The dance dynasty continues. The Starr’s Mill High Pantherettes won the GHSA Class 3A-4A state dance championship, their fifth-straight title.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to see athletes that work so incredibly hard all year succeed,” said coach Mandy Ridgeway. “Walking into state, what I felt the strongest about was how bad I wanted it for the girls and this team. It was an overwhelming emotion to want to see them succeed.”
The Pantherettes went undefeated all year, winning every dance invitational they attended leading up to state. At state, they also placed 1st overall in the pom category. They have won a state title in at least one discipline seven years in a row.
“This team has an incredible bond. They show up every day for each other,” said Ridgeway. “They have a way of bringing out the best in each other and pushing each other to reach their team goals and full potential as individuals. They have an old school drive that drew me in immediately.”
The champion Pantherettes are Ella Long, Elizabeth Peebles, Emily Purcer, Wells Almand, Vivian Anderson, Leyla Bilgen, Tessa Brown, Naza Bueno, Zariyah Dogan, Molly Fish, Kayla Foppe, Ashley Kate Gagliano, Emilee Grodi, Madison Hand, Madeline Heick, Carina Jimenez, Kristina Martin, Emma Newell, Addison Ransom, and Lily Ridgeway.
They are coached by Mandy Ridgeway, Shannon Gagliano, and Todd Saye, with choreographer Nichole Martin.
