More about Emily Bowman…
Bowman is a proud York alumna and former varsity captain. She has more than 10 years of coaching experience, including four years with York, and has coached all ages and skill levels.
She was on the coaching staff during integral seasons for the York program, including the first IHSA State appearance in York history, as well as the program’s most successful competitive season to date: placing 4th at the IHSA State Finals in the Coed Division. Emily is excited to lead the cheer program toward even greater success as one of the top programs in the state, while supporting other York sports and overall school spirit.
Try-outs for the fall season will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, May 30 and May 31 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. in York’s Black Box Theatre. Try-outs are open to all 9-12 grade students for the 2018-19 school year. Further details will be updated and posted on the York Athletics home page at york.elmhurst205.org/athletics
More about Alyssa Ortiz
Ortiz has spent the last two years as the York Junior Varsity coach, working with the freshmen and sophomores during football and competition season. Alyssa has been part of the team’s development and has been a significant part of making them the confident talented dancers they are today. On top of working with the Junior Varsity team, she has assisted with the Varsity team conditioning, cleaning and running practice.
Born in Elmhurst, Alyssa began dancing at the age of three at Gotta Dance Studio, in Addison. After finishing her years at Gotta Dance, she continued dancing and competing with Powerhouse Dance Company in Addison. There Alyssa studied under a variety of instructors.
When Alyssa reached her high school years, she earned a position on the York High School Varsity Cheer team, that performed at football and basketball games which simultaneously competed through IHSA (Illinois High School Association).
After her year on the cheerleading squad, Alyssa became a member of the Varsity Pom team, where she also performed at football and basketball games. During this time, she competed at Team Dance Illinois competitions in Kick, Pom and Hip Hop. While a member of poms, she was also part of the Creative Team, which choreographed the dances they performed.
In her senior year, Alyssa was asked by Universal Dance Association (UDA) to be part of their staff and travel while teaching various high school teams.
After high school, Alyssa continued her education at Elmhurst College, where she received her degree in Criminal Justice, with a Dance minor in 2014. There she studied under the direction of Amy Lynn McDonald in tap, jazz, ballet, modern and even taking dance appreciation and choreography classes. While in college, Alyssa was a member of the poms team, performing at both basketball and football games. She was selected as co-captain her second year on the team.
According to Rob Wagner, York’s Assistant Principal for Athletics, Alyssa has great plans to ensure that Dukes’ dynamic team continues to grow and defend the 3A state title.
