Creston, IA—Southwestern Community College announced yesterday Lois Guthrie-McCoy of Creston will lead Southwestern’s dance team—the Dazzlers.

Guthrie-McCoy comes to Southwestern with more than 18 years of dance and performance experience, as well as experience as a choreographer and dance instructor. She has danced and cheered professionally for the Iowa Energy High Voltage Dance Team, as well as for the Iowa Barnstormers Storm Chasers Dance Team. She is currently a member of the Barnstormers team and teaches at The Spotlight School of Dance in Creston.

Doug North, Southwestern athletic administration director, said Guthrie-McCoy’s excitement and passion for dance assisted the hiring committee in knowing she was the right candidate for the position.

“Lois came in with an outstanding resume,” North stated. “She has a wealth of experience from a dance performance standpoint, as well as on the instructional side.”

North is confident Guthrie-McCoy will have great rapport with her student-athletes.

“Lois’ outgoing personality will make her a natural for recruitment as well,” North continued. “We are beyond excited to have her on staff in Spartan athletics.”

Guthrie-McCoy shares the excitement of getting started in her new role.

“Not only do I have a passion for dance itself, but I am eager to be a helper in the development of these young adults as they start to transition into independence,” Guthrie-McCoy said. “During the upcoming years, I plan to see continued growth in numbers and participation on the team, as well as from the community around us. Dance is a continually changing sport and with that you will see more dedication and improvement within our training.”

Guthrie-McCoy has an Associate of Arts from Iowa Central Community College as well as a degree in cosmetology from LaJames International College. While a community college student, she competed on Iowa Central’s dance team.

She will step into her position as head dance coach at Southwestern immediately, replacing Kaeleigh Ballentine, who resigned in March. Ballentine had been at the helm of the Southwestern Dazzlers dance team since 2015.