ABOUT DAKOTA SPIRIT

A Cheer Program Rooted in Family, Faith, Friendship, and Fun

At Dakota Spirit, we want every athlete and family to feel prepared and confident before joining our programs. From your first practice to competitions and events, we provide a safe, supportive, and fun environment where athletes of all ages and skill levels can grow. You can expect expert coaching, structured training, and opportunities to develop tumbling, stunting, and cheer skills. Families will also enjoy clear communication, helpful resources, and a community that values teamwork, character, and confidence. Whether your child is just starting out or advancing to an All-Star team, Dakota Spirit ensures a positive and rewarding cheer experience from start to finish.

Dakota Spirit Logo

Our Mission

Dakota Spirit teams and classes promote spiritual, physical and mental development while building self-confidence, good character, and commitment in youth. The lessons learned at Dakota Spirit will make winners for life!

Why Dakota Spirit? Dakota Spirit was the first youth cheerleading program in South Dakota and remains to be a top program in the Midwest. Whether your child is looking for recreational fun in tumbling and cheerleading or the intensity of competing, there is a place for every child at Dakota Spirit. Our experienced staff and fully equipped facility at Dakota Spirit provide a safe place for your child to learn tumbling and cheerleading skills!

Dakota Spirit Athletes forming a circle.

OUR HISTORY

Where the Dakota Spirit Story Began

Established in 1997 by founder Robin Fritsch, the program began with 12 young girls and was first known as Dakota Spirit Supersquads. The program has grown to 18 teams, a variety of classes for all ages, and a full-scale program of camps, clinics & choreography services. Dakota Spirit has a place for every child with a variety of classes and teams that fit any experience and commitment level. Our experienced staff will help your child develop as an athlete, both physically and mentally! Come join the best!

Image of Dakota Spirit founder Robin Fritschand family

Meet the Team

Cheer coach assisting an athlete with their form.

Safety First

Every practice, from day one to advanced performance, follows a safety-first approach designed to build confidence and long-term strength.

Cheer athletes posing with their championship rings.

Accolades

From local events to the national stage, Dakota Spirit athletes are recognized for their skill, sportsmanship, and heart. Our tradition of excellence and leadership continues to inspire every new generation.

A cheer athlete with special needs performing during a showcase.

All Ages & All Abilities

From a child’s first cheer to advanced, high-level stunts, our program empowers every athlete to learn, grow, and succeed at every stage.

One Team. One Spirit.

Communication & Support

Have a question or need help finding the right information? We’re here to make it easy. Whether you’re looking for guidance on billing, registration, classes, tumbling, team details, or program-related questions, our staff is always just a message away. Connect directly with the director or coordinator who can best assist you — and we’ll make sure you get the answers you need quickly.

Billing/Registration

Office Director
Lesley Good
lesleygoodds@gmail.com

Office Contact
info@dakotaspirit.com
605-373-0414

Team Info, Practices & Coaches

Email info@dakotaspirit.com for coach contact details.

Classes & Lessons

Tumbling Director
Triana McCloud
triana.mccloud@dakotaspirit.com

Gym Leadership

Program Director
Joanna Naatjes
joanna.naatjes@dakotaspirit.com

Gym Owner
Robin Fritsch
robin.fritsch@dakotaspirit.com

Screenshot of the Dakota Spirit Go Motion platform.

GoMotion Account Requirement

All participating families are required to have a GoMotion account. This will be used as the primary registration and billing system. All information should be kept up-to-date throughout the season.

Real Families. Real Stories. Real Spirit.

Our greatest achievement is the impact we make on our athletes and families. Read how Dakota Spirit continues to inspire growth, confidence, and joy in every season.

  • Dakota Spirit not only shaped my athletic ability, but also my friendships, morals, and work ethic. I will cherish the memories I made with my best friends at DS forever! Truly the best years of my life!

    Marissa Haensel
    DS Graduate & 13 Year Member

  • Dakota Spirit is more than a cheer program, it is a family. It is that rare youth program that emphasizes development of the complete person. They are not simply building outstanding cheer athletes, they are building outstanding humans. All three of my kids are better people for their experience with Dakota Spirit.

