Grace College Athletics

Grace College is pleased to announce the hiring of Jessica Durando as the next head coach for the cheerleading program. She enters her fifth season with the Lancers in 2025-26.

Durando is a local product, cheering for Warsaw’s football and basketball programs during her high school career. She went on to cheer collegiately at NCAA Div. II Cedarville University (Ohio).

While at Cedarville, she helped with recruiting and choreographed many of the dances and routines during men’s and women’s basketball games.

Durando coached Grace during its inaugural competitive cheer season in 2023-24. In its final invitational, the team outscored all but one school in the meet, beating a handful of conference schools in the process.

“I am thrilled and humbled at the opportunity to lead the Grace College cheerleading program. My desire is to use this position to foster spiritual growth within the team so that they can lead in a way that is honoring to Christ. I am excited to lead the team in the tradition of bringing energy to the Lancer fans,” Durando said. “The support of the Grace College family has been incredible, and I am grateful to AD Chad Briscoe for his leadership and guidance as I step into this role. I am also thankful for my husband, family and church body for consistently cheering me on and nourishing my heart so that I can enthusiastically serve this great community!”

Durando is also a CPA with several years of experience with Crowe, LLP. She currently works as a staff accountant at Paragon Medical.

“We are excited for Jessica to lead our cheer program at Grace. She brings an excellent background in cheer, and she has a heart to serve the Lord and our students. She is a tremendous addition to our department,” said Grace Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe.