The state of Minnesota is well-known for its level of dance. Whether it is studio dance or high school dance teams, Minnesota has some of the best teams in the country. On Feb. 17 and 18, 36 teams gathered at Target Center in Minneapolis to compete at the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Dance Team State Tournament, including our very own Mound Westonka High School jazz and high kick dance teams.

Led by head coach Molly Carlson, the Mound Westonka Dance Team (MWDT) has advanced to the state tournament in 18 of Carlson's 22 years of coaching. From MWDT’s first MSHSL state tournament qualification in 2004 to its most recent, MWDT has been a staple of the Westonka community and has maintained consistent excellence and growth throughout Carlson’s time as head coach. 

Here is a quick timeline to provide some perspective on this steady rise to excellence:

• 2004: the Hawkettes advance to the MSHSL Dance Team State Tournament in the jazz/funk category for the first time
• 2010: the Hawkettes advance to the state tournament in the high kick category for the first time
• 2014: the Hawkettes qualify for jazz finals at state for the first time
• 2021: the Hawkettes have a finalist finish in both categories during COVID, placing fourth in both high kick and jazz at the state tournament held at Edina High School
• 2022: MWDT competes in state jazz finals, along with their very first kick finals appearance at Target Center, placing fourth in both

On Friday night at the 2023 MSHSL State Dance Team Tournament, MWDT earned the school's first state medal, placing third in Class AA jazz behind Benilde-St. Margaret’s in second and Orono in first. On Saturday evening, the Hawkettes heard their name called as the 2023 Class AA High Kick State Champions for the first time in Mound Westonka history. 

Coach Carlson shared the following about this year’s team: 

“We knew from the beginning of our season that this team was truly something special. Every day they would come to practice with the goal of being better than the day before. The combination of their fierce work ethic, endless determination, and team-first attitude made them an absolute dream to coach. We could not be more proud of them - they are so deserving of their success.”

In addition to the team placements, all four MWDT senior captains were recognized individually at the state tournament. Josie Moen and Kendall Schissler were named to the Academic All-State Dance Team, an honor given to senior dancers with a cumulative GPA of 3.85 or higher. Additionally, Schissler and Hannah Hunter were named to the Wells Fargo All-Tournament Jazz Team, and Moen and Avery Roerig were named to the All-Tournament Kick Team. A group of humble athletes, these captains led their team to victory, all while keeping the focus on “just us.”

Carlson is assisted by Lexie Warlof Kohl, Kelly McGinnis, Ashley Woytcke, Margot Spanjers and Sophia Nord. Coach Spanjers shared the following about the 2023 season:

“This season and team have truly been magical. Not only has this season been so much fun, but our athletes are so physically and mentally strong. We have been able to elevate our team’s technique and performance to a completely new level this year through consistent strength training, intentional practice plans, and strategic and creative choreography.”

While the team revels in these victories, they also know there is “more work to do,” a common phrase used by the student-athletes throughout their season. They will use this year’s successes and challenges to look ahead to future seasons and continue building on this incredible program.

The team has been supported by MWDT parents, community members, alumni, sponsors and super fans. The Hawkettes are so grateful to share their success with the Westonka community and are even more excited to share their joy for dance through their beautiful performance and astonishing athleticism.

Both state finals performances can be found on YouTube, the team’s Facebook page and the team’s Instagram: moundwestonkadt.