Date: Jan 19, 2012

Hofstra Cheer and Dance Uphold National Titles

Teams Take Top Honors at National Championships in Orlando

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY - The Hofstra Cheer and Dance teams both placed first in their divisions at this year's Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA)/Universal Dance Association (UDA), College National Championship in Orlando, Florida.

The Hofstra Cheer Team's first place finish this past Sunday, marks the seventh national championship for the team since 2003. Previous Small Co-ed titles came in 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011 and the Pride Cheerleaders have been ranked among the nation's top ten teams for more than a decade.

"The team concentrated on bonding and creating a family atmosphere. The athletes watched the movie, "The Miracle", for inspiration among other team building exercises" said Cheer Team Coach, Christine Farina. In November the team was chosen by Varsity Brands Inc. to represent the U.S.A. at the 2011 European Open Cheer Championship held in Paris, France. Hofstra Cheer returned home with first place honors.

Hofstra's Dance Team took home four first place titles, three of which were in the UDA World Competition. The fourth first place title was in the Hip Hop competition. In addition, the team also placed second in Jazz.

"At the end of last year we saw the opportunity for growth and stepped up the audition process. With a great group of new talent and the strength of returning members, a new energetic work ethic was created, which allowed us to stick to our theme of Dance as One" said Dance Team Coach Kelly Olsen. "In addition, the team's average GPA reached a record high for the fall semester" commented Coach Olsen. The Dance Team has developed into one of the premier college level co-curricular dance programs in the United States. They have been nationally ranked by UDA for more than a decade and are top ranked among colleges on Long Island.

"The achievement is a real tribute to the team and the coaches. They do a wonderful job in preparing not only for national success, but for all athletic and university events." commented Dean of Students, Pete Libman.

Videos of the Cheer team's performances can be seen at: http://www.varsity.com/event/1523/2012_college_cheerleader_dance_team_championship.aspx

Videos of the Dance team's performances can be seen at: http://varsity.com/event/1689/2013_uca_uda_college

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from about 140 undergraduate and more than 150 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business; engineering; communication; education, health and human services; and honors studies, as well as a School of Law and the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.

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