KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dickinson State University head cheer coach Cebe Schneider has been named the 2025 Nfinity NAIA Competitive Cheer National Coach of the Year, following a historic season that saw the Blue Hawks record their best finish ever at the NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship.
Schneider guided Dickinson State to a third-place showing at this year's championship in Ypsilanti, Michigan, capping the program's fourth-consecutive appearance at the national meet. The Blue Hawks posted a program-best score of 96.38 — just one point behind second place and fewer than two points from the national champion.
The 2025 performance builds on back-to-back fourth-place finishes, and a fifth place finish, in recent years, with the Blue Hawks continuing their steady climb under Schneider's leadership. The National Championship event, hosted by the Ann Arbor Sports Commission and Concordia University Ann Arbor, featured 15 of the top teams from across the country competing in a two-round format.
"We are proud of Coach Schneider for this prestigious honor," said Dickinson State Athletic Director Pete Stanton. "She has elevated our program to one of the top programs in the country. She has established a great culture here. We congratulate her on the great work she has done."
Schneider also coached four All-Americans this season, including two First-Team All-American selections.
The NAIA National Coach of the Year award recognizes excellence in leadership, sportsmanship and contributions to the sport, along with competitive achievement.
"I'm honored and humbled to have been selected for such a prestigious honor," Schneider said. "I'm filled with gratitude to the university for the opportunity to coach here, to the athletes and their families for trusting me and the program, to my family for their unwavering support, and to God for His continued protection over our team and the many blessings He provides.
I'm so proud of the team and what they have accomplished this year, and I look forward to continuing to represent the university, the community, and our state with Blue Hawk Cheer.
We are very fortunate to have such a tremendous community of alumni, supporters, and university administration, staff, and faculty. Hawks are up!"
Schneider's impact on the Blue Hawk cheer program has extended well beyond results on the mat. Her focus on building a culture of discipline, teamwork, and pride has helped position Dickinson State as one of the nation's elite programs in competitive cheer.
As the Blue Hawks celebrate their historic season, the future remains bright under Schneider's continued guidance.
