Spirit Squad Spotlight: Dance Team Seniors
10/15/2014 12:00:00 AM | Spirit Department
The Michigan spirit squads are loaded with students who are committed to wearing the block M with pride. They represent the Wolverines on the sidelines at Michigan Stadium, courtside at Crisler Center, and in their own annual national competitions. They dedicate long hours at practice and are always there to support their fellow student-athletes.
Leading up to Senior Day on Nov. 22 when football hosts Maryland, MGoBlue.com will be profiling the seniors who selflessly perform for the Maize and Blue. In this series, you will meet the dedicated student-athletes who will graduate soon and go on to truly embody what it means to be the leaders and best.
Hometown: Commerce Township, Mich.
Major: Psychology
Hobbies: Spending time with friends, attending church and reading The Bible, and working out
What made you want to be a part of the dance team?
I was originally part of the dance school here at Michigan, but when I switched majors, I couldn't imagine going through the rest of college without dancing. I knew a few of the girls on the team and loved the team chemistry and friendship they found with one another. I absolutely love and live for performing - what could possibly be better than an audience of 115,000 people?!
What is the biggest misconception about dance?
Dance is a sport. To be a competitive or professional dancer requires just as much hard work and athleticism as any other sport, it just is intended to look effortless! We train just as many hours as most other sports. In addition to dancing on the sidelines at games, we train year-round for our national competition in January, which the general public doesn't necessarily see.
What is your hidden talent?
Singing
Who is your role model?
My mom - she's the strongest, most caring person I know. She puts everyone before herself and always wants to help others. She's an outstanding mother and radiates her faith in all aspects of her life.
Which celebrity would you like to be Facebook friends with?
Sophia Bush -- she is an inspiration and a role model to all young women.
Favorites
» Building on Campus: North Quad -- it's so beautiful and bright.
» TV Show: One Tree Hill and Friday Night Lights -- I basically think I'm a part of these shows and have fallen in love with the characters.
» Food: Cereal because it's delicious any time of day!
» Song to karaoke: "Man, I Feel Like a Woman" by Shania Twain because it involves all of my friends singing with me.
» Book: The Great Gatsby
» Band: Florida Georgia Line -- all of their songs are feel-good songs and you can listen to them all year.
» Place to Visit: Disney World -- no matter how many times I visit, it still feels exciting and magical.
» U-M Memory: My favorite U-M memory was when we won the Michigan vs. Michigan State game at home my sophomore year. It was one of the first major wins where I was on the field, the crowd went crazy and we rushed the field. The feeling was unforgettable.
Hometown: Washington, Mich.
Major: Movement Science
Hobbies: Running and reading
What made you want to be a part of the dance team?
Dance has always been an outlet in my life that I would never want to give up. The competition world of dance team was something I was very familiar with coming out of high school, but the new and exciting part of dancing for Michigan came with the spirit that the fans bring at football and basketball games. Having the privilege of being on the football field and basketball court doing what I love is irreplaceable.
What is your earliest memory of dance?
My earliest dance memory is of my first dance recital. I was dressed as a Hershey's kiss and danced to "The Candy Man" from the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
What is your hiddent talent?
French braiding.
What celebrity would you like to be Facebook friends with?
Beyonce
What is your dream job?
I hope to go to PA school to become a physician's assistant.
Favorites
» Spot to study: The Law library! It's quiet, convenient and scenic.
» Building on campus: The Big House, of course. It's where our team loves to spend its Saturdays.
» Food: Sweet potatoes
» Song to karaoke: Any hit from the '90s
» Book: The Da Vinci Code
» Athlete: Gabby Douglas
» Sport: Figure skating -- my favorite Olympic sport to watch even though I've never figure skated myself.
» U-M Memory: My first night fotball game freshman year against Ntore Dame -- the dance team wore light suits!
