Briar Cliff University is excited to announce the hiring of Melanie Yakel as the new head coach of the Charger cheerleading program.

Yakel brings more than 20 years of cheerleading experience through both participation and coaching, with experience spanning sideline, competitive, and all-star cheer.

"I am truly excited to continue elevating the game day experience at the school through our Cheerleading program while really diving into community engagement," said Yakel. "With cheer entering just its second year after returning to Briar Cliff, we have so many amazing opportunities ahead, and I am grateful to lead these student-athletes in a sport that has meant so much to me throughout my life."

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, she graduated from Susquehannock High School in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, where she was a four-year member of the school's sideline cheer team and competed locally. She continued her cheerleading career at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, where she studied psychology and competed with the university's club cheer team in the Intermediate All-Girl 1A division.

After relocating to Sioux City in 2018 to be closer to family, Yakel entered the coaching ranks at Dakota Valley High School in 2019 as the football sideline cheer coach. Under her leadership, the program more than doubled in size, growing from approximately 15 athletes at tryouts to more than 30 annually, leading to the creation of a junior varsity program.

In 2020, Yakel assumed leadership of Dakota Valley's competition cheer program. During her second season, the Panthers earned the South Dakota Class A State Runner-Up finish in a field of 22 teams. In 2022, despite fielding a young squad of just nine athletes following the graduation of a senior-heavy class, Dakota Valley captured the Small Division State Championship.

Yakel also revived Dakota Valley's basketball cheer program in 2021 after several years of inactivity. The team went on to support the Panthers during multiple state basketball tournament appearances and became one of Yakel's favorite groups to coach.

In addition to her high school coaching experience, Yakel served as an assistant coach for youth Level 1 and Level 2 teams at VIP Gymnastics & Cheer in North Sioux City from 2021-22.

"We're excited to welcome Melanie to Briar Cliff and continue building our cheer program," said Briar Cliff Executive Director of Athletics Dan McDermott. "Her passion for student-athlete development, experience growing successful programs, and commitment to creating an exciting game day atmosphere make her an outstanding fit for Charger Athletics. We look forward to watching her lead our student-athletes as the program continues to grow."

Yakel's vision for the program extends beyond the sidelines. While continuing to enhance the Charger game day experience, she plans to prepare Briar Cliff's athletes to make the program's debut in competitive cheer.
"As a little girl, I always loved watching the cheerleaders at football games," Yakel said. "Seeing the team tumble, stunt, and energize the crowd was just as exciting as the game itself. That passion is what inspired me to pursue cheerleading and coaching. As we continue building the program, my biggest goal is to prepare our athletes to make Briar Cliff's debut in competitive cheer. Charger fans should also keep an eye out for Bolt this season—we have some exciting things planned."

Yakel can be reached via email at Melanie.Yakel@briarcliff.edu