As the Carterville high school dance team gets ready to begin their 2024-2025 competitive season, some seniors are looking forward, while still remembering their athletic career.
The dance team has four seniors this year, and all are a close knit group. Olivia Doering, a four year member of the program, says that “Dance was new to me my freshman year, and as I’ve gone through high school both my passion and my love for dance has grown.”
Doering has been around the lion pride ever since she was a kid, and that has helped her mold into performing as a spirit team member. Her team recognizes the energy she brings to not only game days, but practices as well.
Senior teammate Mary Barnstable shared that her favorite thing about Olivia was that she is “always joking around at practice. Even in the stress of competition season I can rely on her to make me smile. She is just a joyful soul in general, and I am so thankful to be able to call her my friend.”
Coaches of the team recognize Doering’s grit and work ethic as a benefit to the team. Elisha Sharpe, assistant coach, says that “Olivia is one of our hardest workers on the Dance team- showing up prepared for practice, game day, and competitions. She always puts forth her best efforts, and wants what’s best for the team. We’re lucky to have such dedication!”
When Doering was asked about her favorite memory from her senior year so far, she responded with, “Performing the senior dance that the other seniors and I choreographed was a feeling that I’ll never forget. As we took the field to perform for a final time, everyone was full of excitement and I was extremely grateful in that moment for the team that stood beside me.”
Senior year is full of changes, but Doering is grateful to have a group of girls she can rely on through everything. Although it is her last year, she is most excited for, “all of the memories that will be made during competition season. I love traveling to competitions with my team and spending time together getting ready to perform and performing.”
Good luck to dance as they begin a new season, hoping for growth and prosperity within.
Anyone wanting to support can find the schedule here.
