Worcester, MA --- The Athletics Department announced that the Worcester State University Dance Team, which has a consistent record of high participation and success, will be added to the Athletics program, effective August 7, 2015.

The team previously was offered as a student organization. The move was made as part of a reorganization within the department, whereby cheerleading will no longer be offered, and the dance team will be offered within Athletics, rather than as a student club.

The decision was made after a months-long evaluation of programming, and in the wake of the resignation of the cheerleading team coach last spring. 

"Non-varsity teams offered in Athletics must be evaluated based on how each contributes to our varsity sports programs," said Michael Mudd, Director of Athletics.

"Among the criteria are: how much the team engages students, how many resources it uses, and how successful the team is.  In looking at the cheerleading program through this lens, especially as compared to the dance team, we decided to move forward with dissolving the cheerleading team.  This change in activities offered at Worcester State will also allow the Athletics Department to explore other potential opportunities for our student-athletes that we might create in the future, hopefully expanding varsity athletic options for female students."

The Dance Team has been a student organization and will now become part of the Athletics program.

"The team has a record of success, having competed in the nationals for the past five years," said Mudd. "The Dance Team will continue to be coached by Jamie Caruso, and will be expanding its roster this year.

In a letter sent to each of the ten returning cheerleaders, Mudd encouraged them to try out for the dance team. 

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