The state of Connecticut is welcoming home another national champion.

The Sacred Heart University dance team captured its first-ever national title over the weekend in Florida.

"It’s the coolest feeling ever," graduate student Abby Kinney says. "I could not have imagined finishing my dance career off any other way."

Reina Van Florcke has been a part of the program for 15 years, first as a player, then as an assistant coach, and now the head coach.

"The dance team was founded in 1994," Van Florcke says. "To see the program go from that now to a national championship is one of the most incredible journeys I’ve ever been a part of."

The pioneers outperformed dozens of other schools, including some that were much bigger and well-known in the dance community.

“I think we’re just a small division one school from Connecticut," senior captain Jillian Angeramo says. "I just think we really proved that if we can do it, anyone can do it."

The university is planning to formally honor the national champs at a later date.