“After my experience in Montgomery, Alabama this past Decemeber, there is no doubt in my mind that Appalachian has the BEST fans in the country,” said Morgan Barnett, a junior and newly elected captain of the Appalachian State University dance team.
Morgan, along with her two other captains have been busy prepping for dance team tryouts which will take place on April 16 and 17. Morgan said even though there are seven seniors leaving this year, she feels ready to take on this new challenge.
“We plan to focus on continuing to grow the dance team program as whole, as well as emphasize to the new girls that they aren’t just making a team, they are being welcomed into a family,” Morgan said. “We’ve found over the past few years that if you’re friends, not just teammates, you actually grow as a team so much more. That’s our main focus, creating a hard-working and dedicated environment, as well as a welcoming and fun one too.”
Morgan, who said she has been dancing since she was 3 years old, tried out for the dance team her freshman year after she realized she wasn’t quite ready to give up her passion after high school graduation. Since then, she says it has completely made her college experience.
“When I made the team three years ago I was just excited to get to continue to dance through college,” Morgan said. “What I didn’t know was that I was getting ready to meet some of my very best friends. Being surrounded my women who share the same passion as you and love App State as much as you do is amazing.”
Morgan also gives tremendous credit to her soon-to-be graduated captians Alaina Brown, Courtney Dancy and Alyson Grant who she says were the “backbone” of their team this past year.
“We’ve seen such tremendous growth under their leadership and I’m so grateful for each of them,” Morgan said.
A highlight of the dance team from this past season was the oppurtunity to travel to away football games for the first time. They also did on-field performances at home football games, traveled to the Camellia Bowl, and were regconized as Scholar Athletes at a basketball game.
Morgan said she hopes to keep this momentum going and have a few more “firsts” this upcoming season.
So, if there are any dancers out there – Morgan would love to see your skills at tryouts.
“I’m so excited for try-outs and this upcoming season,” Morgan said. “I am hopeful we are going to see amazing talent at tryouts April 16-17 and I can’t wait to welcome the new ladies to the team!”
Go dance your heart out and meet the lovely Morgan in the process!