Gannon University Athletics

Gannon University graduate Karsyn Plis has been hired as an assistant coach for the Golden Knights' competitive cheer and dance team, Director of Athletics Lisa Goddard McGuirk announced on July 12, 2023.
 
Plis competed with the Gannon cheer and dance team from 2018 to 2022. She joined the staff of her former coach, Kerri Makay.
 
"I am so pleased that Karsyn Plis will be joining our coaching staff," Makay said. "I have had the pleasure of being her coach for all four years of her undergraduate career at Gannon, where she has taken on more than one can imagine: leadership, challenging course load, injury recovery, teamwork, etc.
 
"Karsyn puts this program and our athletes first, and always has. Bringing her on as an assistant coach was a no-brainer. I am so excited to walk alongside her on this new journey and watch her bring continued success to the competitive cheer and dance program."
 
Plis earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science in May 2022 and is pursuing her Master of Science in Sports and Exercise Science at Gannon.
 
As an athlete, the Camillus, N.Y., native competed as a base for four seasons with the Golden Knights. She was named team MVP after the 2020-21 season and earned the Leadership Award in 2021-22. She also served on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
 
Karsyn volunteered as a student assistant on Makay's staff last season.
 
"I'm so excited to start this new journey," Plis said. "GUCCD holds such a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to be here for all the amazing things that are to come!" 
 
"Last year, Karsyn took on the new role of being a student assistant, and I watched her grow in leadership and strength," Makay said. "She is incredibly passionate about GUCCD and knows the program, its culture, and my coaching philosophy inside and out. On top of that, her experience in the sport & exercise program makes her uniquely qualified to fill this position."