Montreat College

Following the announcement of the addition of Cheer & Dance programs for the 2020-21 school year, Montreat College named Danie Johnson Turpin the head coach for the teams' inaugural seasons, as announced by the athletic department in February of 2020.

Though the teams did not compete in 2020-21, in 2021-22 cheer notched its first-ever victory on Feb. 10, 2022 with a 54.0-39.9 triumph over Dillard. Dance went on to claim its initial win in program history, a 73.73-70.37 triumph over Ave Maria on Feb. 11. Johnson Turpin earned SUN Conference Dance Coach of the Year, while the Cavs picked up SUN Dance Newcomer of the Year honors as well.

Johnson Turpin, who graduated from East Carolina University with a BFA in Dance Performance and a B.S. in Rehabilitation Studies, brings valuable experience to the Montreat Cheer & Dance squad. She has been teaching dance and choreographing at the pre-professional level for eight years and has performed professionally with several dance companies in both New York City and Chicago.

In addition to her background in cheer and dance, Johnson has experience working with teenagers and young adults in mental health at treatment centers across North Carolina and is also a Certified Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer.