2019 UCA and UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship

New Team, Same Dream: Southeastern Louisiana University

The Southeastern Louisiana University Lionettes took home their first ever Hip Hop National Championship in 2018.

Jan 17, 2019 by Varsity TV

New Team, Same Dream: Southeastern Louisiana University

The Southeastern Louisiana University Lionettes took home their first ever Hip Hop National Championship in 2018 with an unforgettable routine in Orlando.

For the past 8 consecutive years, the Lionettes have placed in the top 5 with their Hip Hop routines. The team has also consistently competed beautiful Jazz routines earning strong scores to land in the top ten.

[WATCH] Southeastern Louisiana’s Winning Hip Hop Routine!

Already a subscriber? Log In

To earn their high placements year after yeat, they put in the work physically, mentally and emotionally to build strong bonds, push their limits and adapt to change. Although they’ve had big changes this season, there is no doubt this team will be competing their best on the competition stage.

Every team has put in many practices before heading to the championship but what sets the SLU dance team apart is their mental preparation. Having motivational sessions with the campus counselor, yoga during certain practices, and even the team collectively reading the book, “How Champions Think,” by Dr. Bob Rotella, allows the dancers to really be able to push through tough practices and long seasons.

The Spirit Program has a supportive fan base rooting them on throughout the school year. The university is located in Hammond, Louisiana where having Lion pride is not out of the ordinary off campus.

First-year head coach Olivia Graziano says.

“What Southeastern is built on is community and feeling like you’re at home with those around you! We love our university and we’re proud to represent it.”

The Lionettes have had many changes this season. New head coach, 12 out of 20 dancers are new to the competitive team, and Catherine Messenger has taken on the new Spirit Director role for Southeastern. For the past 13 years, Paige Hall led the dance team and entire spirit program successfully. Although she has moved on, the legacy of the program continues, and she is still involved with the team during this transition.

“Getting acquainted as a new team under a new coach with a new spirit director but maintaining the same values and identity as a spirit program was probably the biggest challenge this year as a whole,” Graziano tells us.

Defending a national championship can also be difficult with the pressure that is put on a highly successful team. However, one of the Senior captains, Re’Jon Alexander says “it is very important that we do not allow the hype of last year drive us but motivate us. It is harder to approach this competition after winning last year just because the pressure is so real. I have a lot of faith in this team and I know that whether we return back to Hammond with another national championship title or not, we would have put our best product on the floor.”

[WATCH] Southeastern Louisiana’s 2018 Jazz Routine!

Already a subscriber? Log In

This weekend, the Lionettes will be bringing a Hip Hop routine with a variety of styles and music selections choreographed by Tribe 99. The dancers have been training hard to be sure they bring the right energy and movement quality to each section.

We should be on the watch for the team skills, especially the difficult team back bend skill that is sure to wow dance fans at the championship.

Coach Graziano mentioned how they wanted a Jazz routine that the dancers could connect with emotionally, so this routine will be something that will touch your heart and is different than the Jazz routines they have competed in the past. Be sure not to miss the opening because there is a special lift that makes the routine magically comes to life.

If you can’t join all of the SLU fans traveling down to Orlando to cheer on the teams, you can watch live on right here on Varsity TV!

Written By: Megan Miles