SVSU dance defends one national title, reclaims another

June 3, 2026

SVSU dance defends one national title, reclaims another

Saginaw Valley State University's dance team capped a season of intense focus and determination by defending one national title and reclaiming another at The College Classic national dance competition in April. More than 200 teams participated in the competition.

The SVSU dancers took the top spot in the Division II Pom category for the third consecutive year. They also reclaimed their title in the Division II Team Performance, stepping up from a 2025 second-place finish which followed their national championship win in 2024. With these wins, the SVSU dance team has five national titles.
For this year's team, a highlight of this year's competition was earning the seventh highest score for the Team Performance among all teams in all divisions.

In addition to the Pom and Team Performance categories, the SVSU dance team performed in the Spirit Showdown Rally Dance category, placing fourth with a routine choreographed by third-year team member Ava Mendoza.

The team's wins are especially gratifying for Emily Salgado, a May graduate who was president of the team.
"As a senior, this season's journey was my favorite by far, and I know a lot of my teammates would agree," Salgado said. "Although it started off rough with a lot of uncertainty, it ended better than I could have ever imagined."

Entering the 2025-2026 season, the dance team had no coach. Katerina "Kat" Albertson stepped into the role to lead the dancers to success, assisted by Marlayna Russo. Albertson's efforts were rewarded with the Student Club Awards Club Sport Coach of the Year Award for the 2025-26 school year. In addition, three team members suffered injuries, yet Salgado said they consistently showed up to support the team and work on their recovery.

SVSU dance team members competing at this year's finals included:

• Lane Adis, a mathematics education major from Brighton
• Audrey Brabant, an exercise science major from Carsonville
• Maddie Cornwell, an exercise science major from St. Clair Shores
• Alaysia Davis, a marketing major from Bay City
• Ellie Deleon, a criminal justice major from Shepherd
• Callista Dozeman, a pre-occupational therapy major from Zeeland
• Savannah Erler, a pre-social work major from Swartz Creek
• Cassie Freiberg, a teacher education major from Milford
• Erica Gilbert, an exercise science major from Swartz Creek
• Keira Groom, a pre-nursing major from Ortonville
• Kailey Hawkins, an early childhood education major from Macomb
• Callie King, a criminal justice major from Taylor
• Addisyn Knoll, an elementary/special education major from St. Clair Shores
• Victoria Koury, a marketing major from Sterling Heights
• Emily Kunkel, a social work major from Cottrellville
• Hollyn Laur, a general studies major from North Branch
• Olivia Leaphart, a social work major from Grand Rapids
• Isabella Maola, an accounting major from Roseville
• Ava Mendoza, a communication major from Saginaw
• Addison O'Loughlin, a communication major from Bay City
• Jenna Runkel, a rehabilitation medicine major from Wayland
• Emily Salgado, a marketing major from Saginaw
• Hannah Shell, an English education major from Saint Clair
• Kiyah Stevens, a general studies major from Grand Rapids
• Alyssa Walkowiak, a general studies major from Bay City
• Kimberly Williams, a general business major from Lapeer

The 2026 College Classic was held April 10-12 in Orlando, Florida.

The SVSU dance team is one of several club sports on campus. It provides opportunities for students to compete and represent the university at a national level. Throughout the year, the team performs at all home football and basketball games. This year's team had an average grade point average of 3.24, with half of the members carrying a GPA of 3.5 or higher.