The Lewis-Clark State Dance team announced its inaugural roster composed of 13 student-athletes. The squad features eight returners from the club team including two seniors and six sophomores.
“The foundation is set for a bright future with LC State Dance,” coach Christa Davis said. “Our two seniors worked diligently the past three years, initially as members of the club team, to lay the groundwork for success. I deeply treasure their passion for dance and example of servant leadership.”
Brooklynn Menti headlines the group of returning student-athletes as one of two seniors on the team. A native of Spirit Lake, Idaho, has 17 years of competitive dance experience and competed with Judy’s Dance Unlimited Competitive Dance in Newman Lake, Wash. Menti attended Timberlake High School where she competed in track and field and cheer.
“Brooklynn serves as the team manager for the Work Scholar program,” Davis explained. “She has truly been my right hand as we transitioned to a varsity athletic team. Her 17-year competitive dance background includes almost innumerable honors. She was selected by Dance Excellence for an international, invitation-only event that provides advanced dance training in Los Angeles by top industry master teachers and choreographers. Brooklynn is our cornerstone towards building a successful dance team, competitively and in our mission to nurture quality individual character. I’m incredibly thankful for her passion.”
Fellow senior Carely Melena joins the Warriors out of Jerome, Idaho, where she helped the Jerome High School Cheer team to a fifth-place finish at nationals in 2020. She was named an All-American in 2018 in the dance category in cheer.
“Carely is returning following a year’s sabbatical,” Davis said. “She was an integral member when our 2021-22 club team and was asked to perform at the opening ceremonies of the World Congress for IAHPED and the National Dance Society in July of 2022. Carely’s contribution to the team is both her high level of technical skill and her canny ability to retain choreography. I’m thrilled to see her return.”
The pair of seniors is joined by six sophomores that competed for the club team last season.
“This year, I expect each one of them to serve within the leadership team and nurture younger athletes in positivity, resilience, and genuine expression,” Davis said. “I have no doubt that they will accomplish this task.”
Sophomores on the inaugural team include McKenzie Davis (Spokane Valley, Wash.), Adriana Enriquez-Gonzalez (Ketchum, Idaho), Kyla Grayer (Monee, Ill.), Kaylee Howe (Stanwood, Wash.), Nallely Leon (Murtaugh, Idaho) and Vanessa Rivera (Buhl, Idaho).
“I am very excited with our group of veteran sophomore athletes who are returning to the dance team this season,” Davis added. “It was tremendously satisfying to watch them grow as people and as dancers during our recruiting season. Dance is a unique sport as it brings together remarkable athleticism and artistic creativity; both are vital for success. Each returning sophomore is integral as we build a sustainable team.
“Nallely excels academically, artistically and promotes a positive environment,” Davis said. “Kyla shines in flexibility and stylistic alignment. McKenzie leads by example with her work ethic and diligence for accurate position. Adriana brings consistent determination and much needed comic relief. Kaylee has strengths of attitude, diligence, and passion. Vanessa has tremendous technical skill and is eager to bring a smile to our faces.”
Information on the group of freshmen will be announced in the near future.
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