The Warren County Pioneerette Dance team has once again brought home the gold. The team participated in the Universal Dance Academy Camp held on the Tennessee Tech campus in Cookeville last week and won first place for its home routine in the small varsity division.
The hip-hop dance was choreographed by Kim Cox McCarter, a former Pioneerette who owns Studio 413 in Collierville.
The win will once again give the team the opportunity to compete in nationals in Orlando, Fla.
Coach Tia Medley said, “This was my first experience at camp with the girls. I am very proud of all of them.”
Longtime coach Penny Shockley has taken a position as assistant coach of the team for the 2013-14 school year.
The team brought home a superior trophy for first place small varsity home routine, an overall superior trophy for blue and red ribbons earned throughout the week and a team drill down championship trophy for winning 33 yellow ribbons in drill down competition throughout the week. The team earned spirit sticks every day and was the super spirit stick winners the first night of camp.
The Pioneerettes had to learn different routines which they would later perform in front of camp staff members. The girls were then presented with blue, red or yellow ribbons.
Sophomore Abby Hutchins placed first runner-up in the overall individual Drill Down competition for her second year in a row. The event tested all campers on being able to follow military instructions.
Two time individual drill down champion Jarah Anderson was unable to compete due to being on medical leave for a back injury.
Senior Rachel Mathis also earned individual distinction, as she was named an All-American. Coming with the honor of being named an All-American is the opportunity to go to overseas for a trip with the All-American team.
Mathis is this year’s only senior on the team. Juniors are Jarah Anderson, Sabrina Caldwell, Taylor Elgouhary and Katie Tubb. Sophomores are Abby Hutchins, Ally Locke,  Bre Melton and Courtlyn Sauer. Freshmen on the team are Anaston Chisam, Diamond Davis, Karyn Dillard and Arianna Lusk.
The Pioneerettes will continue to perfect their routines with a number of showcases coming up including a performance July 4 in downtown McMinnville. The team will also perform at home football and basketball games in the fall and winter.