By TIM TAYLORValley Sports Report
ATHENS — McKenna Patton will be taking her dancing shoes to the next level as she signed her National Letter of Intent to attend Hofstra University and be a part of the school’s dance team.
The Hofstra University Dance Team is recognized as one of the premier competitive college dance team programs in the United States. The Pride currently holds 13 national championships, as well as two world championships and a pair of Pan-American championships.
While dancing may sound like fun, it will be very demanding of Patton’s time and skill set. The team spends approximately 20 hours per week with practice, working on technique, and weight and strength training, along with performing at athletic events, university events and other events held both on and off campus
The dance team’s accomplishments provided Patton with the opportunity she’s been looking for.
“The dance team specifically, their drive and their hunger for success is so inspiring,” she said. “They've always been a big motivating factor for me through dance, and they're such a huge inspiration to me, so it's literally a dream to be a part of this team.”
Patton feels her attitude toward being a member of the Hofstra dance team could be a huge asset to the program.
“I'm coming in with a fresh mindset,” she said. “I understand as a rookie it's going to be tough at times, but I'm willing to work. I'm ready for, I think, anything. I just want to be there so bad so I'm excited to be a part of it.
“I think mentally my coaches have prepared me well. I think with just the drive that we have at PHD (formerly Pat Haggerty), like I said before, willing to work.”
Patton also realizes there are areas where she could improve to help out the team.
“I think physically there's definitely some skills I can work on, some technique things, but with the mindset I'm pretty confident that I will get there eventually,” she said.
Patton’s coaches at PHD are Diana Jones and Trudy Kane, and both are excited for their student’s opportunity to perform at the next level.
“She's fully committed,” Jones said. “She is a hard worker. She has grit. She's wor- worked really hard to get to where she is today.”
“I agree,” said Kane. “She's probably one of the most dedicated students we've had, not only just to us, but I would say herself as a person, as a whole. She's super dedicated to school, and academics, and dance and everything she can do to put herself ahead going forward.”
“I think they have a lot of skills that she has not learned yet, and I think that it's going to be really good,” Kane said.
Both instructors feel it will be a great challenge for her, also noting that Hofstra’s program combines artistry and athleticism, which are among Patton’s strengths.
Hofstra was the Division I Jazz national champion and Division I Game Day national champion in 2025.
Patton will be majoring in Sports Media at Hofstra, which is located in west-central Long Island, about 4 ½ hours from Athens.
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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR.
