Queens Announces the Addition of Dance Team - Queens University of Charlotte Athletics

CHARLOTTE, N.C – Queens University of Charlotte director of athletics Cherie Swarthout announced the addition of dance to the Department of Athletics today. The dance team, which will comprise both men and women, will be the University's 31^st intercollegiate sport, and will primarily focus on the genres of hip-hop and jazz.

"We are enthusiastic about this opportunity for prospective students at Queens and feel it will have an immediate impact on our culture," said Swarthout.

Additionally, Swarthout named Katina Cole the first head coach in program history.

"Finding the right coach was critical in our decision to add dance and we are pleased to have Katina join our staff," Swarthout added. "She is a dynamic leader who will fuel a high level of excellence with our dance program and positively enhance our department."

Cole is a former professional cheerleader and dancer for the Carolina Panthers. As a dancer on the team for four years, she earned the Captain's Choice Award in 2001 and was named team captain. In 2002, she was the recipient of the "TopCat of the Year" Award and was selected to be the TopCat representative at the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii in 2003. Cole also has done guest dance appearances with the Charlotte Checkers and hip-hop artist Flo-Rida. After retiring from the team, Cole then served as a TopCat field assistant for six years assisting the director and choreographer on game day. Cole is still active with the program and is now an alumnae volunteer for the Junior TopCat program.

"I am beyond honored to have been chosen to be the head coach of this new team." stated Cole. "I look forward to recruiting talented dancers that will embody the student-athlete experience and developing a program that will be unique, creative, and high-energy."

Cole earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Campbell University where she was also a member of the cheerleading squad, earning team captain honors in her senior season. In addition to dancing, Cole was director of marketing and investor relations for a local private equity firm. Currently, she is the founder and president of M+E Fusion, a marketing and corporate event planning company.

Recruiting for Queens' new dance team will begin immediately as they will join the Department in the Fall of 2019. If interested, please click here.

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