TAYLOR MCDANIEL| Reporter

This athlete spotlight highlights a member of the national title-winning Lion Line dance team.

Cathryn Niehoff is currently in her junior year at Lindenwood University and is studying exercise science.

Niehoff, an O’Fallon, Missouri native, has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She first experienced dance when one of her childhood friends invited her to try a dance class, and she has been in love with the sport ever since.

Despite her dedication as an athlete, Niehoff is not afraid to admit to having some embarrassing moments as a dancer.

“My most embarrassing moment was when I was doing a lift and the girls lifting me dropped me on my head and I got a concussion,” Niehoff said.

Niehoff knew the dance team coach her first two years at Lindenwood, and has been obsessed with watching Lion Line ever since she was in high school.

They also won seven national titles, which helped her choose to dance for Lion Line and also led her to win her own national title with the team. She said that this is her greatest accomplishment in her career as a dancer.

The aspects she likes most about the sport are the support, the friendships and all of the events they perform at in support of the Lions.

But Neihoff said she also has a life outside of dance. When she is not dancing, she can be found watching Netflix, napping, or working out. She is also a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.

Niehoff said she has learned a lot during her time as a dancer and has gained a lot of valuable life lessons.

“Work hard every chance you get, even if it’s hard, the outcome will be so worth the struggle,” Niehoff said.

After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school for physical therapy or to become a strength and conditioning coach for high school teams.