletic training, personal development and a supportive campus community. Through its Culture of Excellence, DME Academy prepares student-athletes to win their future in college, competition and life.
Media Contact:
Gregory Birgfeld
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
greg.birgfeld@dmeacademy.com
510-989-5496
www.dmeacademy.com
