The Chiefettes are back on top. The McIntosh High squad repeated as the GHSA Class 5A-6A state dance champions. They also won both the jazz and pom categories.
“It honestly feels surreal to win state again! That was our goal going into the season, but we had to fight for it; nothing was a given,” said coach Carmen Yarbrough. “Knowing what all we went through this season, and to come out on top, is so rewarding. The team never gave up and always pushed themselves to be better.”
Yarbrough credits the team’s success to a good blend of senior leadership and underclassmen eager to look up to them.
“We used the theme ‘fight for it’ all season long as our mantra to keep fighting for that state championship.”
The team showed a willingness to never settle for less than spectacular. They completely overhauled their jazz routine in early January with just enough time to showcase it in three competitions.
“We changed choreography, music, formations, you name it,” said Yarbrough. “We had people from other teams tell us it was their favorite routine they had seen all season, and we got standing ovations at competitions. That fueled our team to push even further and make our jazz routine amazing.”
The winning Chiefettes are Olivia Anderson, Elizabeth Stanton, Daisy Fidler, Sarah Wilson, Sunia Xiao, Sofia Schwartz, Nina Seymour, Lila Egsieker, Shima Arai, Khami Williams, Mady Kuehn, Caroline Moses, Lillian Hodge, Ellie Knight, and Remi Marler.
The squad is coached by Carmen Yarbrough, Adrienne Arruda, and Sadie Nash, along with strength coach Allen Beall. Chloe Davis is the team manager.
