Mustangs senior dancer developing strong life blueprint

Morningside University senior Haley Potthoff likes to work on her baking and cooking skills during her spare time. 

While still in the formative stages of both life skills, Haley can whip up a batch of cinnamon rolls and coffee cake with the best of them. She does have a good understanding of seeing a recipe be a plan for success, as the Mustangs dance program she is a part of has developed something akin to a gourmet treat. 

"Coach (Alisha) Knowler has put together a culture that is a good blueprint for other Morningside athletic programs," she said. "Every year, the atmosphere is so good --- all of us have strong relationships and are very team focused. We are not just working on routines for ourselves. The team is always first."

"The number of times I've had people talk to me about what we've been able to accomplish and the way we've done so is remarkable," she added. "Other programs look up to us in the way we carry ourselves and the respect we show others."

Potthoff and the Mustangs seek another National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national meet berth at the 2022 Great Plains Athletic Conference Championships on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 25 and 26.

She is thankful each day that she found Coach Knowler and the Mustangs to resume her competition career.

"I just felt like I hadn't peaked yet as a dancer," Potthoff reflected. "I had enjoyed studio dance and our high school opportunity. However, it just didn't provide me with many options moving forward. 

"I wanted to grow in my dance skills," she added. "I'm glad I came to Morningside and kept going." 

Like many of her teammates, Potthoff centers her enjoyment of collegiate dancing around Coach Knowler.

"She is always telling us what we are capable of and how far we can go," Potthoff said. "Dance is a year-round sport, and there is a balance to everything we have to do. My nursing major can be tough to work around, as can the dance schedule. Coach is always right there, making sure we all keep the important things in mind. Dance has taught me to work towards being the best version of myself not only in dance but in all other aspects of my life."

Potthoff's knowledge of what it takes for a strong coach has merits. During her high school competition career in her hometown of McCook, Neb., she and her teammates had to lead themselves. All they had was a sponsor. 

"It was a different path," she said. "We had to bring in choreographers to work with us. We ran the team. It was a little tricky at times, but we had a good experience."

"Before that, it was studio dance since age seven," she added. "I've had a lot of training in ballet, pointe, and lyrical, which has been a help, as it can apply from time to time during our competitions."

While continuing to track towards a degree in nursing in the spring of 2022, Potthoff hopes to keep dance in her life somehow after graduation.

"I've learned from so much from dance, especially when it comes to what I've learned at Morningside," she said. "I wouldn't have wanted to do anything else. There are many life lessons you gain, including being a team player, carrying a positive attitude, working through challenges, cheering on and caring for others in a team atmosphere, and so forth. It reminds me a lot of nursing as caring for others and making sure they are ok is what we do."

"I could see doing some kind of dance after graduation," she added. "I do know I want to get out and adventure in a new area. A big city is something I'd like to be in, and usually, there are chances to do different kinds of dance in those areas."