Three WVU nursing students compete on the national stage for cheer and dance
Three students from the WVU School of Nursing — Zara Atcheson, Rylie Berzinski, and Autumn Hurst — recently competed with their respective teams at the National Dance Alliance and National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Berzinski and the WVU Dance Team earned first place in Division IA Pom; Atcheson and the WVU Hip Hop Dance Team earned second place in D1A Hip Hop Division; and Hurst and the WVU Competitive Cheer Team earned fifth place in the All-Girl D1A Division.
Berzinski said being able to represent WVU is an incredible opportunity.
“One thing my coaches always remind us is that West Virginia does not have professional sports teams, which makes supporting WVU athletics and representing the university even more meaningful,” Berzinski said. “We are visible during games, and the fans who support us there also support us at nationals. Because of that, our win was not only personal for our team, but also a win for the entire WVU community. It was especially meaningful because this was the first time our program had ever won in person.”
As a pre-nursing student, Berzinski said she knew most of her time would need to be focused on maintaining good grades to be accepted into the nursing program. But because of her previous years of dance experience, she was already used to balancing academics and her dance schedule.
“I feel that this experience has truly helped strengthen my time management skills and taught me how to successfully prioritize multiple commitments at once,” she said. “While balancing everything can sometimes be difficult, it is very similar to how other students manage jobs, extracurricular activities, and coursework at the same time.”
Atcheson agreed, noting that the balance is challenging, but worth the commitment.
“Balancing dance and nursing school is tough and requires good time management, especially as nationals get closer, but it’s worth it,” Atcheson said. “I would encourage other nursing students to pursue interests outside of school because it’s so important to continue doing things you enjoy to give yourself that mental break.”
She said being able to represent WVU at NDA was a great experience and she was proud of her team’s hard work and ability to bring home a trophy.
“It is challenging, and can be exhausting at times, but it’s always worth it in the end,” Hurst said. “Whether or not the season ends with a National Championship (which I’ve been fortunate enough to experience), what means the most is the time I get to spend with teammates and friends.”
Hurst has been balancing school with cheer since she began her studies at WVU. She understands that these opportunities are rare, so she wants to enjoy the activities she loves.
“I found very quickly that the staff at WVU SON was completely supportive of me being more than just a nursing student,” Hurst said. “I never once came in contact with anyone that did not want me to pursue my sport and the things I love!”
Berzinski also extended a thank you to her professors and clinical instructors for their support and understanding.
“Their willingness to help me make up exams and stay on track academically has meant so much to me,” Berzinski said. “I also want to thank everyone for taking the time to recognize what an important accomplishment this was for our team and for WVU as a whole.”
Representing WVU on a national stage is a huge honor for them all. Hurst said winning her NCA competition in 2025 will be a lasting memory.
“My advice to other nursing students is to go after the things you love, even when nursing feels like it’s consuming,” Hurst said. “Even though nursing requires continuous commitment and dedication, it is important to have outlets that help to take your mind off of things! Do what you love, so you can love what you do in all things!”
-WVU-
MEDIA CONTACT:
Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu