DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University announced Shania Thorpe as its new head coach for its dance program Wednesday.

Thorpe comes to Averett with a wealth of experience in dance and choreography. In addition to founding her own choreography business, she has worked as a choreographer and diversity consultant with Lynchburg Dance Connections since 2018. In addition, she has participated as a dancer or guest choreographer at multiple academies and showcases, as well as assisted with choreography in theatre performances.  

"We are thrilled to welcome coach Shania Thorpe to the Averett family," said Meg Stevens, Vice President, Director of Athletics and Operations. "Her background and experience in dance and choreography will help our dance program continue to grow, and her proven leadership will benefit our student-athletes, department and university."

Thorpe is excited for the opportunity guide Averett's dance program.

"It's such an honor to be a part of the amazing team at Averett," Thorpe said. "Even before getting to officially start I've already felt like I'm a part of the family. The dance program has a great foundation, and I want to bring a new level of energy, growth and training to not only impact the team on the dance floor but also in their individual lives."

A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Thorpe earned her bachelor's degree in strategic communication from Liberty University in December 2017. At Liberty, she was a member of the D-trex Dance Ministry Crew.

Thorpe takes the reins of the Averett dance program, which was added as a varsity club sport in 2019. She is the second head coach in program history, following Alexis Harris, who completed her graduate assistantship at Averett in spring 2021.