ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup University is adding to its athletics department with the addition of its newest team, Dance. Jessup Dance becomes the 19th program sponsored by the university and will make its official debut in the 2025-26 athletic season.
 
Jessup Dance will align with the university's Sideline Cheer team, which is in its second year. Sideline Cheer coach James Blunk will oversee the program and work with Vice President of Athletics Lance Von Vogt to find the program's first head coach.
 
"At Jessup, we remain committed to Christ-centered higher education that nurtures the whole student," said Von Vogt. "The launch of our Dance Team under the Cheer umbrella reflects the spirit of #1WARRIOR—a shared pursuit of excellence, unity, and purpose that will elevate our game day atmosphere in a God-honoring and family-friendly way for our teams, fans, and community."

Blunk added his sentiments, commenting, "We are so excited to introduce a new sector of Jessup's Spirit Program that will enhance the game day experience not only for our fans but also for our athletes. Dance will bring high-energy and eye-catching dances to the sidelines at all of our athletic and community events."
 
The dance team will make its formal debut in the fall of 2025.
 
"We're thrilled to create new scholarship opportunities for young women who want to continue their passion for dance within a Christ-centered, private university setting," added Von Vogt. "As part of the #1WARRIOR family, these student-athletes will join a culture built on unity, purpose, and a shared desire to honor God both in their craft and in their character."
 
The addition of dance will enhance the game-day experience at Jessup. The Jessup dance team will perform at home games and collaborate with departments across campus to advance the brand of the university and the athletic department. 
 
Jessup University is in year two of its provisional membership of NCAA Division II. The 2025-26 season was Jessup's first competing in a Division II schedule as a member of the Pacific West (PacWest) Conference.
 
Sideline Cheer, which began in the fall of 2023, performs at home events inside Warrior Arena for Men's Basketball, Men's Volleyball, Women's Basketball, and Women's Volleyball. Dance will add to their game day routine, which includes in-game promotions and halftime entertainment on Horton Court. 
 
They will also join Cheer at events around campus to represent athletics and be present at events held by Jessup Athletics' many corporate partners to spread the Jessup brand.
 
Von Vogt spoke on this, adding, "The Dance Team is more than a new program—it's a bold step in our strategic vision for growth. In a time when many institutions are cutting back, Jessup is stable, thriving, and expanding. This launch embodies the #1WARRIOR way: growing together, advancing together, and always aiming to glorify God in every new endeavor."

Blunk also added, "As the current cheer coach, I am thrilled to work alongside Dance to continue creating a spirit program powerhouse at Jessup that encompasses Jessup's family culture and winning traditions within athletics."
 
Jessup University is actively looking for the first recruiting class in Jessup Dance history. Interested student-athletes can contact coach Blunk (jblunk@jessup.edu) or connect with Jessup Dance on Instagram (@jessup_dance).

"We are excited to bring a new program onto campus that gives females another opportunity to continue doing what they love at the collegiate level while being supported by an amazing athletic program," added Blunk.
 
More information on the growth of Jessup's newest program will be revealed at jessupathletics.com.
 
Jessup University is a provisional member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Instagram & X).