The Sugar Bears aren鈥檛 just about dancing鈥攖hey鈥檙e about balancing a crazy schedule of performances and practices, all while keeping academics as a priority.

For the Sugar Bears, dance is a passion, but education always comes first. The team鈥檚 motto centers around being student athletes. 鈥淲e鈥檙e here to get an education and a degree, where dance is kind of like that second thing,鈥� Fourth-year dancer Haley Mortimer said. 鈥淵ou still want to dance and have love for it, but it鈥檚 not as hardcore as it would be if we weren鈥檛 students.鈥� 

The Sugar Bears鈥� commitment to excellence was on full display this season as they performed at mens and womens basketball games. Although the men鈥檚 basketball team fell just short of making it to March Madness, the Sugar Bears helped keep the crowd energized and engaged, performing to the beat of every game.

The season was full of ups and downs, but the Sugar Bears were there every step of the way, cheering on the team while showcasing their own incredible talent. They weren鈥檛 just performing鈥攖hey were representing UNC.

鈥淚t was stressful, but it was fun,鈥� said dancer Jordyn Cordova. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been doing basketball since October, and it was definitely one to remember.鈥� 

But being a Sugar Bear is about more than just dancing at basketball games. After the basketball season wrapped up, the team switched gears to focus on the future. They hosted an open gym for dancers to come in, showcase their skills and prepare for the upcoming tryouts.

The final official tryout clinic was the last chance for dancers to get ready before the official tryouts. This gave potential members a chance to get a feel for the team鈥檚 atmosphere and expectations. 

鈥淲e encourage anyone who鈥檚 passionate about dancing to try out.鈥� dancer Nevaeh Garcia said.

As the team begins to shift gears towards the next season, there鈥檚 a sense of excitement. The Sugar Bears are looking ahead with a focus on continuing to represent UNC with pride, and demonstrating the core values of commitment, teamwork, and balance. They鈥檙e not just a dance team鈥攖hey鈥檙e a family. 

The Sugar Bears embody the spirit of UNC鈥攄etermined, dedicated, and ready to make an impact. They鈥檝e shown that being a student-athlete doesn鈥檛 mean you have to choose between your studies and your passions. The Sugar Bears prove that with hard work, dedication and a love for what they do, you can excel in both.