01/26/2026
From the Riser: Reflections on College Nationals
It took me a moment to gather my thoughts after College Nationals.
For over 20 years, I’ve lived this world — as a collegiate dancer, NFL dancer, NBA dance team director, collegiate coach, and adjudicator. Dance has been the foundation of my professional life for more than 25 years.
What I witnessed at UDA Collegiate Nationals this year was the highest level of talent I’ve seen in my entire tenure.
Social media has opened the door for the world to finally see just how athletic and skilled dance team athletes are. I still remember being told in college that dance team would limit my future. I’m proud of my younger self for walking out determined to prove otherwise — and doing exactly that.
With visibility comes criticism. Conversations about judges and favoritism will always exist.
From my seat, the focus is simple: integrity, precision, and the scoresheet. I’m not there as a fan — I’m there to get it right. When I go home and rewatch, that’s when I get to enjoy the routines purely as a spectator.
I stay in this role because I’m an educator at heart.
This year, these teams understood the assignment — full-team athleticism, complexity, and technical excellence across the floor.
I leave this event filled with joy. The world is finally seeing what we’ve always known: dance team athletes are powerful, disciplined, and extraordinary.
Congratulations to the athletes, programs, coaches, and families.
2026 is already shaping up to be unforgettable. ✨