FULLERTON, Calif. -- The 11-time defending national champion Cal State Fullerton Dance Team heads to Orlando, Fla., this weekend in search of an even dozen as the Titans compete at the 2013 UDA/UCA Collegiate National Competition at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Saturday (Jan. 19).
In the Division I Jazz competition, Fullerton joins 20 other teams from around the nation in the semifinal round which begins at 12:30 p.m. PT. Approximately 10 finalists will be culled from the group for the final round later that evening at 5:30 p.m. PT with an awards ceremony to follow at 6:45 p.m. PT.
"These girls have been working so hard to bring back title number 12," Head Coach Jennie Volkert said. "Along with coach Kenndra Alvarez, who choreographed the competition routine, they began practice at the beginning of November and, once December came along, they have practiced every single day, whether it be morning, noon, night, or at Cal State Fullerton home events. These girls have the dedication and determination to bring back the gold. I can't wait to see them take the competition floor and make Cal State Fullerton proud."
Live coverage of select divisions, as well as video coverage, behind the scenes galleries, as well as the final results, will be posted at Varsity.com throughout the competition. Fans can also stay in touch by following @UCAupdates and @UDAnews on Twitter.
The Dance Team features 15 girls -- 11 veterans and four newcomers -- for the 2012-13 season.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING...
"We've come so far this year as a team," said three-year veteran and team captain junior Krysten Dorado. "We've poured our blood, sweat, and tears into long nights of consistent practices together. 'Eleven-time National Champs" has followed us all year long and we are ready to take on another title to become 12-Time National Champs. Our competitors this year are fired up and ready to take our title away from us, but we are continuing to fight even harder to uphold our legacy."
"My coaches and teammate's hard work and dedication has made my experience as a Titan dance team member unforgettable," said Katie Mau, a junior transfer from Orange Coast College. "The love and support from each and every person is remarkable and has given me the opportunity to continue to do what I love the most -- dance!"
"Being a member of Cal State Fullerton's Dance Team has given me a wonderful opportunity to be part of a unique Titan Family," freshman Holly Stephens said. "As a team, we work so hard and support each other to achieve our goal of a National Title at UDA Nationals. Entering the squad as the only freshman in the spring was really intimidating, but the girls took me in their arms and led the way. In the fall, I was joined by another freshman to complete our team. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I am honored and proud to be a CSUF Dance Team member."
"Being a part of the CSUF Dance Team has been one of the best experiences of my life," said freshman Brooke Cooper. "I am so blessed to have such amazing and caring coaches and motivating teammates. I've learned that in order to dance as a team, we have to have faith in each other... that is exactly what my team has!"