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MaKayla Gayler becomes head cheerleading coach at Illinois

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 8, 2026, 5:47 PM

Last updated Aug 8, 2026

College Sports

Summary

MaKayla Gayler has been named the head cheerleading coach at the University of Illinois as of August 8. This role marks a return for Gayler, who has a deep-rooted history in cheerleading and previously served as team captain. She aims to enhance community outreach and prepare the team for its first football game on September 3. Gayler succeeds Stephanie Record, who coached for 32 years.

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Key Details

•Gayler started cheerleading at age 5 and continued through high school.
•She was team captain during her junior and senior years at Illinois.
•Gayler plans to focus on community outreach and fan engagement.
•She will prepare the team for the September 3 football game.
•Her predecessor, Record, led the program for 32 years.

Latest Updates

5:47 PMYahoo Sports — Give her an 'I'

What they're saying

"
Aug. 8—CHAMPAIGN — Stepping into the role of head cheerleading coach at the University of Illinois represents a homecoming for MaKayla Gayler, alongside a continuation of a lifelong love for her sport. "Lifelong" is no exaggeration here. Gayler says there are baby photos of her in a cheerleading outfit. "I have a long line of cheerleaders in my family," Gayler said. "So it's definitely a ...
— Yahoo Sports

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