GV Athletics
Jeri Nagle, Sports Information Director

DES MOINES – The Grand View University competitive dance team finished at the top in a field of six at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship on Saturday afternoon hosted in Sisam Arena. This is Grand View dance team’s first conference championship since joining the Heart of American Athletic Conference.

“The girls were focused and surprisingly relaxed, just enjoying each other and the experience,” said head coach Stacie Horton. “I think having the home court advantage gave them that extra boost of confidence they needed.  They feed off of one another’s energy and the competition day rituals we’ve created as a team.  This group loves structure! I couldn’t be more proud of the performances they put on the floor and the grace with which the carried themselves throughout the day. They worked hard for this title!  We’ll enjoy it for a day and then it’s back to work for regional competition in less than a week.”

The Vikings won the event with a final score of 82.67, followed by Mount Mercy with 66.46 and Baker with 61.21. Grand View scored a 74.17 in the prelim round earning the highest score.

Six Vikings earned All-Conference honors following the day of competition; Madeline Sheldahl (SR/Huxley, Iowa), Mikala Mackey (SO/Ankeny, IA), McKenna Quandt (JR/Carroll, IA), Brittany Carlson (SR/Ankeny, IA), Marissa Signor (JR/Des Moines, IA) and Mary Yarkosky (SO/Oskaloosa, IA). Head coach Stacie Horton was also named 2019 Heart of America Dance Coach of the Year.

An opportunity to compete in the NAIA Competitive Cheer and Dance National Championship can be earned on Saturday, Feb. 23 when Baker hosts the NAIA Competitive Cheer and Dance Southeast Regional Qualifier.