(Lewiston, ID) Lewis-Clark State Dance opens its second competitive season on Friday under first-year head coach Sydnee Soderberg. This year’s squad brings a mix of experience from last season along with new ideas from a young coaching staff.
This year’s schedule includes seven returners and three newcomers ahead of the competitive slate. Greta Boreson, Kaylee Howe and Zoe Kempton were named captains for the 2025 group.
“The returners have been so incredibly helpful to me in so many different ways,” Soderberg said. “From practice, to travel, to competition itself, this team knows the ins and outs. Although I have head coaching experience and I understand the complexities of the competition season, there is always so much to learn, especially at the college level.”
Soderberg also added assistant coaches Taylor Offerdahl-Church and Sophia Ralstin, and the group made an immediate impact. Both bring a competitive dance background that has been noticeable in the Warrior performances ahead of the season.
“I believe that the team has improved in technique,” Soderberg said. “Taylor has been able to provide some really great technique drills to help the team feel confident. I also feel like they have improved in cleanliness and confidence. When the routine is clean and has good technique, the confidence will follow. As a coaching staff we have really been encouraging confidence through program development.”
The Warriors will compete at the York University Crown Classic on Friday in Nebraska to kick off the season. The trip is the first for the new coaching staff and revamped team. LC State opened its inaugural season at Midland (Neb.) and looks to show off its improvement over the last year when it faces many of the same teams.
“Our only hard-set expectation for this competition is the level of performance,” Soderberg explained. “We expect our team to perform the routine we have given them and give their all. Because it is the first one of the season, I am sure we will learn a lot and come back ready to work even harder.
“We are very optimistic going into this first competition,” Soderberg added. “Our first performance of the competition routine went super well, and we are excited to see how this first competition goes. As for me, I love this program dearly and I am just so excited to see the team do what they love.”