TWU’s Pioneer Pride wins Academic Championship

Apr. 1, 2019 — DENTON — Texas Woman’s University’s competitive dance team, Pioneer Pride, recently posted the highest grade-point average among all teams at the American Dance/Drill Team Collegiate Championships.

The team was also named first runner-up for the University Division II Open competition and third runner-up in University Division II Overall competition. In total, 29 universities competed in the event, including 10 universities in the Division II class. 

“Our students spend hours every week rehearsing and working to achieve their goals,” said Allison Fields, director of the Pioneer Pride Dance Team. “This group in particular is one of the hardest working groups of students I’ve ever coached. On top of this, to be awarded Collegiate Academic Champions truly shows what great people they are.” 

The 2018-2019 roster includes: Samantha Anderson, Daniela Archila, Brooke Ashmore (Co-Captain), Lauren Boyes, Sarah Cannon, Carmen Carey, Kylie Castillo, Caroline Cave (Co-Captain), Elle De Pau, Emily Friedman, Charity Hawkins, Maddie Hoffman (Co-Captain), Alyssa Miller, Frances Ostermann and Joelene Rosas.

“Competing with some of my greatest friends was an experience I’ll never forget,” said Caroline Cave, co-captain for the team. “Dancing is my passion and getting to share that with these girls at competition is a dream come true. It’s also an incredible experience getting to represent TWU and knowing that I’m creating history.”

TWU’s dance team debuted in fall 2017 and competed in Daytona Beach, Florida, at the National Dance Alliance College Nationals where they placed seventh in the nation in 2018.

Auditions for the 2019-2020 team will take place Friday, April 26, from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday, April 27 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Kitty Magee Arena on the Denton campus. See the Pioneer Pride website for additional information regarding audition requirements.

Page last updated 2:58 PM, November 17, 2020