Dance Team: Spirit Support

The Hofstra University Dance Team (HUDT) is an exciting and competitive collegiate dance team that performs at University athletic events as well as other events held on and off campus. The members of the team support the Hofstra athletic programs and promote general school spirit. HUDT has developed into one of the premier college dance programs in the United States and currently holds 10 National Championships and 1 World Championship. Due to the team's demanding schedule, they dedicate approximately 18 hours per week toward practice, athletic events, University events, technique, and weight/strength training.

Meet the Dance Team

Mia Andonelos
Commack, New York
Years on team: 2

Amanda Cannella
Junior Captain
Wantagh, New York
Years on team: 3

Isabella Cascone
Wantagh, New York
Years on team: 3

Isabella Dazza
Midland Park, New Jersey
Years on team: 3

Hailey DiCio
St. James, New York
Years on team: 2

Lauryn Egan
Amityville, New York
Years on team: 2

Olivia Galante
Massapequa, New York
Years on team: 3

Victoria Ippoliti
Senior Captain
Seaford, New York
Years on team: 4

Erin Kavanagh
Bridgewater, New Jersey
Years on team: 3

Maryellen Lassen
Brooklyn, New York
Years on team: 3

John Lisella
Wethersfield, Connecticut
Years on team: 2

Isabella LoBue
Staten Island, New York
Years on team: 3

Marina LoRe
Senior Captain
Davidsonville, Maryland
Years on team: 4

Alyssa Maikowski
Commack, New York
Years on team: 1

Gabriella Marinelli
Staten Island, New York
Years on team: 3

Avery Mars
Trinity, Florida
Years on team: 1

Johnna Palmese
Branford, Connecticut
Years on team: 3

Danielle Quinn
Smithtown, New York
Years on team: 3

Brooke Tyler
West Islip, New York
Years on team: 2

Isabella Uberti
Massapequa, New York
Years on team: 1

Emma Velleca
Staten Island, New York
Years on team: 1

Stacey Wong
Middle Village, New York
Years on team: 2

Alumni Group

Video Gallery

Dance Team Coaches

Kelly Olsen-Leon
Head Dance Team Coach
Hofstra, 2003, 2007

B.A. in Elementary Education and Mathematics from Hofstra University, M.A. in Math, Science, Technology from Hofstra University, Head Coach of the 10-Time National Champion, 2016 World Champion, and 2017 Pan-American Champion Hofstra University Dance Team, Mathematics Teacher at West Islip School District, former Head Coach of the West Islip Varsity Kickline, former Owner and Director of Gravity Dance All-Stars, former Head Coach of the Nationally Ranked Bellport High School Dance Team, former Captain and four-year member of the nationally ranked Hofstra University Dance Team, former Universal Dance Association Head Instructor, former Head Coach of the New York Cosmos Girls, Judge for Regional, State, and National competitions, Choreographer/Consultant for high school and college dance teams and dance studios.

Danielle Bradle
Assistant Dance Team Coach
Hofstra, 2016, 2017

B.B.A. in Marketing and minor in Finance from Hofstra University, M.S. in Marketing from Hofstra University, Assistant Coach of the National Champion Hofstra University Dance Team, Vice President of Government Banking at Flushing Bank, former Head Coach of the nationally ranked Stony Brook University Dance Team, former Assistant Coach of the Adelphi University Dance Team, former Captain and five-year member of the National Champion Hofstra University Dance Team, 2016 World Champion and 2017 Pan-American Champion Team, former four-year member and Captain of the New York Cosmos Girls, Choreographer for high school/college dance teams.

Kristen Olsen
Assistant Dance Team Coach
Hofstra, 2010

B.A. in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education and Psychology from Hofstra University, M.A. in Special Education from St. Joseph’s College, Volunteer Assistant Coach of the National Champion Hofstra University Dance Team, Special Education Teacher in NYCDOE- Queens, former four-year member of the New York Cosmos Girls, former Head Coach of the nationally ranked Long Island University-Post Dance Team, former Head Coach of the nationally ranked Bellport High School Dance Team, former four-year member of the nationally ranked Hofstra University Dance Team, former Head Coach of the Bellport Middle School Dance Team, former Owner and Director of Gravity Dance All-Stars.