Leanne Gerth, with 25 years of experience as a cheerleading coach in Western New York, joins Daemen University Athletics staff as cheer coach in September of 2025. Gerth will be responsible for overseeing Daemen's spirit squad which includes enhancing school spirit, fan engagement, and oversight of Willie the Wildcat, Daemen's mascot.
"I'm grateful to be the next head coach of the Cheerleading/Spirit program at Daemen University. Cheerleading has been a major part of my life since I was young and I'm excited to see what these athletes can do and the opportunity to take this growing program to new heights!" Gerth said.
Returning to coaching after a three-year hiatus, Gerth served as the head cheerleading coach at Erie Community College for 21 years where she created and taught all tryout and game material and routines for ECC football and basketball games as well as working towards attending National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals each year. Gerth led her teams to NCA Nationals finals appearances in 2010, 2016, 2017 and 2022 and the team placed second overall at the NCA College Nationals in 2022.
Prior to collegiate cheer, Gerth began her coaching career at Maryvale High School where she served as the head varsity and junior varsity cheerleading coach from 1997 to 2001. On top of her duties of running the team and creating sideline routines at the high school level, she served as the ECIC Chairperson, creating a committee and organizing league competitions around Western New York.
Gerth was the first officially-named captain of the Buffalo Bandette dance team from 2004 to 2005 that performs at the Buffalo Bandits games and represents the organization at team appearances and events. She also served as team captain for five years of the Buffalo Bombshells dance team from 1998 to 2003 that cheered for the Buffalo Destroyers Arena Football team.
A Western New York native and graduate of Buffalo State University with a graduate degree from Canisius University, Gerth resides in Lancaster with her family.
