When thinking of the word athlete, people think of football players, soccer players, swimmers, even cheerleaders. No one ever thinks of dancers. Even if they work just as hard, or even harder, than every other athlete.

At Appalachian State, not a lot of people know that the girls you see dancing next to the cheerleaders at every home game are actually a part of a self-funded club, and not recognized as athletes by the school. Even after years of hard work and recognition by the public, they are still considered a club, and not an athletic team, unlike the girls they dance next to -- the cheerleaders -- who are under athletic recognition.

The dance team at Appalachian is 100 percent self-funded, which means, every penny they have, they have had to raise themselves. With this money they pay for uniforms, bags, and this year they were able to take their captains to a Universal Dance Association Camp over the summer. They are run by their three captains -- Alaina Brown, Alyson Grant, and Courtney Dancy, who choreograph every dance, conduct all practices, edit and cut their own music, and plan their schedules all on their own.

Head Captain Alaina Brown says, "We don't wake up twice a week for 6 a.m. workouts because a coach is making us. As a team we decide to do it because we know it will make us better. If I could describe this team it one word, it would definitely be "driven." Even though they don't receive the benefits all other athletic teams receive, such as travel meal money, discounts for family members' game tickets, and recognition at the annual "Scholar Athlete Awards", they're a very self motivated team and keep positive attitudes throughout the year no matter their circumstances.

With the help of Athletic Director, Doug Gillin, Assistant Athletic Director of Promotions And Fan Engagement, Ashley Payne, and the Cheerleading Coach, Morgan Roberson, they have been able to grow this year and have had the opportunity to do things they haven't in the past. This year, they were given the privilege to travel to three away football games, as well as perform at timeout on the field for each home football game.

While they keep a positive mindset and are grateful for all the opportunities, as a member of the Appalachian family, I believe the dance team deserves a little more recognition than they get!