GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport University athletic department has announced that Courtney Houldsworth has been promoted to head coach of the highly-successful dance program. She will replace Kylene Geyer who gave eight-plus years to the program and elevated it to national success. The Panthers captured four different national championships at NDA Nationals including a Team Routine in Division II in 2021-22 and the Hip Hop Division II title in 2020-21.

"Kylene has been an exceptional leader for this program during her tenure," said Paul Lowden, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "We understand that it is time for her to pass the torch to someone that she has helped mold to continue the rich tradition of this program. We greatly appreciate Kylene's commitment to developing this program into a national recognized dance program that prides itself on academic and athletic excellence. Courtney has invested wholly in the growth and development of this program in both her role as a former student-athlete and assistant coach. She understands the strong tradition and national prestige that this program has earned as a premier collegiate dance program. We are confident that Courtney's passion for dance and people will help continue the success of this program."

Houldsworth joined the Davenport dance coaching staff in August 2021. She was a member of the DU Dance team from 2013-17 and helped the program reach new heights. She was named the Most Spirited Dancer in 2013 and Most Valuable Dancer in 2014 and 2016. Houldsworth was a four-time recipient on the President's List maintaining a 3.8 GPA or above in the process. She was captain of the dance team in 2015-16 and 2016-17 while also becoming a NDA All-American recipient for three years.