The US Junior National Hip Hop and Pom Teams are comprised of the most talented dancers in America.
USA Junior Hip Hop Pom are selected as dance teams to represent the United States in international competition within the Junior Hip Hop or Pom Performance Cheer Divisions with athletes of ages between 15-18. Teams may represent the United States in multiple divisions depending on the year. 

2027 US NATIONAL TEAM SELECTIONS

2026 ICU JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

USA CHEER DANCE STAFF

DANCE DIRECTOR • STACY SHELTON

Stacy Shelton grew up dancing from a young age and has trained in ballet, jazz/contemporary, hip hop, modern and pom. Stacy graduated from the University of Memphis where she was captain of the 16x National Champion Memphis Pom Squad, winning a hip-hop national championship during her tenure. She also represented the USA and received a silver medal on the US National Hip Hop Team in 2012. She has instructed coaches and dancers across the world; USA, South America, Europe, Aisa, and Australia. Stacy has been with Varsity Spirit for fifteen years in various roles and is currently the Varsity Spirit Dance Director where she oversees all of the company’s dance legacy brands on the scholastic side. In fall of 2016, Stacy was appointed Director of Dance for USACheer, a role in which she still holds today, helping provide choreography, technique, and training for some of the top programs in the nation while leading them to compete on the international stage. Stacy has had various experiences as a choreographer as well as a judge from high school/college tryouts, regionals, and international judging. Stacy resides in her home state of Sweet Home Alabama.

ASSISTANT DANCE DIRECTOR • LIZZY HOWARD

Over the last 10 years, Lizzy has coached, choreographed and adjudicated in many different facets within the dance industry. While still in Idaho she founded Eminence, a competitive hip hop program at her local studio. Currently, Lizzy is the Program Director for the National Dance Alliance. Along with NDA, Lizzy continues to choreograph many all-star, high school and college programs representing at state, national and collegiate championships. In 2023, Lizzy accepted the position of Assistant Dance Director for USA Cheer to coach the US National Dance Teams. She is beyond grateful to continue her dance journey coaching, choreographing, adjudicating and speaking at coaches conferences across the nation!

ASSISTANT DANCE DIRECTOR • G SANDOVAL

G Sandoval has nine years of experience with Varsity Spirit, he has served as a Core Staff Member, Curriculum Team Contributor, and Head Instructor for both the high school and college circuits under the UDA brand, and currently holds the position of Northwest State Director for Varsity Dance brands (UDA, NDA & USA). His choreography has received national recognition, contributing to titles such as the UDA All Star Nationals Senior Large Hip Hop National Championship and the Tennessee State Hip Hop Championship. Gerardo also consults for high school and collegiate teams. In addition to his leadership and judging experience, G has professional dance experience within the Entertainment industry in Las Vegas. Some of his credits include Disney’s feature film Stargirl. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, he now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he continues to teach, choreograph, and inspire dancers while continuing his own training.

JUNIOR HIP HOP HEAD COACH • HANNAH DOWLAND

Hannah Dowland brings 19 years of experience with Universal Dance Association (UDA), where she has served as both a UDA staff member and full-time Curriculum Director. A former dancer and captain of the University of Tennessee Dance Team, Hannah has built her career around her passion for dance, leadership, and developing the next generation of athletes.

Throughout her coaching career, Hannah has coached ORDTTA All-Stars and the Bearden High School Dance Team, helping athletes reach their full potential both on and off the floor. Her teams have earned an impressive 39 national championship titles across UDA’s College, High School, and All-Star divisions, reflecting her dedication to excellence, teamwork, and performance.

While her championship success speaks for itself, Hannah believes the most rewarding part of coaching is the lasting relationships she builds with her athletes. For her, the impact of coaching extends far beyond competition day, creating connections, memories, and friendships that last a lifetime. Her passion for developing confident, hardworking athletes and building meaningful relationships continues to shape her approach to coaching and her commitment to the sport of dance.