Loyola New Orleans slated to host NAIA Dance Qualifier

NEW ORLEANS – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has selected Loyola University New Orleans as a host for a 2023 Competitive Dance National Championship Qualifier, the Wolf Pack Athletics Department announced on Wednesday. The qualifier will be held inside the Loyola University Sports Complex ("The Den"), and the event is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, with the winner advancing to the NAIA National Championship in March. 

"Our competitive teams have put in so much work this year, and it is so exciting to be able to bring the Dance Qualifier back home to The Den this competition season," Loyola competitive cheer and dance coach Dylon Hoffpauir said. "To be able to compete in our gym in front of our friends and families will be an amazing experience for our student-athletes"

The teams scheduled to appear are Montreat College (N.C.), Dillard University, Talladega College (Ala.), Ave Maria (Fla.) and the Wolf Pack, and a schedule of events will be announced at a later date. Tickets will also be available for purchase at a later date, and a broadcast of the event will be streamed via Varsity Sports Now, Loyola Athletics' broadcast partner. 

"We're looking forward to having our competitive dance team perform in front of our home crowd," Loyola Director of Athletics Brett Simpson said. "Our student-athletes and coaches have worked very hard to have this opportunity. We are excited to host this important event in New Orleans."

While the winner of the qualifier will receive an automatic berth to the national championship, the second- and third-place teams will still be able to capture an at-large berth to the event in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which will take place March 11-12. 

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