TOLEDO, Ohio — Just one month into the school year, a group of high school dancers have already caught the eye of some of the most notable colleges in the area.
The Central Catholic Irish Dance team currently consists of 20 student athletes who said dance is an underestimated sport with great opportunities.
High school senior Amiyah Young said the dance team has shown her their impact goes beyond the high school.
"We can show up anytime and put on a good performance. We can bring the community together with our dances," said Young.
And now the community is coming to them; more specifically, college communities. That includes Ohio State University, the University of Michigan and Michigan State University .
"It feels good to actually be supported and known by these colleges that are big, and you expect so much from them," Young said.
Nikki Toland is the head coach of the team. She said the team has won six state championships, including during their first year in 2018.
She said the students all start at different stages of dance, but their differences and dedication to the sport help them stand apart.
"The fact that we can all come together as one team and compete at the state level, and have also won some championships with the team, is just really cool and makes our team very special," said Toland.
After four years of competing, Young said the team taught her it takes hours of practice and teamwork to be a champion. And while the school year has just begun, she said she is locking in, and training now, to help the team take home another trophy.
"So, if you want to win, that's what you have to do," said Young.
Right now, the team performs at a variety of high school and community events.
They also collaborate with college dance teams to host showcases. They say dance has become a huge and growing sport in Toledo, and they hope to grow their team.