RIPON, Wis. - After 15 successful years, Stephanie Hawkins is stepping down as Ripon College's dance coach. Hawkins oversaw the program as it was transitioned from a club team to a varsity sport.

A native of Omro, Wisconsin, Hawkins led the Red Hawks to a first-place finish in the dance team's first-ever competition in 2006. Since then, Ripon has added five National Championships under Hawkins' watch. She was inducted into the Dance Xtreme USE (DX) Hall of Fame in 2016 during the Americup Championships in Minneapolis.

"On behalf of Ripon College athletics, I would like to thank Stephanie for her service to the college and the outstanding job she has done with the Dance Team," Ripon Athletic Director Ryan Kane said. "We wish her the best in her future endeavors."

A search for Hawkins' replacement will begin immediately.