BUENA VISTA, Va. - Southern Virginia University Director of Athletics Josh Monsen has announced the addition of Stacey Hanson as the cheer program's next Head Coach.

A graduate of BYU-Idaho in 2016, Hanson brings several years of coaching experience to Buena Vista, including two years as a participant and assistant coach for Southern Virginia University from 2016-2018 where she helped the team double in size.

"The program is on the verge of something special; Coach Hanson is the catalyst we need to build upon the current foundation. Her drive and eagerness to build this program stood out from her very first interview", said Monsen.

In 2018, Hanson was named Head Cheer Coach at American Leadership Academy in Gilbert, Arizona. She fostered a competitive and unified team spirit, which ultimately led them to the first-ever cheer competition in school history. Hanson led her squad to first place at the Arizona state cheerleading competition.

When asked about landing the position, Hanson expressed her excitement to help current and future members of her team have a life-changing experience at SVU.

"The time we spent at SVU became two of the best years of our lives. By building a strong team culture, I think our athletes will be able to look back on their time here and say the same."  

Coach Hanson's history of success and growing programs provides a positive outlook for the Knights, who have performed well on the national stage in recent years. This spring, Southern Virginia took first in the Group Stunt competition at CCA Nationals.

Coach Hanson looks to build on that success leading into the 2026-27 season.

For the most up-to-date details and information on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knightcheerleading on Instagram.