About us
Pennsylvania Elite started out with 1 foam floor, a single strip of spring, and a tumble trak. With 50 dedicated athletes and families, we ventured into the all star cheer world and never looked back. Expanding not only in facility size, equipment, and athlete numbers, we've continued to stay knowledgeable and invested in the all star industry. Proud to be PA Elite for 21 years. Excited for many more!!
In addition to expanding our cheer program, Pennsylvania Elite hoped to give a safe environment for many eager children to learn and grow. They offer much more than just cheer. Our staff is knowledgeable in tumbling instruction and general child care and development. Check out all of the programs and special events we have to offer for boys and girls of all ages.
Our story
Brett and Tracy shared a love for cheerleading ever since they were young. They met through cheerleading at Pennsylvania State University and decided to continue that love into coaching. After coaching at the high school level and at the Sunbury YMCA, they ventured out on their own to create Pennsylvania Elite Cheerleading, Inc. They wanted a place where they could continue to coach and mentor athletes of all ages from various locations. Pennsylvania Elite is now going on its 20th year. Throughout those years, the gym received lots of national titles and industry recognition. Their junior level 5/6 team won D2 Summit 3 times. Since beginning a World's program, the world's teams continuously received bids to the USASF world championship, including multiple paid bids. They've placed in the top 10 4 times, and in 2023 received the bronze medal in Senior Limited Small division. In addition to all of this success, Pennsylvania Elite is most proud of the morals they uphold. They are definitely shaping more than just great athletes. Jackets, trophies, banners, and rings are all wonderful...but playing a part in creating great people is priceless!!
Our team
Brett and Tracy Derr
Owners, Program Managers, Instructors
Brett and Tracy Derr have been involved in cheer ever since they were on the sideline themselves. Brett staffed for ICF ad Tracy was an NCA staffer. Both met at Penn State University where they cheered on the Nittany Lions. Brett and Tracy coached at the high school level, before diving into all star. After coaching at the Sunbury YMCA, they decided to start their own program. 20 years later, they are proud of the product that they provide to athletes of all ages and skill levels. As leaders in the industry, Brett and Tracy work hard to add input and stay knowledgeable in this ever changing and growing cheer community. They are USASF certified instructors. In addition to coaching, Brett and Tracy both have teaching degrees. Tracy was a former 1st grade teacher and Brett is currently teaching 2nd grade.
Katelyn Duron
Coach, Private Lesson Instructor, Recreational Instructor
Katie Duron has been with Pennsylvania Elite for 17 years. She started as an athlete, competing on our nationally and worlds ranked teams. During her senior year in high school, she began coaching tumbling at Pennsylvania Elite. She then transitioned into a full time coach. Katie is an integral part of our staff. You will find her coaching teams, holding private lessons, instructing recreational classes, clinics, and open gyms, and assisting at special events. Additionally, Katie does choreography, judging, and camps. Katie has vast experience in tumbling, stunting, and routine choreography. She worked as a program director and camp instructor at Woodward for 8 years. She was also an NCA instructor. Katie is a USASF certified instructor in both stunts and tumbling through level 6.
Sage Wertz
Coach, Private Lesson Instructor, Recreational Instructor
Sage Wertz started at a young age cheering for Brett and Tracy both at Pennsylvania Elite and at Mifflinburg High School. Sage grew up in this program, competing on our nationally and worlds ranked teams.
After high school, Sage transitioned into an integral part of our staff. Sage is a team coach and a private lesson instructor. She works open gyms, classes, and clinics. Sage is knowledgeable in all aspects of the sport. Additionally, Sage assists in routine choreography and judging.
Sage is a USASF certified instructor in both stunts and tumbling through level 6. We are thankful not only for her compassion for all those she works with, but also for her continued loyalty to our cheer program.
Payton Derr
Junior Coach, Recreational Instructor
Payton has been cheering since she was 2 1/2 years old. She was selected to Nfinity Generation Next, Nfinity Legend, Epic Athlete, and Team IC. Payton was a member of the junior team that won D2 Summit 3 times. Since she's been world's eligible, Payton had placed in the top 10 for 3 years. Recently, Payton was the top junior scoring athlete for college recruits at an Nfinity Combine. In addition to excelling on the mat, Payton is 3rd in her class with a 4.0 GPA. Payton brings so much love, knowledge, and enthusiasm to this gym. She is a role model to all athletes. We are excited to have Payton coaching and mentoring the younger athletes in our program.
Bryanna Harris
Junior Coach
Recreational Instructor
Bryanna has cheered for 11 years and was at Pennsylvania Elite for 10 of those years. Bryanna is a 2022 graduate of Warrior Run. She will be furthering her education at Bloomsburg University. Bryanna has a love for this sport and this program. Her loyalty, hardwork, and amazing leadership skills made her the perfect candidate for a coach. Last season, she was a member of our 6th place World's Team Guardians. She was also a junior coach for Young Justice. We are excited to have her continue coaching and mentoring athletes in our program.
Our mission
Pennsylvania Elite Cheerleading, Inc. provides a safe, positive environment where athletes of all ages and abilities can grow in the sport while learning life-long lessons in character, teamwork, commitment, responsibility, and respect.
