Grace Hackemeyer, a junior here at Tech, is truly the girl who can do it all. She’s a member of the High Techs; a dance team that performs on the sidelines of athletic events and competes in NCA/NDA College Cheer and Dance National Championships. She participates in their daily practices (even on the weekends!), and she teaches dance at a local dance studio, Dance Tech, to all different age groups. But on top of that, she still finds time to study, be in a sorority, and have a social life. Impressive!
Her Campus Virginia Tech: Where are you originally from?
Grace Hackemeyer: I was born in Nashville, and moved to Raleigh, and then Atlanta. But for most of my life, I’ve lived in Forest, Virginia.
HCVT: So you dance a lot! What is your favorite form of dance? Do you have a favorite move?
GH: I’ve grown up focusing on all different techniques, but my favorite would have to be hip-hop. It’s brings out this passion from deep inside me. My favorite move though would have to be a switch leap. They’re a lot of fun, and I get a lot of air time with them.
HCVT: You do so much! How do you balance everything?
GH: One good piece of advice my mom gave me is to take it day by day. That’s really all I can do. If I think about what I have to do the next day or next week, I’ll go crazy. So many of the things I do with dance, my sorority, and school have so many positive people and things involved that really inspire me and keep me going day to day.
HCVT: How are the High Techs doing this year?
GH: We’re doing well this year. It’s one of the biggest teams we’ve had in a long time and there are a lot of talented underclassmen this year. We’ve struggled a little because last year was so phenomenal with the leadership and we lost one of our coaches. We’ve had to adjust to all the changes, but we’re getting through it and will end with a bang!
HCVT: Have you had any embarrassing moments during a performance?
GH: Last weekend at the football game we were going to lead the hokey pokey. We were right in the middle of the field, but my whole team stayed on the right side. I turned around and everyone was still back there! I had to run back. Luckily, I haven’t had any falls this year, though.
HCVT: What are your plans after graduation?
GH: The summer before I graduate, I plan on having an internship with ESPN so I can work with them twelve months later when I graduate. I want to work as a sports reporter or anchor. I would be thankful to work as any type of reporter or anchor, though.
I have to keep dance in my life, though. It’s my passion! Hopefully I’ll be able to try out for a professional team; either basketball or football would be great. I’d also really love to be a back-up dancer for a hip-hop video. I’m keeping my options open.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Virginia Tech chapter.