The Pios took, first, third and fifth while earning two major awards
Dance Team Wins National Championship
4/13/2025 2:26:00 PM | Dance
Pios Also Earn Pair of Major Honors
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Sacred Heart Dance Team is a National Champion for the first time.
The Pioneers, competing at the 2025 NCA & NDA Collegiate Championship, finished first in Division I Spirit Rally to go along with third place in Division 1 Hip Hop and fifth place in Division 1 Jazz this weekend at the Ocean Center.
SHU finished ahead of Stephen F. Austin University and the University of North Dakota in Spirit Rally.
"All year the team has been incredibly focused on our ultimate goals and worked hard to have a championship mindset," said SHU Dance Team Head Coach Reina Van Florcke, whose 2024 squad took second, fourth and sixth at Nationals. "The team has been determined all season to do whatever it takes to raise the bar and make history. This wasn't only amazing because it was our first national title in program history, but it was in a routine that truly represents Pioneer Pride."
The Pioneers also captured a pair of significant awards while competing at Nationals. SHU won the "Go Be Great" Award for Division 1 which recognizes cheerleading and dance teams, coaches, and individuals who demonstrate a positive impact in their communities through service and leadership. It's a way for NDA to acknowledge and celebrate athletes who go above and beyond to make a difference.
"We dedicate time throughout the year to give back to our community and find charities that are important to the team. One event that we were proud to be a part of this year was "Step Up for Down Syndrome" in support of the brother of one of our seniors. Being recognized and winning this award meant so much more than any routine placement we received this week," said Van Florcke.
Sacred Heart also received the Innovative Choreography Award for their winning Spirit Rally routine. Sacred Heart's choreographer for all three routines at nationals was Jillian Zagorski.
Van Florcke, in her 15th year with the program as both an athlete and coach, took over as head coach for Deirdre Hennessey in 2019. She marveled at the team's progress.
"To see the growth this team has had is truly incredible and speaks volumes about their work ethic and commitment. It truly feels like a dream, and I could not be more proud of them."
SHU's Placements at Nationals
1st Place in Division 1 Spirit Rally - Gold Medalists, National Champions
3rd Place in Division 1 Hip Hop - Bronze Medalists
5th Place in Division 1 Jazz
The Pioneers, competing at the 2025 NCA & NDA Collegiate Championship, finished first in Division I Spirit Rally to go along with third place in Division 1 Hip Hop and fifth place in Division 1 Jazz this weekend at the Ocean Center.
SHU finished ahead of Stephen F. Austin University and the University of North Dakota in Spirit Rally.
"All year the team has been incredibly focused on our ultimate goals and worked hard to have a championship mindset," said SHU Dance Team Head Coach Reina Van Florcke, whose 2024 squad took second, fourth and sixth at Nationals. "The team has been determined all season to do whatever it takes to raise the bar and make history. This wasn't only amazing because it was our first national title in program history, but it was in a routine that truly represents Pioneer Pride."
The Pioneers also captured a pair of significant awards while competing at Nationals. SHU won the "Go Be Great" Award for Division 1 which recognizes cheerleading and dance teams, coaches, and individuals who demonstrate a positive impact in their communities through service and leadership. It's a way for NDA to acknowledge and celebrate athletes who go above and beyond to make a difference.
"We dedicate time throughout the year to give back to our community and find charities that are important to the team. One event that we were proud to be a part of this year was "Step Up for Down Syndrome" in support of the brother of one of our seniors. Being recognized and winning this award meant so much more than any routine placement we received this week," said Van Florcke.
Sacred Heart also received the Innovative Choreography Award for their winning Spirit Rally routine. Sacred Heart's choreographer for all three routines at nationals was Jillian Zagorski.
Van Florcke, in her 15th year with the program as both an athlete and coach, took over as head coach for Deirdre Hennessey in 2019. She marveled at the team's progress.
"To see the growth this team has had is truly incredible and speaks volumes about their work ethic and commitment. It truly feels like a dream, and I could not be more proud of them."
SHU's Placements at Nationals
1st Place in Division 1 Spirit Rally - Gold Medalists, National Champions
3rd Place in Division 1 Hip Hop - Bronze Medalists
5th Place in Division 1 Jazz
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