BROOKVILLE, N.Y. - Elizabeth Kicklighter has been named Long Island University's Head Cheerleading Coach, Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Michael Berthel announced on Monday. Kicklighter joins LIU after four seasons on staff at her alma mater Georgia Southern University.

"We're excited to welcome Coach Kicklighter to Shark Nation," said Berthel. "She brings strong experience and passion to the role, and we're confident she'll continue the tradition of excellence in our cheer program, which has won three consecutive Open Spirit Game Day national titles."

As a student-athlete at Georgia Southern, Kicklighter captained the Eagles' cheer team to a national championship at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals in 2021 in the All-Girl Intermediate discipline. In 2022, as a student assistant coach, Kicklighter helped lead her team to a second consecutive NCA national championship.

Kicklighter officially joined Georgia Southern's coaching staff in the summer of 2022 and, over the course of the last three seasons, has increased her responsibilities within the program. During her tenure, Kicklighter oversaw fundraising and compliance for the program, directly oversaw the program's special appearance events, and was assigned as the sole coach in charge of performances at volleyball and basketball games, in addition to managing other major administrative components of the program.

A competitive cheerleader of 12 years, Kicklighter was a four-time participant at the U.S. All Star Federation Cheerleading Worlds Competition (2014-2017) and a four-time participant in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Competition Cheerleading Championship (2013-2016). She graduated from Georgia Southern in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance as a dean's list student and a recipient of the HOPE Scholarship.

"Stepping into this new chapter as the head cheerleading coach is more than a job—it's an opportunity to inspire, to lead, and to build a legacy of spirit, teamwork, and resilience," said Kicklighter. "I'm excited to empower athletes to push past limits, celebrate every victory, and show what it truly means to represent Long Island University with pride. I am ready to learn the traditions, honor the spirit, and bring my own touch to the program! Go Sharks!"