SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 10, 2024) –The National Association of Dance Coaches Association (NDCA) has unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 nominees for the prestigious Coach of the Year awards. Among these esteemed individuals, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Spirit Head Coach Crystal Brock, M.Ed., has been chosen, a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication.  

Other nominees include Katy Allen-Nyenbrink from Grand Valley State University (NCAA D1), Sarah Barland Flisowski from Blinn College (NJCAA), Brittany Kwallek from St. Cloud State University (NCAA D1) and the 2024 winner, Carol Lloyd, from the University of Memphis (NCAA D1).

Athletic Director Tom Norris said, "We are incredibly proud of Coach Brock for this important accomplishment. What she has brought to OLLU athletics and the campus in general is beyond expectations. The gameday experience her teams present is remarkable. We look forward to many more successes from the Spirit Team with Coach Brock and Assistant Coach Joe Gonzalez at the helm."

The purpose of the NDCA is to recognize, honor and award people in the profession who have excelled in their respective dance team leadership positions. 

Qualities integral to being nominated include leadership, innovation, individual dancer and team development, sportsmanship, philosophy, integrity and character, family and community involvement and advocacy for students, teams and coaches. 

Brock launched the Competitive Cheer and Competitive Dance programs in April 2020. In their inaugural competitive season at OLLU, the teams achieved remarkable success, earning the university's first NCA and NDA National bids and securing a second-place finish in the NAIA Dance Team Performance. OLLU also claimed third place at the American Collegiate Championship and emerged as a two-time Champion for the Dance Team Union Virtual Collegiate Championship. In the most recent season, Brock's team triumphed in the Point Park-OLLU Virtual Met and Battle in the Big Easy (Dance Duals) competitions. 

In 2023, Brock introduced the Drumline team to OLLU, adding to the vibrant and spirited atmosphere at games and special events. Drumline, Cheer and Dance have not only energized the university but also engaged the wider community. The teams have been a regular feature at the NBA's San Antonio Spurs games, further showcasing their talent and dedication. Brock's influence extends beyond the sports arena, as she has been a Fine Arts Dance and Spirit educator for more than 20 years in Texas. 

Most recently, Brock was selected as the Head Choreographer for her first feature film, which stars Luis Fonsi, Vannessa Vasquez, Jackie Cruz and Vivian Lamolli, to name a few. The Answer to My Prayers was written by Nancy De Los Santos-Reza, directed by Patrick Perez Vidauri, and produced by Christina Nava and Edward James Olmos, all best known for the movie Selena. The film is set to be in movie theaters during the week of Thanksgiving this year at select AMC Theatres nationwide.