The Niles North Vikettes made history on Saturday, Jan. 25 when they qualified for the IHSA State competition for the first time ever in Niles North history. It was one of five sectional competitions in the state of Illinois and it took place at Glenbrook South High School at 8:00 a.m.

The Vikettes participated in the 3A One division and they were up against 14 other high schools. Only the top six were allowed to move on to State and the Vikettes finished in fifth place with a score of 80.3 points out of 100. This is the best the Vikettes have ever scored at a sectional competition.

The whole team was shocked and overjoyed. Here’s how some of the Vikettes felt about the huge accomplishment they achieved:

Junior captain Esther Moss: “Hearing that we qualified for State was one of the most shocking, exciting, and fulfilling moments in my three years on this Vikettes team. It was truly a great feeling. I felt like I accomplished something huge as a captain and a dancer.”

Senior Elliana Castro: “Being a part of the first Vikettes team to qualify for IHSA is a dream come true because all of our hard work this season has paid off. I’m so proud of our team for accomplishing all of our goals so far for this season. We’ve all come very far and learned a lot about ourselves along the way. This team stands for passion, teamwork, sportsmanship, mental drive, and dedication.”

Senior Paola Rojas: “It feels unbelievable, yet well-earned. In practice every day this week, we learned more about ourselves than ever. A rocky start to competition season made us feel defeated, like success was out of our reach. But we worked harder than we ever have this past week. By Saturday morning, we arrived at Glenbrook South knowing what we wanted, and we believed that we could get it. We finally realized that believing in ourselves could already get us halfway there. The other half was determined with us confidently getting out on that floor, giving it 110%, and walking off knowing we killed it.”

Senior Alondra Robledo: “Being part of the Vikettes program this year was one of the greatest honors. Qualifying for IHSA state and double qualifying to go to Nationals couldn’t have been a bigger accomplishment for our program this year. Every individual on this team has the desire to make it far and we showed it by achieving all of our goals. I couldn’t have asked for a better senior year.”

Senior Franny Fotopoulos: As a senior, this is the best thing I could’ve asked for. We have accomplished all the goals we have set for ourselves this year. Being able to go to State for the first time in Niles North history is legendary and I wouldn’t want to share it with anyone else.”

Make sure to congratulate the members of the Vikettes team whenever you see them and wish them good luck when they travel to Bloomington, IL to compete at State in the US Cellular Coliseum on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1! All parents, friends, family, and outside supporters are welcome to join the varsity Vikettes for a State Competition Send-Off Party on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m. in the Codell West Commons. The Niles North administration and athletic department will recognize the Vikettes’ accomplishments and wish them the best of luck before they travel to Bloomington, IL. Hope to see you there!

Go Vikings!