Campus Connection

After claiming two championships at state competition, UWL Dance Team sets sights on nationals

The UW-La Crosse Dance Team is having a season for the record books, setting new milestones and making history along the way. 

The team has had an undefeated season, with their most recent win being first place finishes in both jazz and hip hop at the 2025 Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches (WACPC) State Dance Competition. 

The UWL Dance Team (UWLDT) has been an established student organization since 2003. However, the collegiate division at the WACPC State Dance Competition was only introduced in 2024, making the team’s recent victories even more historic.

"UWLDT earned the first-ever WACPC Collegiate State Title in the Jazz category in 2024. In 2025, we added two more state titles, bringing our total to three," says Head Coach Kyle Herberg, who has led the team since the 2021-22 season. "Each year, the dancers who try out for the team showcase more technical skills, dance ability and overall drive to succeed. With a large percentage of dancers returning, they’ve built amazing team chemistry." 

Mallory Hudson, a UWLDT captain, credits the team’s success to their strong chemistry and relentless work ethic. 

"We’ve prioritized building strong relationships both on and off the floor. From first-years to seniors, every dancer feels a strong connection to one another, and that keeps our practices and performances passionate and driven," Hudson says. "We push each other every day, holding each other accountable while celebrating small victories along the way." 

For fellow captain Schae Louw, the team’s closeness and trust in one another are what set them apart.  

"We are a group sharing one of our biggest passions — dance,” Louw says. “We strive for success and don’t want to let each other down. Every time we take the floor, we are dancing for the people standing next to us over anyone else." 

Both Hudson and Louw note that Herberg is a key component to UWLDT’s success, volunteering his time to be at their practices, competitions and games.

“Coach Kyle’s positive energy and belief in our team creates an environment where we can thrive,” Hudson explains. “Whether it's helping us break down difficult skills, offering encouragement before a performance or celebrating our victories, Kyle is always there for us, and he is truly so crucial to this program.”

“He doesn't get paid to be our coach but rather is there because he wants to be and believes in the success of this team,” Louw adds. The captains, along with Herberg, invest significant time into planning the season, Louw continues. “The team wouldn't be what it is today without Coach Kyle and the captains.” 

With their state titles secured, UWLDT is now preparing for the National Dance Alliance (NDA) College Nationals in April. Since they began competing at Nationals in 2022, they have consistently placed in the top three, with second place finishes in Division III Jazz in both 2022 and 2023, and a third-place finish in Division III Team Performance in 2024.

"We focus on continuous self-improvement, refining our routines and pushing ourselves to be better than we were the year before," Herberg says. "We have multiple conversations about how we can’t control what the competition is bringing, but we can control our practice work ethic, attitude and drive." 

For Hudson and Louw, who are both graduating this spring, the dance team has been a defining part of their college experience. 

"Being on this team has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories and lessons I’ll carry with me forever," Hudson says. "Balancing academics, practices and performances has taught me time management and resilience. No matter how we place at nationals, it’s always rewarding to see our hard work on the floor." 

Louw agrees, reflecting on how the team has shaped her life.  

"This team teaches you about respect, resilience and selflessness. It has given me opportunities beyond college, like competition judging and choreographing for other schools,” Louw says. “While I’ll be sad to leave, I'm excited to continue to root for the success of this team and see how this program evolves in the future.”