By: UC Athletics
Williamsburg, KY – Finishing their first year of competition, Patriots competitive dance looks to leap into their second year with high expectations. Inking sophomore transfer
Grace Jones was a huge part of the team's off-season success.
Hailing from Hendersonville, TN, Jones attended Volunteer State Community College for one year before making her way to the Cumberlands. It was a perfect fit for Jones as she describes the transition, "Transferring to UC was the best decision for me in every way. I've grown to love every single person I've encountered." She continues, "Coach RJ has played a big role in helping me find my way at UC, I love the environment of the school and what we stand for."
Coming from a prestigious high school program, Jones won four consecutive Tennessee state dance titles at Hendersonville HS. Beyond state competition, Jones helped her team qualify for the national championship by winning regional championships including the Magic City Championship in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Once at the UDA National Championships, she led her team to four top-ten finishes. During her 2018-19 campaign, Jones earned UDA All-American Honors.
Looking forward to her collegiate debut, Jones states, "Although our season is going to look a little different, I am overwhelmingly excited for what is to come!"
Head Coach
RJ Conroy expects Jones to have an immediate impact on the team, citing her national experience, "She is going to help jump start this program competitively. An amazing young woman who works hard and cares about her team, Grace is willing to do whatever it takes to make this a successful year."
As an added bonus, Jones' twin brother, Dalton, is attending Cumberlands and is a student-athlete on the Patriots Football team. Conroy comments on the power of the twins attending Cumberlands, "The combo of her and her twin brother set an example of what it means to be #OneBigTeam."
Prior to kicking off their season, Patriots dance will perform during UC's home athletic events, specifically men's and women's basketball games. Come 2021, the Pats will travel to Ann Arbor, MI on January 16 to take on Concordia University for their first competition of the year.
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