Jackson and Hardiman named Gator Girls captains as Howard takes over as head coach

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —

Diamond Jackson and Kimora Hardiman will lead the Vicksburg High School Gator Girls Dance Team as captains for the upcoming season under new head coach Eddie Howard III.

Jackson, a senior, was selected as head captain after serving as co-captain last season, while Hardiman will serve as co-captain. Howard enters his first season as head coach after spending last year as the team’s assistant coach.

Jackson:

Jackson said she is excited to lead the team and believes this year’s group has the potential to be one of the program’s best.

“I feel like this will be one of the best seasons, and we have an amazing coach plus everyone is a hard-hitter,” Jackson said.

Jackson said learning she had been selected as head captain a few weeks after tryouts was an emotional moment.

“I never thought I would be captain my senior year, so it was a shock, but it’s a very adrenaline feeling,” she said.

As head captain, Jackson said she plans to help unify the team while ensuring the Gator Girls represent Vicksburg High School in a positive way. Her responsibilities include helping create dance routines and keeping the team together throughout the season.

Jackson is the daughter of Johnnjalynn Walker and Derrick Jackson.

Hardiman:

Hardiman steps into a leadership role for the first time after years as a member of the Gator Girls. She said becoming co-captain fulfills a longtime goal.

“This is exciting about being named co-captain because I always wanted to step up and try something new,” Hardiman said.

Hardiman has been dancing since she was 6 years old and is now one of the team’s veteran members. She said she hopes to keep the team’s performances energetic while adding new ideas.

“I plan to have them going hard every time and switch things up so the crowd will be surprised,” she said.

Following high school, Hardiman hopes to continue dancing at Alabama State University.

She is the daughter of Jerdon and Kamekia Hardiman.

Howard:

Howard said he is honored to lead the Gator Girls during a milestone season as the program celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“I feel extremely grateful because I’m coming into something special with it being the 50th-year anniversary, but I feel that this will be a great year,” Howard said.

A 2019 graduate of Vicksburg High School, Howard served as a three-year manager for the Gator Girls during his high school years. He credited former head coach Mrs. Yates for giving him the opportunity that helped shape his future in dance.

After high school, Howard performed with the Montage Theatre of Dance at Hinds Community College before serving as a two-year captain of the J-Suede Dance Team at Jackson State University.

In addition to coaching the Gator Girls, Howard is also the head coach of the Gatorettes Dance Team at Vicksburg Junior High School.

Howard thanked the Vicksburg High School drumline, Hype Athletics, along with the parents and community for their continued support of the program.

With the Gator Girls celebrating 50 years this season, Howard said he has plenty planned as the team prepares for the upcoming year.