With hard work, dedication and a commitment to excellence, these three UCF Dance Team members are taking lessons learned from the national stage to the nation’s most trusted profession.
UCF’s nursing degree program is rigorous in preparing students for clinical practice and to provide compassionate, highly skilled clinical care.
UCF’s Dance Team is also rigorous, representing the university on a national level at athletic games and at the UDA College Nationals competition each January.
These three future Knight nurses are balancing both and shining bright while doing so.
Mika, Anya and Gabriella, traditional BSN students on the Lake Nona campus, share what inspired their passions and how dance has prepared them for their future nursing careers.
Click the video to watch their story and meet them below.
Mikhaila “Mika” Latourelle
4th Year on UCF Dance Team, Captain 2025/2026
Class of 2026, Cum Laude
Hometown: Monson, Massachusetts
Dancing since: 3 years old
What do you love most about dance?
I get to challenge myself every day.
What do you love most about nursing?
I am able to impact someone’s life every day.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I have always liked science and had an interest in healthcare. I chose nursing because I wanted to build trust and a rapport with my patients.
What lessons from dance apply to nursing?
To perform well in high-pressure environments. Also as team captain, I’ve learned leadership skills and how to communicate effectively on a team.
Nursing career goals:
Pediatric hematology/oncology, and eventually a nurse practitioner
“It’s a big deal to represent both the university as a college athlete and also represent such a well-respected and trusted profession. I am grateful to do both.”
Gabriella Joyce
3rd year on UCF Dance Team
Junior, Class of 2027
Hometown: Winter Park, Florida
Dancing since: 2 years old
What do you love most about dance?
I love being able to express myself.
What do you love most about nursing?
Being able to spend my life helping people.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My mom is a UCF Knight nurse, and I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. I’ve seen the way she has been able to impact people and I want to have the same impact.
What lessons from dance apply to nursing?
The importance of work ethic and teamwork.
Nursing career goals:
Pediatrics or women’s health, and eventually become a nurse practitioner.
“It is such an honor to represent the university as a student-athlete and to have the support to be able to pursue both of my passions simultaneously.”
Anya Stavola
3rd year on UCF Dance Team
Junior, Class of 2027
Hometown: Middletown, New Jersey
Dancing since: 2 years old
What do you love most about dance?
I get to perform next to my best friends.
What do you love most about nursing?
I get to help people when they’re often at their lowest points.
How do you balance both UCF Dance Team and the BSN program?
Everyone around me is supportive so I can pursue both of my passions. Time management is also important.
What lessons from dance apply to nursing?
How to stay calm in very stressful situations.
Nursing career goals:
Nurse practitioner and NICU. My mom talked about the amazing care my sister received when she was in the NICU and it inspired me.
“These opportunities mean so much to me and have set me up for a great future.”
Article by Julie Harper ’01
Header Photo by Melanie Cedeño-Lopez ’23
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