Cougarettes Capture National College Dance Team Championship

Daytona Beach, Fla. (April 9, 2010) — For the eighth time in the past 13 years, the Brigham Young University Cougarettes are the National College Dance Team Champions.

Competing against schools from all over the country at the NDA National Championships, the Cougarettes recorded a score of 9.860, edging out the University of Louisville (9.831) for the 2010 title. The 20-member squad posted the highest score of all three divisions, giving BYU the Grand National Championship as well.

“This means a lot to our program. We didn’t have a chance to compete last year, so coming back this year to win it all is very exciting,” said Cougarette head coach Jodi Maxfield. “We've been working hard since last April, and I believe this was the best routine we've ever performed. I'm so proud of the girls for their hard work, dedication and the way they represented Brigham Young University.”

The BYU Cougarettes are categorized as a precision dance team, but in fact the scope and breadth of their focus is much more varied, including jazz, hip hop and pom. The Cougarettes captured its first National Collegiate Dance Championship in 1997 and has since won titles in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007 and now 2010. In addition, the Cougarettes have finished in the Top 4 three other times.

“Winning first place this year was the biggest thrill,” said senior Cougarette president Eliza Diederich. “We have an amazing team. We knew what we needed to do and brought it full force. Our theme this year was to believe and with that faith and burning desire anything is possible.”

Considered the elite college dance program in the country, BYU Cougarettes have gone on to perform for the Walt Disney Co., Universal Studios, Opryland, Broadway, professional dance companies, as well as National Basketball Association dancers. The Cougarettes also performed at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

"This experience has been so rewarding," said senior Jaymn Swenson who was Cougarette president last year. "The hard work paid off for us this year."

NDA National Championship Top 10

Brigham Young University (9.860)

University of Louisville (9.831)

Penn State (9.406)

South Carolina (9.406)

Duke (9.269)

Purdue University (9.233)

Virginia Tech (9.100)

Iowa State (9.073)

North Carolina State (8.985)

Texas Tech (8.948)