ECU Unveils 2026-27 Dance Team Members
April 23, 2026 | General, Dance
GREENVILLE, N.C. – The East Carolina University Department of Athletics is proud to announce the dancers who will make up the 2026-2027 ECU Dance Team, which was determined by auditions held on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
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This year's team consists of a diverse squad of 18 dancers, featuring 13 returnees and five newcomers. Performing once again will be Mary Elizabeth Baker (Fuquay Varina), Caroline Barlow (Kannapolis), Briana Burrell (Gainesville, Va.), Kaylee Chavis (Lumberton), Madeleine Cihon (Hillsborough, N.J.), Katie Earp (Four Oaks), Kira Jones (Charlotte), Alexandra Kessinger (Greensboro) Marina Medica (Fort Myers, Fla.), Xe'Nia Rosario (New Bern), Karrigan Starns (Maiden) and Kaitlyn Vlacich (Long Island, N.Y.). Joining the veterans are five incoming freshmen in Peyton Bierowski (Chesterfield, Va.), Halle Grace Devine (Denver), Gia Sacco (Windsor, N.Y.), Madeline Samuels (Pennsville, N.J.) and Brianna Valverde (Chapin, S.C.).Â
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The audition consisted of the ECU Fight Song and Game Day style routine learned by participants before arriving. In addition, a performance routine consisting of the three styles of dance performed by the dance team, pom, jazz and hip hop taught the day of auditions, a technical skills demonstration, along with a personal interview.
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"Tryouts bring excitement each year as the new team is announced," ECU Head Coach Kristin Jeffries said. "The level of talent around the country is incredible and we are fortunate to be able to attract not only talented dancers, but students committed to academics and an enthusiasm for being part of Pirate Nation.
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"Again, this year we had an invite only tryout bringing the most talented on campus to audition. The level of talent demonstrated at tryouts was incredible, making the decision very challenging. These dancers showed tremendous work ethic and displayed enthusiasm and school spirit in their performances. The ECU Dance Team coaching staff is looking forward to being able to showcase the talents of these dancers during our athletic and community events this upcoming season."
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This year's team consists of a diverse squad of 18 dancers, featuring 13 returnees and five newcomers. Performing once again will be Mary Elizabeth Baker (Fuquay Varina), Caroline Barlow (Kannapolis), Briana Burrell (Gainesville, Va.), Kaylee Chavis (Lumberton), Madeleine Cihon (Hillsborough, N.J.), Katie Earp (Four Oaks), Kira Jones (Charlotte), Alexandra Kessinger (Greensboro) Marina Medica (Fort Myers, Fla.), Xe'Nia Rosario (New Bern), Karrigan Starns (Maiden) and Kaitlyn Vlacich (Long Island, N.Y.). Joining the veterans are five incoming freshmen in Peyton Bierowski (Chesterfield, Va.), Halle Grace Devine (Denver), Gia Sacco (Windsor, N.Y.), Madeline Samuels (Pennsville, N.J.) and Brianna Valverde (Chapin, S.C.).Â
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The audition consisted of the ECU Fight Song and Game Day style routine learned by participants before arriving. In addition, a performance routine consisting of the three styles of dance performed by the dance team, pom, jazz and hip hop taught the day of auditions, a technical skills demonstration, along with a personal interview.
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"Tryouts bring excitement each year as the new team is announced," ECU Head Coach Kristin Jeffries said. "The level of talent around the country is incredible and we are fortunate to be able to attract not only talented dancers, but students committed to academics and an enthusiasm for being part of Pirate Nation.
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"Again, this year we had an invite only tryout bringing the most talented on campus to audition. The level of talent demonstrated at tryouts was incredible, making the decision very challenging. These dancers showed tremendous work ethic and displayed enthusiasm and school spirit in their performances. The ECU Dance Team coaching staff is looking forward to being able to showcase the talents of these dancers during our athletic and community events this upcoming season."
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