Competitive Cheer (Game Day) | 5/1/2026 9:00:00 AM

ERIE, Pa. – After the past two seasons at the helm of the Gannon University Competitive Cheer and Dance program, Kelli Makowski is stepping down as head coach, she announced Friday.

"I am incredibly proud and grateful for the time I've spent with these athletes," Makowski said. "They've taught me more than I could have ever expected and will always hold a special place in my heart. I know GUCCD has incredible things ahead, and I'm excited to continue cheering them on."

Makowski was promoted to head coach on Aug. 1, 2024, after previously serving as an assistant coach from 2021-24. A former student-athlete with the program from 2015 to 2017, she returned to her alma mater and quickly helped continue the Golden Knights' national success.

Makowski earned a bachelor's degree in Advertising and Communication from Gannon University in 2018 while minoring in Fine Arts Applied, Marketing, and Business Administration.

In her first season leading the program in 2025, Makowski guided the Golden Knights to multiple first-place finishes and three top-three results at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships in Daytona Beach, Fla., including third-place finishes in Team Performance Dance, Game Day Cheer, and Hip Hop.

During the regular season, Gannon earned first-place finishes at the Spirit Against Cancer Cheer and Dance Competition hosted by Penn State Behrend, the New England Open Cheer and Dance Championship in Connecticut, the Mid-Atlantic College Nationals Showcase, the Upstate Collegiate Showcase, and the Road to Daytona Showcase.

In 2026, the Golden Knights continued their success with first-place finishes at the Spirit Against Cancer Cheer & Dance Competition, the Upstate Collegiate Championship, and the Road to Daytona Showcase. At the NCA & NDA Collegiate Nationals, Gannon posted a score of 87.4583 to finish second in the Game Day Division II finals, marking the highest placement in program history. Gannon also placed third in Hip Hop Division II and fifth in Team Performance.

Beyond competition success, Makowski's teams also continued their strong tradition of fundraising for Make-A-Wish. Under her leadership, the program led all Gannon athletic teams during the 2025-26 academic year with a department-best $3,961 after also raising $4,286.87 during the 2024-25 campaign.

"Kelli has been an integral part of our competitive cheer and dance program since 2014—first as a student-athlete, then as an assistant coach, and most recently as head coach," Gannon Director of Athletics Meghan Morphy said. "Her leadership has been instrumental in delivering an exceptional student-athlete experience and elevating the program to new levels of success.

While she will be greatly missed in this capacity, we are confident she will remain a dedicated supporter of our student-athletes and of Gannon as a proud alumna."

As a student-athlete from 2015-17, Makowski competed as a flyer for the Golden Knights, helping Gannon earn national success in both All-Girl and Co-ed divisions.

A national search for the next Gannon University Competitive Cheer and Dance Head Coach will begin immediately.