Back-to-Back!! Dance Wins Second-Straight Division I Spirit Rally Title
4/13/2026 10:30:00 AM | Dance
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Sacred Heart Dance Team are back-to-back National Champions, earning the title for their Division I Spirit Rally routine at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Championship.
The Pioneers finished with a 93.625 which was over 5 points above the second place team, Wichita State University. In addition to the gold medal and national championship in Spirit Rally, the Pioneers added fifth place finishes in both Division 1 Hip Hop and Division 1 Jazz. Sacred Heart's choreographer for all three routines at nationals was Jillian Zagorski.
"I am just so extremely proud of this team," said head coach Reina Van Florcke. "After winning our first-ever national championship last year, expectations were high, but this team fully embraced the challenge and raised the standard even higher. They showed dedication, resilience, and heart all year, and I believe that is what earned us three top five placements."
Van Florcke, in her 16th year with the program as an athlete, assistant coach and head coach, took over as head coach for Deirdre Hennessey in 2019. Van Florcke is joined by assistant coaches Rielley Coles and Isabella Tolomeo who are both alumni of the team as well. "They pushed through long practices, supported one another, and never lost sight of what we were capable of achieving together," continued Van Florcke. "This second title isn't just about their talent—it's about their trust in each other. The team made history, but more importantly, the bonds they've built with each other are so special and go far beyond the trophies. It's an absolute honor to coach them and be with them as they achieve their dreams."
SHU's Placements at Nationals
1st Place in Division 1 Spirit Rally - Gold Medalists, National Champions
5th Place in Division 1 Hip Hop
5th Place in Division 1 Jazz
