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Saginaw Valley State University

June 2, 2025

SVSU cheer reaches new heights at NCA nationals

cheerleaders in blue uniforms in formation on waterfront

The Saginaw Valley cheer team made program history, earning a second-place finish in the D2 Intermediate Small Coed Division at the 2025 NCA College Nationals, stepping up from their third-place finish in the same category in 2024. The 2025 competition was held April 9-13 in Daytona Beach, Florida. This is the highest finish for SVSU since the program began competing at nationals seven years ago.

The 2024-25 SVSU cheer squad includes 23 student-athletes. Michael A. Franz-Dotson serves as head coach of the team. He was a collegiate cheerleader at Eastern Michigan University and was a member of the team that won the 2021 NCA College Nationals. Franz-Dotson is assisted by Jacob Franz, a former SVSU cheer team captain and athlete.

Sixteen members of the team competed on the mat at the national competition, while seven alternates traveled with and supported the team throughout the event.

“This past season with SVSU cheer has been nothing short of incredible.” said Hannah McIntyre, an exercise science major from Midland and the team’s head captain. “This year at NCA college nationals marked another step forward in our program’s history, showcasing the hard work, dedication and resilience that our team members and coaches have poured into every practice.”

To compete at the national level, the SVSU cheer team practices throughout the year, cheers at home varsity football and basketball games and attends the NCA Summer Camp. For more information about the SVSU cheerleading program, which is a club sport, visit https://www.instagram.com/svsu_cheer/.

The 2024-2025 cheer team roster includes:

  • Laynita Allen, a pre-health professions major from Flushing
  • Gabi Azar, a pre-occupational therapy major from Chesterfield
  • Miranda Barteld, a criminal justice major from Gladstone
  • Jozlyn Childs, a social work major from St. Charles
  • elaney Dopp, a pre-nursing major from Adrian
  • Gianna Forster, an elementary education major from Harrison
  • Landon Gage, an exercise science major from Linwood
  • Aralyn Hantla, a general business major from Bay City
  • Gabby Kluge, a rehabilitation medicine major from St. Clair Shores
  • Alyssa McFall, a pre-nursing major from Flat Rock
  • Cora Katulski, a biology major from Yale
  • Hannah McIntyre, a pre-nursing major from Saint Clair Shore
  • Rayven Oldham, an evolution, ecology and organismal biology major from Clinton Township
  • Briahna Owens , a general studies major from Montrose
  • Brooke Roten, a pre-social work major from Midland
  • Deshawnda Sparks, a social work major from Saginaw
  • Caylie Stuck, a teacher education major from White Pigeon
  • Brooke Szepytowski, a pre-nursing major from Macomb
  • Katie Thompson, a psychology major from Brockway
  • Maggie Walkowiak, a social studies major from Davisburg
  • Sydney Walli, an environmental science major from Bay City
  • Claire Warznie, an exercise science major from Warren
  • Grace Weeks, an exercise science major from Flushing