Potthoff to join Morningside dance squad

Haley Potthoff, sitting second from left, smiles with family and coaches during her college signing ceremony in the McCook Senior High gymnasium last week. Potthoff will attend Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, and be a member of the Mustangs' dance team. Pictured sitting, left to right: Kyle Potthoff, Haley Potthoff, Lisa Potthoff, Hunter Potthoff. Standing: Lauren Wood, Tara Peterman, Hilary Neff.

Gabe Gauthier/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. -- Haley Potthoff has been involved in a number of activities at McCook Senior High.

None, however, captivated her like dance.

Potthoff’s interest in dance spurred her to signing with Morningside College last Friday in the MHS gymnasium.

Potthoff performs a Christmas-themed halftime routine during a McCook Bison basketball game.

Gabe Gauthier/McCook Gazette

Wanting to continue dance at the college level, Potthoff tried out for the Morningside team. When she found out she made the squad, she felt like her college decision was also set.

“I found out they had the dance team and I thought that I’ll try out for that right away, because I didn’t want to give that up,” she said. “I ended up making it, so that made my decision right there.”

Morningside is a private, four-year college located in Sioux City, Iowa. Its sports teams, known as the Broncos, compete at the NAIA level and are part of the Great Plains Athletic Conference.

Despite being six hours from McCook, Potthoff said Morningside was the perfect fit for her college search. She cited the campus atmosphere as a big draw.

“I loved the campus and the people are so friendly. My advisor talks to me daily.”

Potthoff said she will pursue a degree in nursing at Morningside. She said working at Highland Park in McCook has had a great influence on those career plans.

“Originally I didn’t want to do nursing. My mom’s a nurse and I thought I wanted to start my own path. I started working at Highland Park and fell in love working with the residents. I started thinking that this is where I want to be.”

In addition to the MHS dance team, Potthoff added that she’s been in dance for eight years at Spotlight Studios.

“Originally, I just thought it was something to do. Since (Spotlight Studios instructor) Lauren (Wood) came, she helped me a lot and I just fell in love with it.”

Potthoff said her favorite part of dance is the performances.

“I love performing and showing everyone what I can do. It’s also awesome working with my team.”

In addition to performing in halftime shows and dance recitals, Potthoff has also performed on the court. She has been a four-year member of the Lady Bison volleyball and tennis teams.

This spring, Potthoff has a 21-6 record playingNo. 2 Singles. With the regular season wrapped up, she is now looking forward to helping the Lady Bison defend their Class B state championship next week in Lincoln.

“(Tennis) has been really exciting and I’m excited for state.”