The Cardettes began in the Spring of 1960 with 13 lovely young ladies on the team.  It was not until the Fall of 1960 that the Cardettes began entertaining crowds at halftimes of Hic-Jic (Henderson County Junior College) football games.  The ladies were under the direction of Mrs. Jean Bell. 

The reign of Mrs. Maetta Davis-Cumby began in the Fall of 1963.  She and choreographer Dale Robbins built the team up considerably and traveled with them to the Junior Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the State Fair of Texas, and the HemisFair in San Antonio.  It was Mrs. Davis who established the enviable position of the Cardette Escort.

Mrs. Davis stayed with the Cardettes until 1973 when Mrs. Twink Sitton Ross took over the team.  During this time the team performed at an Atlanta Falcons Football game, the Fiesta Flambeau in San Antonio and marched in a parade during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.  

Mrs. Pam Tiner arrived on the scene in 1976.  During her four years, she continued the Cardette tradition of poise and precision.  Her Cardettes were good will ambassadors representing Athens and the State of Texas performing at such events as Texas Governor Briscoe’s visit to Athens,  

Billie Jean Hanna took over as the Director of the Cardettes for 1980-1983.  She and her ladies traveled to the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans and continued to cheer on the Cardinals at all Hic-Jic Football games. 

The Baker Era began in 1983.  Jean Baker came to HCJC in June of 1983 with only a handful of Sophomore Cardettes planning to return.  They took the field that Fall with over 40 members at the first football game of the season.  

She changed the look of the Cardettes by designing the crisp white uniforms with the flashy red hats, which has now become their trademark for nearly 20 years.  Under her reign, the Cardettes became World Famous.  Not only did they travel domestically to such places as New Orleans, Louisiana; Miami, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Hollywood, California; New York City, New York and making several nationally televised appearances, but they also performed overseas.  

The Cardettes became the first Dance team ever to perform in Moscow, Russia.  They have also danced in Zurich, Switzerland, the Bahamas, and Nice, France.  They performed for President Ronald Reagan and Vice-President George Bush live on National Television during that Republican National Convention.  The Cardettes were also involved in Texas Governor Ann Richards’ inauguration.  Baker also created the Cardette Spring Show, which is held every April.

During Jean Baker’s 12 years as the Cardette Director, the Choreographer was her daughter Debbie Baker.  Together they were strong disciplinarians who demanded that now famous “THANK YOU” response that has been heard and imitated worldwide. Debbie designed the traditional entrance routine to “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and choreographed the routines for all of the special events.  

Upon her mother’s retirement in 1995, Debbie followed in her footsteps and took over as Director.  She was associated with the Cardettes for over 17 years, longer than any other Cardette Director.  Under Debbie’s direction, the Cardettes traveled again to Zurich, Switzerland; Hollywood, California; and New York City, New York.  They performed for the entire Air Force Academy at a football game in Colorado Springs, Colorado, performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, and have marched in the Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children's Christmas Parade in Dallas, Texas every year since 1990. 

Debbie Baker retired in October of 2001 and handed the reins to Darla Hannigan Mansfield.  Mrs. Mansfield was a Cardette in 1989 to 1991 where she served as Cardette Freshman Representative, Cardette Captain and was a recipient of the TVCC President’s Award.  

She has a Master of Arts Degree in Stage Management and Movement and is a seasoned performer, choreographer, and instructor.  She is a member of Drill Team Directors of America and  Texas Dance Educators of America.  She is a 16 year senior dance instructor for ShowTime International where she has choreographed such special events as the Holiday Bowl Halftime and Alamo Bowl Halftime.  She was named one of the 2002/2007 Top Ten Drill Team Directors of America by the Dance & Drill Team Directors of America Association.  

Since Mrs. Mansfield graduated from TVCC in 1991, she has continued to support the Cardettes by choreographing many of their football routines, spring show routines, and special event routines as well as traveling with the group and being Assistant Choreographer to Debbie Baker.  She has promised to keep the Cardettes tradition alive with a team of poised, mature young ladies who entertain thousands of spectators each year!