Competitive Cheer (Game Day) | 1/26/2026 12:00:00 PM

A veteran core, fresh energy on the sidelines, and routines already in place have the Gannon University Competitive Cheer & Dance team poised to begin the Spring 2026 season with momentum and belief as the road to Nationals officially begins.

Second-year head coach Kelli Makowski believes the Golden Knights are exactly where they need to be as the season begins.

"I think the team is extremely ready," Makowski said. "We have all of our choreography in, and we were able to get the ball rolling early. We have a lot of returners who know exactly what this process looks like and how we want to prepare going into the season. I feel very confident and very secure in where we are."

Makowski is especially excited about the blend of returning leadership and a talented first-year class that has quickly bought into the program's expectations.

"We have a strong group of returners and an amazing class of first-years who have worked extremely hard to prepare for the start of the season," she said. "I'm looking forward to seeing how this team continues to grow and improve over the next few months, and I can't wait to see where their passion and work ethic take them as we head toward Nationals in April."

That experience from the returning athletes is one of the team's greatest strengths. Gannon's veterans understand the preparation, the expectations, and the level of detail required as the team builds toward the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer & Dance Championship.

"Our veterans set a very high standard right from the beginning," Makowski explained. "They've helped train everyone into what these expectations are not just from the coaches, but from the student-athletes who came before them. They already know what it takes to prepare for Nationals, how we clean routines, and the work that goes into this semester. They've been great leaders and have made sure everyone is on top of what they need to be doing."

Along with its experienced returners, Gannon also welcomes new assistant coach Jaden Johnson, whose presence adds a fresh perspective to an already established culture.

"It's always exciting to have some new blood," Makowski said. "A new perspective and a different outlook can only enhance what we already have going."

Gannon officially opens the season on Sunday, February 1, at the Spirit Against Cancer Cheer & Dance Competition hosted by Penn State Behrend.

Fans will have the opportunity to see the Golden Knights perform at home during the annual Road to Daytona Showcase on Sunday, March 29, inside the Highmark Events Center. The event will serve as Senior Day and a Make-A-Wish fundraiser as the team prepares for postseason competition.

Last season, Gannon built strong momentum during the Road to Daytona Showcase, capturing first-place finishes in the Team Performance Division, Hip Hop Division, and Gameday Division before heading to Nationals, where the Golden Knights earned third-place finishes in Game Day, Hip-Hop, and Team Performance.

Following the showcase, Gannon will compete at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer & Dance Championship, held April 9–11 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

"We know what the expectations are," Makowski said. "Now it's about continuing to grow, clean our routines, and be at our best when it matters most."

With experienced leadership, new energy on the sidelines, and a team that understands exactly what it takes to prepare for Nationals, the Golden Knights are positioned for another strong season.