Bucknell University Athletics
Update from Head Cheerleading Coach Haley Koppenhaver -- December 2025
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Dear Bucknell Cheerleading Alumni, Families, and Friends,
From football to basketball, community involvement to media events—cheerleading at Bucknell is so much more than a sideline sport!
With football season wrapped up, the team has officially transitioned from the gridiron to the hardwood. The BU Cheer Squad has been supporting both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at games in Sojka Pavilion since the season began back in early November, and we will continue to do so once our team returns from the winter break in mid-January. If you plan on attending any of the remaining games at home this season, please be sure to come down to the court and say hello!
During winter break, we will be hard at work revamping dances and routines to perform alongside the Bison Band! We’re excited to bring fresh energy and new spirit to the court this season.
In addition to cheering on the football team at Christy, our team was incredibly busy this fall. We began the semester with a performance at the ‘Ray for Orange and Blue orientation event for the Class of 2029, and later in the semester made an appearance at the fall concert, where the basketball teams and winter sports teams were recognized. In between, members of our squad supported Junior Bison Club events and made marketing and promotional appearances – both on campus and at businesses in town - to help get the campus and community primed for the basketball season. And of course, they budgeted enough time to attend classes and practices!
In October, we partnered alongside the PA Breast Cancer Coalition and volunteered time to perform at a Zumba Class and at the Pink Warriors Club dinner. We also hosted a high school stunt clinic that included choosing three participants as “Little Bison” with an invitation to come and cheer with our team at the men’s game on December 6. The squad worked with younger children as well, hosting a spirit day where we taught the participants (k-6 graders) proper motion technique, holiday dances and social interaction.
As you can see, we take pride in fostering a culture where our athletes lead not only on the sidelines, but throughout the community. I am very proud of each and every one of them and the efforts they make.
Our first-year athletes have experienced a tremendous transition from high school to college. Not only do each of our freshmen bring exceptional cheerleading skills, but they have also formed bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. They are learning to balance academics, athletics, and new responsibilities with determination and maturity. Through it all, the BU Cheer program continues to provide an environment that encourages growth, confidence, and stepping outside of comfort zones for all team members! We are incredibly proud of the progress they’ve made—and excited for everything they will continue to accomplish! Shout out to Joe Manza, Izzy Defiltch, Tess Coverdale, Demi Hines, and Gianna Lauricia!
Our squad is excited to welcome home junior Connor Gherardi! During the fall semester, Connor was studying abroad in Spain, and we’re thrilled to have him back with us!
A huge shoutout to our community, friends, families, and alumni who continue to support Bucknell Cheerleading. We work hard for you, and we work hard to share our Bison pride every time we step out to perform! I hope you will all mark your calendar for March 25-26 – that is the date for this year’s 24-hour giving challenge – One Herd One Day. It’s our biggest fundraiser for the program and I hope you will consider showing your financial support that day so we can continue to keep the student-athlete experience our top priority. THANK YOU!
To stay up to date on BU cheerleading, follow us on instagram @bucknellcheerleading
Go BISON!
Coach Haley
PAST NEWSLETTERS:
Bison Club support is the driving force behind Bucknell Athletics. Your donations directly impact the holistic development of student-athletes from 27 Division I varsity programs who are building a foundation at Bucknell to become leaders and difference-makers around the globe. Make your gift online, or call 570-577-1771 to support your favorite Bison team today.
From football to basketball, community involvement to media events—cheerleading at Bucknell is so much more than a sideline sport!
With football season wrapped up, the team has officially transitioned from the gridiron to the hardwood. The BU Cheer Squad has been supporting both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at games in Sojka Pavilion since the season began back in early November, and we will continue to do so once our team returns from the winter break in mid-January. If you plan on attending any of the remaining games at home this season, please be sure to come down to the court and say hello!
During winter break, we will be hard at work revamping dances and routines to perform alongside the Bison Band! We’re excited to bring fresh energy and new spirit to the court this season.
In addition to cheering on the football team at Christy, our team was incredibly busy this fall. We began the semester with a performance at the ‘Ray for Orange and Blue orientation event for the Class of 2029, and later in the semester made an appearance at the fall concert, where the basketball teams and winter sports teams were recognized. In between, members of our squad supported Junior Bison Club events and made marketing and promotional appearances – both on campus and at businesses in town - to help get the campus and community primed for the basketball season. And of course, they budgeted enough time to attend classes and practices!
In October, we partnered alongside the PA Breast Cancer Coalition and volunteered time to perform at a Zumba Class and at the Pink Warriors Club dinner. We also hosted a high school stunt clinic that included choosing three participants as “Little Bison” with an invitation to come and cheer with our team at the men’s game on December 6. The squad worked with younger children as well, hosting a spirit day where we taught the participants (k-6 graders) proper motion technique, holiday dances and social interaction.
As you can see, we take pride in fostering a culture where our athletes lead not only on the sidelines, but throughout the community. I am very proud of each and every one of them and the efforts they make.
Our first-year athletes have experienced a tremendous transition from high school to college. Not only do each of our freshmen bring exceptional cheerleading skills, but they have also formed bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. They are learning to balance academics, athletics, and new responsibilities with determination and maturity. Through it all, the BU Cheer program continues to provide an environment that encourages growth, confidence, and stepping outside of comfort zones for all team members! We are incredibly proud of the progress they’ve made—and excited for everything they will continue to accomplish! Shout out to Joe Manza, Izzy Defiltch, Tess Coverdale, Demi Hines, and Gianna Lauricia!
Our squad is excited to welcome home junior Connor Gherardi! During the fall semester, Connor was studying abroad in Spain, and we’re thrilled to have him back with us!
A huge shoutout to our community, friends, families, and alumni who continue to support Bucknell Cheerleading. We work hard for you, and we work hard to share our Bison pride every time we step out to perform! I hope you will all mark your calendar for March 25-26 – that is the date for this year’s 24-hour giving challenge – One Herd One Day. It’s our biggest fundraiser for the program and I hope you will consider showing your financial support that day so we can continue to keep the student-athlete experience our top priority. THANK YOU!
To stay up to date on BU cheerleading, follow us on instagram @bucknellcheerleading
Go BISON!
Coach Haley
PAST NEWSLETTERS:
Bison Club support is the driving force behind Bucknell Athletics. Your donations directly impact the holistic development of student-athletes from 27 Division I varsity programs who are building a foundation at Bucknell to become leaders and difference-makers around the globe. Make your gift online, or call 570-577-1771 to support your favorite Bison team today.