McPherson, Kan. – A new chapter begins for McPherson College Competitive Cheer & Dance in 2026, with Toni Snyder stepping in to lead the program.
Snyder returns to his alma mater following a successful two-year stint at William Woods University, where he guided the owls to second and third place finishes in the American Midwest Conference (AMC). During his time there he coached the program’s first four NAIA All-Americans and earned AMC Coach of the Year honors in 2024. Prior to William Woods, Snyder spent two seasons at Kansas Wesleyan University, where he broke the school’s record score multiple times and set the program’s all-time high mark of 78.10.
McPherson adds a strong group of newcomers expected to contribute right away, highlighted by Malayna Anderson, Felicia Aragon, Jordan Cook, and Morgan Roberts, who each joined the Bulldogs after competing under Coach Snyder at William Woods. Seniors Meliyah Moore and Jayden Murray return to anchor the squad, bringing valuable experience and leadership to the lineup.
“I’m excited to get our season started this week,” said Snyder. “This competition is the first NAIA event that McPherson College Cheerleading has participated in since March 8, 2024…we’re excited to take the floor and showcase what the bulldogs can do.
“Our focus during the preseason has been on team culture and building our brand. Part of that brand is that we want to be one of the cleanest teams in the conference. With the new scoresheet that was adapted this season, we are eager to see where our routine will fall – and to learn from the judges’ feedback as we work through the rest of the season – ultimately landing at NCA College Nationals.”
The Bulldogs open their season Friday at the Coyote Classic in Salina, Kansas, before traveling to Park University and Columbia College. McPherson will close the regular season at home, hosting the Dog House Classic on March 7th at Holman Fieldhouse.
