Introducing The 2016-17 ECU Dance Team
April 27, 2016 | Spirit
The East Carolina University Department of Athletics is proud to announce the dancers who will make up the 2016- 2017 ECU Dance Team. The final roster was determined following auditions, which were held April 24th.
"I was excited by the amount of talent that was displayed at tryouts this year," head coach Kristin Jeffries said. "The amount of spirit and enthusiasm for ECU and the chance to be a member of the dance team was truly special".
"I am looking forward to working with this group of young ladies who are excited to perform and cheer on the Pirates, and who will represent ECU in a positive manner."
The 2016-17 ECU Dance Team consists of a diverse squad of 20 dancers, featuring 13 returnees and seven newcomers. Performing as a part of the squad will be veterans Alessandra Gironda (Southern Pines), Danielle Goltermann (Winterville), Mallory Strange (Burlington), Eboni Wiley (Reidsville), Alex Barlow (Kannapolis), Mariana Brinkley (Prior Lake, Minn.), Jenna Harbour (Mount Holly), Alley Helms (Kannapolis), Morgan Magnarella (Seven Springs), Savannah Mangum (Durham), Kirsten Powell (Charlotte), Sydney Warren (Kernersville) and Taylor Whaley (Ayden). Joining the veterans this season are junior Sarah Pearce (Fuquay-Varina), sophomore Jordan Everett (Goldsboro) and freshmen Mary-Claire Choplin (Fuquay-Varina), Olivia Coleman (Charlotte), Brooke Harris (Gainesville, Va.), Kerri Ann Jayne (Clayton), and Christie Stuckey (Belmont).
Each dancer was judged on technical skills a jazz and hip-hop routine along with a pom routine, and had a personal interview.
Gironda, Goltermann and Strange were selected to serve as team captains.
