Established in 1969, the Purple Pizzazz Pom Line serves as a spirit group at all home football and basketball games, bringing cheer and energy to the crowds. Being part of the team comes with many benefits, including scholarships, performance opportunities and community service.
Cassie Donaghey, a freshman elementary education major, joined the team during the Fall 2025 semester and hopes to stay for as long as she can. “I joined Pom Line because ever since I was little, I really wanted to dance. It just brings a light into my life … [Pom Line] is one reason [why] I came to Northwestern [State University],” Donaghey said.
“I like the 6 a.m. practices,” Donaghey said. “Sometimes we just goof off with each other … There are just funny moments during practice … It’s very fun talking with the team and bonding with them.”
A history of dance is common for Pom Line members, with Lauryn Vernon, a senior biology major and captain of the team, having danced for over a decade.
“Before coming to college, I had been dancing for 14 to 15 years and knew I wanted to continue dancing in some capacity,” Vernon said. “After attending a Pom Line clinic, I immediately fell in love with the environment the team created. Everyone was so welcoming, and I knew I had found a place where I could not only continue dancing, but also build meaningful relationships and lifelong friends.”
“I grew up in a very family-oriented dance studio, so relationships are something I value deeply,” Vernon said. “The team has shaped me in ways I can’t even fully describe, and I truly don’t think I would be the same person without them. They are my closest friends, and I know these relationships will last a lifetime.”
Vernon described the benefits of joining Pom Line. “Being part of our collegiate dance team allows you to stay involved academically and socially while having a built-in support system,” Vernon said. “Dance remains our shared passion, and we are constantly growing and improving together.”
One of Pom Line’s performances this school year was at the Universal Dance Association Nationals in Orlando, Fla. The Demons got to compete against other dance teams from across the nation and enjoy time at Walt Disney World Resort.
This experience was a favorite for Jasmine Scott, a senior general studies major. “The excitement of stepping onto that stage was one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced,” Scott said. “Getting to spend time together at Disney World afterward made the trip even more special.”
Scott encourages interested students to throw caution to the wind and just go for it. “Choosing NSU and becoming part of this team was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Scott said. “It takes a lot of hard work, but it is absolutely worth it. The memories and experiences go by so fast, so make every moment count.”
The Purple Pizzazz Pom Line is a group of dancers who are passionate about what they do and put in the effort to make themselves better every day, dancing at football and basketball games and bringing enthusiasm to their performances.
