ERIE, Pa. — With the addition of competitive dance to Gannon's athletics offerings, the Knights announce the hiring of Danielle Hoderny as the head competitive dance coach.

Hoderny brings over 25 years of dance experience to Gannon, including over 15 years of competitive dance and performance experience, and has studied ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, pom and musical theater.

Gannon competitive dance will be taking part in its inaugural season in 2019. The squad will compete with the competitive cheer teams in the Game Day division, as well as alone in dance competitions.

"Adding competitive dance at Gannon has been an amazing addition to our program, and Danielle is an excellent person to lead our student-athletes through their first year," head competitive cheer and dance coach Meghan Foran said. "Her extensive performance, coaching and choreography experience in a wide variety of areas will be a great benefit to our program.

"Danielle will be handling all dance team instruction, is the primary contact for dance recruits, and will also assist with our game day routine. We're thrilled to have her join our staff."

Hoderny brings over 25 years of dance experience to Gannon, including over 15 years of competitive dance and performance experience, and has studied ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop, pom and musical theater.

"I am excited to bring a passion for competitive dance and performance, not only to Gannon, but to the Erie region," Hoderny said. "The new Gannon competitive dance team is unlike anything offered to students within the tri-state area. Taking on this new challenge as a dance coach and choreographer, working with the team and striving toward our goals at national competitions is a dream come true."

Hoderny is the current dance and color guard instructor for the Harbor Creek High School marching band in suburban Erie, and is the choreographer for Harbor Creek's musical theater productions.

A native of Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, Hoderny danced at Ohio State for two years, and has performed in Lake Erie Ballet's Nutcracker, Erie Playhouse, Roadhouse Theater, Dramashop and Gannon's Shakespeare Summer Nights.