Leavenworth, Kan.—The landscape of collegiate dance faced a whirlwind of changes this year, but head coach Kinleigh Brecheisen led her squad fearlessly through every high and low the 2026 competition season would have in store for them. In coach Brecheisen's third year at the helm of USM dance the Spires, and every other NAIA competitive cheer and dance teams, were faced with an entirely new rule book and way of scoring that would change everything they had known from seasons past.  

This new way of scoring allowed the dancers more flexibility in their choreography, giving the Spires more freedoms to see what fit best with their dynamic and how they can capitalize on their already talented squad.

Coach Brecheisen couldn't be prouder of how her team handled this season, the strides they made on the comp floor, and the way they came together to rely on one another throughout the year. Week after week USM would continue to improve and adjust as any good team does and finished their season on a high note in the conference finals. The Spire dance team finished 4^th overall at the KCAC Championships, but would unfortunately not earn a bid for the national competition.

Four USM dancers earned post season recognition. Kira Wagner, Jayden Salb, and Jaeden Abitz all proudly earned a slot on the KCAC All-Conference Honorable Mention team, with freshman Kira Wagner rightfully named KCAC Champion of Character.
Coach Brecheisen will see two dancers graduate in Delilah Jimenez and Natalia Caldwell who will both be deeply missed. The Spires will return a strong core group in Jaeden Abitz, Tamia Allen, Jayden Salb, Christina Vue, Kira Wagner, and Annmarie Walton while adding a capable and enthusiastic group of newcomers to the extremely tight-knit community that is Spire dance.

The University of Saint Mary is exceedingly proud of all the accomplishments the USM comp dance team has already put together, and eager to see what's next for this highly gifted group.