New Competitive Dance Head Coach Named At York High School

ELMHURST, IL — The York High School Athletic Department announced that Alyssa Ortiz will serve as the new head coach of the Varsity Competitive Dance team. She has spent the last two years as the York Junior Varsity coach, working with the freshmen and sophomores during football and competition season, the district said. On top of working with the Junior Varsity team, she has assisted with the Varsity team conditioning, cleaning and running practice.

Born in Elmhurst, Ortiz began dancing at the age of three at Gotta Dance Studio, in Addison, according to the district. After finishing her years at Gotta Dance, she continued dancing and competing with Powerhouse Dance Company in Addison. When Ortiz reached her high school years, she earned a position on the York High School Varsity Cheer team, that performed at football and basketball games which simultaneously competed through IHSA.

Ortiz then became a member of the Varsity Pom team, where she also performed at football and basketball games. According to the district, during this time, she competed at Team Dance Illinois competitions in Kick, Pom and Hip Hop. While a member of poms, she was also part of the Creative Team, which choreographed the dances they performed.

In her senior year, Ortiz was asked by Universal Dance Association to be part of their staff and travel while teaching various high school teams. The district said Ortiz continued her education at Elmhurst College, where she received her degree in Criminal Justice, with a Dance minor in 2014. While in college, Ortiz was a member of the poms team, performing at both basketball and football games. Ortiz was selected as co-captain her second year on the team.

According to Rob Wagner, York's Assistant Principal for Athletics, Ortiz is excited to be named the new head coach for Competitive Dance and has great plans to ensure that Dukes dynamic team continues to grow and defend the 3A state title.

Photo provided by District 205