Did you know that CSUSM’s Campus Recreation Club Sports are student-run organizations? There are a total of 13 club sports here at Cal State University San Marcos, varying from men’s and women’s soccer to CSUSM Competitive Dance.

The Cougar Dance team has a total of 10 members who perform at various sports events including basketball and soccer games. They will also be competing in USA Nationals located in Anaheim on the 26th and 27th of February.

In the competition, the Cougars compete in the Open Dance Division which include DII, NAIA, and community colleges. They dance Jazz, HipHop, and Pom, all of which are in their competitive division.

Their President, Veronica Carrasco, is the only senior on the team and was able to give us a few words on her experience being a dancing cougar. As the president, Carrasco is responsible for leading the team. She communicates with the coach and assistant directors of campus recreation to help coordinate practices and events.

In asking Veronica if it’s difficult to be a student while also managing a student-run athletic organization, she said it “can be difficult at times, but it has really helped me get better at my time management skills. In the end, it is rewarding to be able to take the stage and see all our hard work pay off.”

Carrasco finishes her conversation with The Cougar Chronicle by stating her favorite part of being a dancer at CSUSM. She said “dancing with all my girls and cheering on all of our cougars” is the best part of being a Cougar on the Dance Team.

Another member of their team, Olivia Mann, has been dancing for 16 years, 3 of which were spent at Cal State University San Marcos. Third year member, Mann, was also kind enough to shed some light on what the team has brought to her college experience here at CSUSM.

When Mann was asked what about the team here at school is so important to her, she replied, “Being on the CSUSM Dance Team I have not only found my home away from home but have created incredible bonds with these 9 women. As people may know, college is a stressful time as students are furthering their education and discovering their career paths. Having this team as a support system and dancing alongside women that cheer you on, wish you good luck, and are there for you with a shoulder to cry on is the most amazing thing I could ask for.”

In regards to their upcoming competition at the USA Nationals, Olivia was asked what she hopes to be accomplished. In her reply, she states, “I hope that as a team, we are able to grow even stronger at Nationals. Not only do I hope that we are able to place in our two different categories, but we are able to create more memories and strengthen the bonds within our team. I am so excited to get to take the floor with my best friends and see all of our hard work pay off.”

The CSUSM Dance Team will be in Anaheim this weekend to compete in blue led by Veronica Carassco and Vice President Mariah Villamar.  Best of luck to our Cougars!!!