The Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Dance Team had a successful 2023-2024 season as the Tigers qualified for Nationals for the first time ever in school history, and Coach Jana Morrisey shares the things she loves about coaching, and an obstacle.

Morrisey tells Raccoon Valley Radio that she loves to soak in the moments when the girls are proud of their accomplishments. Not necessarily attaining any specific goals but just celebrating the fact that their hard work paid off. Morrisey also enjoys living vicariously through them, giving examples like when a dancer scores well on a test, receives their permit, celebrate a milestone birthday, and even go through some hardships with them. Pertaining to the challenges, there is one that sticks out to Morrisey.

“Not every dancer is the dancer I was and meeting them where they’re at, both from like a physical, technical standpoint but also the mental toughness side of things of they all don’t handle it the same, they all don’t react the same, just figuring out how to meet them where they are and make sure that we’re giving them the best program possible that can help them develop, that’s probably what keeps me awake at night.”

The Tigers took both the Pom and Jazz teams to Nationals with Pom placing 13th and Jazz finishing fifth. The competition was held from March 8th-10th.