COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University cheerleading program will have a familiar face as their next head coach coming in the form of 2022 Capital graduate Gabriella Schnaidt. 

Schnaidt, who completed a dual undergraduate degree at Capital in Social Work and Spanish, cheered during both the football and basketball seasons for all four years of her student-tenure at CU.

"My time cheering at Capital were some of my favorite memories from my four years as a student," said Schnaidt. "Now as the coach, I have a chance to continue the legacy of Cap Cheer and push it to be an even stronger program. I see this as an opportunity to give back to a program that has given me so much."

"As a coach, I get to encourage my team and help create an atmosphere that pushes them to be the best version of themselves academically, athletically, and socially, which is a beautiful thing to be able to witness," Schnaidt continued. 

Aside from cheering with Capital, Gabriella also has experience cheering prior to the college level with Granville High School and Power Athletics. She entered the coaching realm in 2021 as she began as an Assistant Cheer Coach with Bexley Middle School. In that role, Schnaidt choreographed cheer routines, promoted and planned cheer events, and taught basic to intermediate cheer classes with instruction on motions, jumps, and stunting. 

Most recently in 2022, Schnaidt served as a competition judge for the Ohio High School Regional Championships. There, she officiated sporting competitions, judged performances, and assisted in verifying scoring calculations and discerning finalists for events. 

Along with her role coaching Capital's cheerleading program, Gabriella is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Social Work at Ohio State. 

Capital cheerleading and Gabriella will have some additional assistance in leading the program as Emilee Schooley will serve as a volunteer assistant coach this season as well.