D6 Athlete of the Week: Camden Cooney, Greeley West High School

"Camden embodies exactly what it means to be a Spartan. She bleeds blue and gold through her dedication to dance, Student Council, choir, and academics. She is kind to everyone she encounters and brightens up the room. Camden has a passion for dance both at Greeley West and at her studio. We are all cheering for her as she competes for a spot on her college dance team at Grand Canyon University!" - Lea Sanford, Student Council Sponsor

Student Name

Camden Cooney

School

Greeley West High School

Grade Level

Senior

Sports

Dance

Positions

• Team Leader

Stats

"I have gotten an All-State Honorable Mention in Game Day dance and Northern Conference League First Team, and I have also been classified as Gifted and Talented in dance by the state of Colorado." 

"I am most proud of my commitment to dance. I have been dancing for 14 years. In high school dance, I have danced in both studio and school, which takes a lot of persistence! I am proud that even through the chaos, failures, and mistakes, I still continue to enjoy going to dance, and I never gave up on my journey in dance." 

What's one goal you're currently working towards in your sport?

"One goal I'm currently working towards is submitting my college recruitment videos, so I am working on different skills and tricks that have to be in those videos. In my planner, I have mapped out about 2-3 skills per week to work on so that, come time to submit, I am fully confident in my abilities!"

Describe your worst sports performance. What did you learn from this experience? 

"I can't think of a specific performance, but I have made many, many mistakes, and felt bad about lots of performances in my years of dance. From this, I have learned that what matters most isn't what happened on stage, but the people that support me, the lessons dance has given me, and the younger ones that dream of being in my position! Things like this have helped me to grow as a dancer because they make me want to work harder and keep trying!" 

Who are your role models in your sport or life, and how have they influenced you? 

"A role model that I look up to in dance is one of my studio teachers Laura. She has been teaching me for almost 10 years, and she has pushed me to always be the best dancer I can be. And, she has helped me get through many challenges in dance. She is caring and understanding, and is an amazing choreographer for my senior solo! She has taught me to always believe in myself, she is always reminding me that I CAN do it, and I love her positive comments!" 

How do you balance sports with other responsibilities like school or work?

"I am very involved in my school, so balancing dance with my other activities has always been an obstacle. But, I balance these by using my planner all the time, focusing and prioritizing on the most important tasks in my to-do list, and remembering that I do all these because I enjoy it and have a passion for it." 

What are your career or college plans after you graduate high school? 

"I will be attending Grand Canyon University to major in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and am hoping to be on the dance team there as well!"   

What advice do you have for younger athletes who want to join your sport?

"The advice I have for younger athletes is to always believe in yourself, and remember that you are loved and appreciated! And, your greatest strength is being yourself!" 

Do you have any funny pre-game rituals or superstitions that you stick to?

"I always listen to 'Hot Wings' from the movie Rio to pump me up! And before every performance, our team stands together and says a prayer." 

If you were to participate in a talent show unrelated to your sport, what would your act be?

"If I would participate in a talent show unrelated to my sport, then I would learn how to do aerial silks while singing, and that would be my act!"