    Bryan Kouri
    Former Dakota Spirit Cheer Parent

  • When we walked through the Dakota Spirit doors 15 years ago, I had no idea what impact this gym and its coaching staff would have on our lives. To us, DS isn’t just a cheer gym….it truly is a family rooted in faith, humility, and kindness. We are so grateful for the lessons that Izzy has learned from her time at Dakota Spirit….lessons that reach well beyond the mat and have shaped her into the person she is today.

    Ashley Hosek
    Dakota Spirit Parent 15 Years

2025-2026 Season Info

Dakota Spirit Athletes performing at a competition.

Understanding the Commitment

Joining Dakota Spirit is an investment in your athlete’s growth, confidence, and community. We know that both the time and financial commitment matter, and we want families to feel supported every step of the way. Explore what to expect and how we structure our programs so you can make the best decision for your family.

Dakota spirit athlete posing during a studio photoshoot.
A candid photo of a Dakota Spirit athlete during a competition routine.
Young Dakota Spirit Prep League Cheerleaders watching a performance during the Valentine's Classic.
Dakota Spirit athletes performing a stunt in a studio photoshoot.
A young performance league athlete posing for the camera at a competition.

From first-time tumblers to seasoned competitors, every athlete finds their place to grow at Dakota Spirit. Our teams spark confidence, build character, and celebrate every victory — big or small.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Your Top Questions, Answered

We’ve gathered a few of the most common questions families ask about Dakota Spirit — from class options to team commitments.

  • Dakota Spirit offers a variety of cheerleading and tumbling classes and teams tailored to different commitment and skill levels, including Performance, Prep, and All-Star programs.

    Dakota Spirit teams and classes promote spiritual, physical, and mental development while building self-confidence, good character, and commitment in youth. The lessons learned at Dakota Spirit will make winners for life!

  • Dakota Spirit was the first youth cheerleading program in South Dakota and remains to be a top program in the Midwest. Whether your child is looking for recreational fun in tumbling and cheerleading or the intensity of competing, there is a place for every child at Dakota Spirit. Our experienced staff and fully equipped facility at Dakota Spirit provide a safe place for your child to learn tumbling and cheerleading skills!

  • No prior experience is required to join. Dakota Spirit provides programs suitable for beginners through advanced athletes.

  • Dakota Spirit offers a variety of cheer teams designed to meet athletes where they are—whether they’re just starting out, building skills, or competing at an elite level. Each program focuses on growth, confidence, teamwork, and a positive, faith-centered environment.

    Half-Season Performance Teams
    Perfect for athletes looking for a shorter commitment, Half-Season Performance Teams introduce cheer fundamentals in a fun, supportive setting. These teams focus on basic skills, routines, and performance opportunities without the time demands of a full season. Learn More >

    Performance Teams
    Performance Teams offer a recreational cheer experience with a bit more structure and skill development. Athletes learn routines, build coordination, and perform locally while enjoying a balanced commitment that fits busy family schedules. Learn More >

    Prep Teams
    Prep Teams are designed for athletes ready to take the next step into competitive cheer. This program bridges the gap between performance cheer and All-Star competition, emphasizing skill progression, teamwork, and confidence—without extensive travel. Learn More >

    All-Star Prep Teams
    All-Star Prep Teams provide a competitive cheer experience with a lighter commitment than elite-level teams. Athletes participate in higher-level routines and select competitions while continuing to develop strong fundamentals in a supportive, structured environment. Learn More >

    All-Star Elite Teams
    All-Star Elite Teams are for dedicated athletes ready to compete at the highest levels of cheerleading. This nationally recognized program features advanced skill training, elite coaching, year-round commitment, and travel to major competitions—while emphasizing character, leadership, and teamwork. Learn More >

    Cheer Abilities
    Cheer Abilities is an inclusive program designed for athletes of all abilities. This team focuses on confidence, movement, teamwork, and joy, creating a welcoming environment where every athlete can shine and be celebrated. Learn More >

  • Classes include tumbling and flexibility classes for all ages!

    Explore the classes we offer >

Want to dig deeper? View our full FAQ page for complete details.

Still have questions? Let's chat!

Have questions about teams, training, lessons, scheduling or finding the right fit? We're here to help!