ERIE, Pa. — Gannon University Competitive Cheer & Dance Head Coach Kelli Makowski announced the Golden Knights' Spring 2026 competition schedule, which features two road competitions and one home event prior to the team's trip south for the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer & Dance Championship on April 9–11 in Daytona Beach.

I'm incredibly excited to begin another season with this team," said Makowski. 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. 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!

The Golden Knights will open the season on Sunday, February 1, at the Spirit Against Cancer Cheer & Dance Competition, hosted by Penn State Behrend in Erie, Pa.

Gannon will then travel to New York on Sunday, March 22, to compete at the Upstate Collegiate Championship in Elmira, continuing preparation for the postseason.

The spring slate continues with the Road to Daytona Showcase on Sunday, March 29, in Erie, Pa. The home event will serve as Senior Day and a Make-A-Wish fundraiser, supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, before the Golden Knights head south for national competition.

Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Golden Knights while celebrating the program's seniors as they take the floor at home one final time this season.

Last season, the Golden Knights competed in the Road to Daytona Showcase inside the newly renovated Highmark Events Center, delivering a dominant performance on their home floor.

Gannon captured first-place finishes in the Team Performance Division, Hip Hop Division, and Gameday Division, showcasing the program's depth and momentum before heading to Daytona for postseason competition.

Following the home showcase, Gannon will compete at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer & Dance Championship, held Thursday–Saturday, April 9–11, in Daytona Beach, Fla., where the nation's top collegiate cheer and dance programs gather for three days of championship competition.