Winter Sports Profile: Merrill Dance Team hits the floor with work ethic, passion
Head Coach: Molly Roman; First year with the team.
Assistant Coaches: Jena Brandenburg; Second year with the team.
2016/17 Season: State qualifiers
Key Returners: Allyson English- Senior, Sydney Brandenburg- Junior, Jillian English- Junior, MacKenzie Massa- Junior, McKenna Meunier- Junior, MaKayla Nelson- Junior, Mary Pawlicki- Junior, Lydia Rosengren- Junior, Nora Traap- Junior, Cassandra Howard- Sophomore.
Key Losses: Calle Johnson, Caitlyn Kolehouse, McKenna Marion and Sara Skoug.
Key Newcomers: Adam Lee- Junior, Brielle Thorson- Junior, Ashley Glaza- Sophomore, Isabelle Kelly-Lowrie; Incoming Freshmen: Breanna Cammack, Jozelyn Gebert, Lydia Hanson, Brea Pieper, Piper Plautz, Lexi Slagoski, Kate Steckbauer and Connor Stender.
2016/17 Recap: “I didn’t know a lot about last year’s team, but I did notice how they really came together as a real team to finish out the season,” coach Roman says. “I think it is really important to have a close knit team to become successful.”
2016/17 Outlook: “Similar to last year, I am seeing the team really bond well and become real friends with each other. They are becoming the team I knew they could be. Everyone on the team demonstrates a good work ethic and a strong passion for dance. I believe this will help us to be successful this season,” coach Roman states.
A Final Word From The Coach: “I highly recommend coming out to one of the home basketball games to watch this team perform. They have already put in a lot of hard work and I think the fans will be impressed with the dedication demonstrated throughout the performances.”