Pine Island Cheer
Coach Michelle Burgan
Meet Michelle Burgan, your dedicated cheerleading coach at Pine Island Academy! With over a decade of experience as a Community School Liaison in Kentucky’s largest school district, Michelle has extensive expertise in youth programs and community outreach. Her passion for helping young people thrive is central to her coaching style, creating a positive and supportive environment for every cheerleader.
A proud University of Kentucky graduate, Michelle grew up immersed in Kentucky’s vibrant cheerleading culture, where she developed a belief that every girl should experience the joy and confidence cheerleading can bring. Her long-standing commitment to empowering youth and families makes her the ideal mentor to lead and inspire our squad to greatness.
Coach Katie Gerrits
Coach Katie has been coaching the Pine Island Academy Dolphin cheerleaders since the beginning of the 2024 cheer season. Growing up in Bermuda, she started off as a competitive gymnast and dancer before turning to all-star cheer in South Florida. In Junior High her all-girl competition team, Legend Lady Jags, won three National Championship titles in UCA, NCA and American Open! She also cheered sideline for her high school and continued her love for competition by competing on dance/tumbling teams through high school and her sorority in college. Being active her entire life, she has always held a love for fitness and nutrition obtaining her degree in Health Education from the University of Florida. As a Certified Health Education Specialist and group fitness instructor she has over 10 years’ experience teaching others in various areas of wellness. Outside of cheer she currently teaches group fitness classes at the local YMCA while raising two young children with her husband in Nocatee. As a cheer coach, it’s all about helping to guide and shape the girls to be the best cheerleader they can be that makes this job so rewarding for her. She loves instilling confidence in every cheerleader, making them proud to be a PIA Dolphin! She looks forward to continuing to help the PIA cheer team flourish both on and off the mat.
Coach Erika Koenigsknech
Erika Koenigsknecht, originally from Plymouth, Michigan, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the world of cheerleading. A proud graduate of the University of Michigan, she holds a degree in Economics, Math, and Education. Currently, Erika resides in Nocatee with her husband and two children, where she continues to share her love for the sport.
Erika’s coaching career began at Wayne Memorial High School, where she led the Varsity Cheerleading team for three years. During her time there, she helped grow the program to three times its original size and significantly improved its performance, with team scores increasing by over 100 points from previous seasons. She then took on the role of Varsity Cheerleading Coach at South Lyon High School, where she coached for five years. Under her leadership, the team advanced to regionals every year except her first and shattered all previous school scoring records. She loves building relationships with her athletes to tap into their full potential and motivate them at every practice.
As an athlete, Erika cheered at DeWitt High School, where she and her team advanced to the state finals three times, further solidifying her love for the sport.
Beyond cheerleading, Erika enjoys spending time at the beach, golfing, watching her children grow in their sports, playing with her Rottweiler, hosting visitors from up north, house hunting, and attending country music festivals. Coaching has always been her passion, and she is thrilled to work with another talented group of athletes, helping them develop their skills and confidence throughout the season.
