The following is from an article from Dons Press by El Cid, “Becoming a Buckeye.”

Senior Dancers Next Steps After an Incredible Year

The dance team had an incredible competition season led by Captains Gianna Mojonnier ’24 and Sofia Mah ’24. These girls practiced from sunrise to sunset to perfect their choreography in multiple routines, preparing them for the West Coast Elite Competitions, where they went on to place as Regional Grand Champions and Third Grand Champions at Nationals.

After four years on the CCHS dance team— three of which included dancing on the competition team, Sara Vaplon ’24 accredits their success to the coaches and captains, “They motivate us to keep pushing through our dances and they really help bring the team closer together.”

She outlines the grit it took to achieve their success, “Competition team was a lot of hard work… mental toughness as well as physical toughness… with the practicing and commitment to the team.”

With plans to dance at the collegiate level with teammate Jordan Felming ’24 at Texas Christian University, she shares how her time on CCDT fueled her passion for the sport, “Obviously the dedication translates to the college scene, and CCDT builds our love to do dance which makes you want to continue.”

Each year, our very own dance team sends many athletes off to college teams. In addition to Sara and Jordan, Lauren Hackley intends to be a part of the Pom Squad at Southern Methodist University, and Captains Sofia Mah and Gianna Mojonnier are committed to Washington State University and Ohio State University, respectively.

As a future Buckeye, Gianna prepares to join the 2024 National Champions, following the footsteps of fellow graduates as she will become a member of the esteemed Ohio State Dance Team!

Gianna explains her motivation to pursue a spot on the Ohio dance team, explaining, “After attending my first Ohio State Dance Team clinic, I was set on pursuing my dream. As soon as I met the team they felt like my family. Through an extensive audition process including dance clinics, video submissions, and online interviews, Gianna was thrilled to be accepted into the prestigious dance program.

When asked about her goals on the Ohio Team, Gianna shared, she hopes to “get close with the team” and to “get stronger as a dancer and improve my skills.” In fact, she will be rejoining her teammates from the Cathedral Catholic Dance Team (CCDT, Emma Hellenkamp (CCHS Captain ’23) and Hailey Meyers (CCHS Co-Captain ’23)!

These two made history and headlines with a double National Championship win against 300 universities from 48 states. The Buckeyes placed first place National Champions in DIA Gameday and DIA Jazz and second place in the DIA Pom category.

Hailey Meyers shares her unique experience training and vying for the gold. The Bucks are supported by “an amazing circle that includes sports psychology, strength training coach, and training” to alleviate their “eight hours a day training, cleaning, and bonding.” Meyers reminisces, “I was speechless walking off the stage and I will never forget the smile and tears of joy I had after knowing all our hard work had truly paid off.”

Meyers earnestly reflects, “CCDT taught me how to be an amazing teammate and how to always be there for whoever needs it.” Meyers bestowed an indelible legacy upon CCDT and the illustrious Dons community, a legacy that she tirelessly continues to amplify with magnificence in her endeavors with the esteemed Buckeyes.

Cathedral Catholic Dance Team amazes us year after year; building athletes into champions, setting them up with the skills to continue their passion for the sport, and offering an Alumni network for graduating seniors. Congratulations on their success and good luck on each athlete’s next chapter!