Valdosta State Red Hots Champions Again

By:Dorsena Drakeford
The Spectator

The VSU Red Hots Dance Team won their third consecutive National Championship on Friday April 9. The Red Hots traveled to Daytona Beach for the NCA/NDA College Nationals, the largest collegiate cheer and dance competition in the nation. The season for the Red Hots starts in August and continues until the national competition.

“These girls have to balance performing at every home football and basketball game, campusevents, and community service project in addition to their academic demands and practice three times a week for 2 1/2 hours,” Kelli Holland, head coach of the VSU Red Hots Dance Team, said.

The practice the Red Hots endure is preparation for 2 minutes and 15 seconds, which is the length of the Nationals routine. This year, as in the previous two years, the Red Hots have won the National Championship, but they decided to try something new this year as they entered the Hip Hop Division-II category. The Red Hots placed second next to Hawaii Pacific University.

“Finishing second in a new division and competing in a style for the first time was a great way to end the trip to College Nationals,” Holland said. “Defending a title requires the team, and myself, to never be complacent, and we are always striving to improve and move forward.”