Saints Dance Competed at American Dance and Drill Team Collegiate Championship

DENTON, TEXAS (March 26, 2024) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) competitive dance team participated in the 2024 American Dance and Drill Team Collegiate Championship (ADTS) on Saturday. Madicela Perez, Juliana Eigel, Madison Smith, Yasmine Escobar, Isabella Arroyo, Isis Almanza and Jo Ann Mynar Melendrez performed at the event.

Head Coach Crystal Brock commented, "We knew our competition would be fierce especially because we were competing against NCAA D3 universities. The goal was to remain in the top three, which we accomplished in our team performance and division ranking. Madison Smith made OLLU history by being the first competitive solo performer to represent the university. The soloists were from all over Texas and represented NCAA D1, NCAA D2, NCAA D3, NAIA and junior colleges. I'm proud of their accomplishments and value their hard work. The captains are doing a great job by maintaining our standards and high expectations. Yasmine Escobar was a standout performer and is a firecracker when it comes to showmanship and crowd appeal. Her projection and enthusiasm radiate on the mat and are notated by the audience and judges. We will focus on preparing for NDA National in Daytona. We know what we must work on, and we value every critique received this season. I'd like to give a huge shout out to all the parents and families that have supported our athletes in Denton and New Orleans this season. Thank you for your support."

Smith, who is a junior, made OLLU history by performing and earning a Division I solo rating. The squad earned second place in the Division III Open Team Performance and third place in the overall Division III team ranking.

The Saints spirit team is in the midst of recruiting 2024-2025 dancers, cheerleaders and drummers as they plan for the competitive 2025 season. If interested, email Head Coach Crystal Brock at cmbrock@ollusa.edu.

Up next

The competitive dance team will begin preparing for the NDA Nationals in Daytona, Florida, that runs from April 8-14. This year they will be taking a team performance and the first OLLU gameday routine featuring competitive dance, cheer and drumline.