LIVONIA, Mich.– With the addition of football, the Madonna University athletic department has announced the addition of a sideline and competitive cheerleading team which will be led by 15-year cheer veteran Erica Vanderlaan, athletic director Scott Kennell announced.

"We are excited to add Erica to our coaching staff. She brings years of experience to the position and we feel her expertise in the cheerleading world, both as a coach and a competitor, make her the perfect fit to launch our program," said Kennell.

"I am grateful for this opportunity to utilize my skills and develop a program at Madonna," said Vanderlaan. "I know that building this program will take hard work and determination, but the rewards will outweigh the effort. I am most excited about watching young student-athletes develop into successful adults. This is going to be an amazing process and I'm ready to get started!"

A native of Holland, Michigan, Vanderlaan has been involved in cheerleading since 1995. She cheered sideline and competitive until graduation in 2002. She has cheered and coached All-Star and is currently an All-Star judge.. While competing at West Ottawa High School, Vanderlaan helped lead her team to a runner-up finish at the MHSAA State Finals.

Erica holds degrees from Grand Valley State University and Lamar University and spent the past several years teaching social studies and coaching cheerleading in Houston, Texas.  

Erica, her husband Todd and step-daughter Emma (6), reside in Auburn Hills. In her free time, Erica enjoys spending time with family and friends and finding new ways to stay healthy and active.

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