In the sports world, the name USC immediately creates recognition for the sheer numbers of Hall of Fame Athletes in sports such as football, baseball, track & field, swimming and many Olympic Sports. Names such as Marcus Allen, Tom Seaver, Mark Maguire, Paul Westphal, John Naber, Cheryl Miller, Lisa Leslie, Reggie Bush, Frank Gifford, Ronnie Lott, Lynn Swann, Allyson Felix, Janet Evans, Bob Seagren, Louis Zamperini, John Wayne, are but a small percentage of athletes that hit the peak in their sport. The USC Ballroom Dance team should be recognized in the same way. In the late 70’s and early 80s, the team and various members began an almost unbroken run of US Amateur National Champions a few undefeated Professional US Champions, as well as British and World Champions. The Dance Team won several US National Championships as well as making the podium in 3 out of 5 World Formation Championships in Europe, where Formation dancing is competed in large arenas. 

In the mid 80’s the USC program was largely ignored by the administration and so several members reconstituted as the Southern California Dance Team and the torch was passed over the next few years.