PORT HURON, Mich. – The Alma College dance team wrapped up their 2024 NDA College Camp Thursday, August 8th, in Port Huron, Michigan. The camp began on August 6th as Team 9 looked to build on the success of the record-breaking season this prior April. The Scots came away from camp as the Best All Around team, Most Collegiate, Most Spirited, DIII/DII Team Dance winners, Overall Game Day Run Off winners and for the sixth straight year, a Gold Bid to the 2025 NDA College Nationals competition as a team.
At NDA camps, only one team is awarded a Gold Bid to the upcoming year's National Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, based off of a point system through competitions that is voted on by the staff members and teams. The Scots were crowned the champions of their respective categories throughout the camp, ahead of Ohio State Club who finished second, and Miami University (OH) in third.
Individual athletes from each team can also receive All-American status, which is voted on by the NDA staff to audition for the honor on the final day of camp. This year, Alma named four All-Americans at the conclusion of camp as Arie Carson, Kyleigh Hill, Lily Kennebrew, and Jocelyn Silk all received the honor of being a 2025 NDA All-American. For the third consecutive year, Alma placed at least four dancers as All-Americans, continuing to make history. Incoming freshman Joryn Kalvin was also named a Top Gun champion in Turns, representing Alma with precise technique and elite difficulty among all dancers at the camp.
"I am thrilled with the way our students represent Alma College and ADT in these competitive environments. They are true professionals who lead with their heart and make us proud the be Scots. Team9 is ready to raise the bar and hope to continue creating moments, like this week, where we walk away feeling united, grateful and accomplished" said Head Coach Tracy Burton following the conclusion of NDA Camp.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, team captains were announced for their respective categories. Rebecca Kobylas and Abbie Wasson were named overall team captains, Annalise Kreza and Hill were named Jazz captains, Kennebrew and Silk as Hip Hop captains, and Mara Tiernan and Elise Volz as Game Day captains for the season. The team is also excited for the incoming members talents as they look to use them to push the program to a new level and continue to grow.
"I am excited for the evolution of our competitive team as nearly half of them will be competing for the first time this year, big changes and growth are happening every day and Team9 is ready to take on anything," said Burton.
After making history this past season competing in Hip Hop of r the first time in program history, the team looks to improve on their highest score in program history and continue to build on their history and connection in jazz with their choreographer Sarah Kraft who they found as a great match last season.
ADT will be showcasing their talents and skills throughout the year at numerous Alma College Athletic events, hoping to excite and grow their supporting fan base. The team will now use their school year to prepare for the National competition that is to be held from April 9-13 in the Ocean Center and on the Bandshell in Daytona Beach in 2025.
