The Sirens Dance Team at Rollins College is a passionate group that exemplifies dedication, school spirit, and talent. Despite their remarkable achievements, the team faces unique challenges due to their non-NCAA status (NCAA status meaning being recognized as an intercollegiate athletic team). The Sirens have been making waves in the college dance community, performing at prestigious events like Orlando Magic games; yet, they continue to battle limited resources, visibility, and recognition. Many team members believe that the National Collegiate Athletic Association affiliation would elevate the team and provide opportunities to help them thrive.
Striving for Recognition and Resources
The Sirens Dance Team is dedicated, but due to their lack of NCAA status, they struggle to secure funding and gain recognition within Rollins College. Aubrey Seitz (‘28), a team member, said, “We rely on funding to pay for costumes, uniforms, and competitions, and not being part of an NCAA-affiliated program makes it difficult to get the support we need.”
Without the automatic sponsorship and backing that NCAA sports teams receive, the Sirens must make do with limited resources. They often find themselves fundraising and covering costs like costumes and transportation out-of-pocket, a difficult task given their small budget.
Seitz added that NCAA status would not only help in securing funding but also raise the team’s profile, potentially improving recruitment. “Being part of the NCAA would make the team more desirable and well-known, making it easier to attract top talent,” she said.
The Orlando Magic Performance: A Major Milestone
One of the highlights for the Sirens was their performance at the Orlando Magic basketball game, a showcase of the team’s dedication and the challenges they face. While performing at such a prestigious event was an incredible opportunity, the logistical and financial difficulties were evident. Mariana Facer (‘28), another team member, shared the struggle. “Logistics for an event as big as the Orlando Magic performance were hard. We had to fund our costumes and even the transportation to the stadium. We could not go together as a team because transportation was not funded,” she said.
Despite these challenges, the team pulled together to perform, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Facer said, “You learn to make the most of what you have and share the love that we have for this art and sport, even though some appreciation would be ideal.”
A Time Commitment That Deserves Recognition
NCAA sports require 15-20 hours per week of practice, a level of commitment that mirrors the Sirens’ approach. The team practices rigorously, working long hours to perfect routines and maintain their athleticism. Darien Brown (‘28), another Sirens member, spoke on how training keeps her at the top of her game. “Without our many practices, it would be difficult to keep up my great performances and ability,” she said. Brown explained that balancing her rigorous STEM major with the demands of the dance team has helped her hone her time management skills. “The hard practices and time management needed for the Sirens have trained me to balance my academics and extracurricular activities—a skill that will serve me well in my future career,” she said.
Yet, despite their commitment to excellence, the Sirens lack the formal recognition and institutional support afforded to other NCAA sports teams. “The school spirit and teamwork are unmatched, but the challenges—like managing our time and finances—are tough,” said Brown.
The Case for NCAA Status
The Sirens Dance Team’s dedication and accomplishments make a compelling case for NCAA status. With NCAA recognition, the team could receive funding and sponsorships that would help them thrive—from uniforms and costumes to transportation and competition fees. They could also gain greater visibility, leading to increased recruitment and recognition for their talent and school spirit.
“With NCAA recognition, our visibility on campus and off would increase, making it easier for us to get the support we need,” said Facer. This visibility would elevate the team’s prestige, enabling them to compete in larger competitions and gain the recognition they deserve.
An NCAA status for the Sirens Dance Team could help recruit more dancers, knowing that the team is supported by the institution and can offer opportunities for growth, training, and competition at the highest level.
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