Final Results | Watch on demand
TOPEKA, Kan. – The 2025-26 Concordia University, Nebraska Competitive Dance team blazed a new trail. The program’s first ever journey to the NAIA National Championships culminated with an eighth-place national finish. The Bulldogs earned scores of 83.5 in the preliminary round and 84.5 in the finals for a total score of 84.26. The prelims accounted for 25 percent and the finals 75 percent in calculating each team’s total score. The 12 national qualifiers convened inside the Starmont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kan., for the two-day (March 27-28) competition.
Head Coach Mandi Maser’s squad moved up one spot in the finals after it sat in ninth place at the conclusion of Friday’s prelims. By all measures, the ’25-26 season was the best in program history.
“Nationals was an incredible experience for our team from start to finish,” Maser said. “We were surrounded by an amazing support system – family and friends who showed up for every single athlete and gave them energy you could truly feel on the floor. What meant the most, though, was watching our team step into that final performance knowing how hard they had worked all season to get there. That moment – when preparation meets purpose – is what it’s all about. Their dedication to each other, their commitment to the process, and the way they came together as one is something I’m incredibly proud of as a coach.”
Concordia competed first in the prelims on Friday and then went fourth in Saturday’s order. The competition roster featured 10 athletes, including eight that garnered GPAC All-Conference awards. The national championships were a new experience for everyone involved and marked the final college competition for senior captains Taylor Larsen and Elise O’Neill. The seniors, along with juniors Hanna Bitner and Kaylee Powell, helped build the program up over time.
According to Larsen and O’Neill, the experience in Topeka exceeded their expectations. They have been part of Bulldog teams that have ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring average in three straight years.
Said Larsen, “This experience was better than I could have ever imagined. The fact that we were blessed enough to do it with all of our best friends was so amazing. It’s such a testament to God’s perfect timing. We talked about it so much this year – we just trusted Him and His plan for us. He delivered.”
Said O’Neill, the team's Champions of Character honoree, “It’s definitely emotional. We’re sad. It’s hard to talk about. We’re also so grateful that we are blessed with this team and the opportunities we’ve had to spend time with each other. It’s been great … We came in without any expectations because we’ve never been here. We had such a fun time being here as a team.”
St. Ambrose University won the dance national championship with a total score of 93.37. The competition included three GPAC teams. Concordia placed above the likes of Baker University, Loyola University, Aquinas College and Bethel College. The thrilling ride for the Bulldogs was also highlighted by championships at the York Crown Classic and Concordia Invite.
2026 NAIA Championships Competition Roster
· Hanna Bitner (Valentine, Neb.)
· Brynley Cooper (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Sienna Kelly (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Taylor Larsen (Ravenna, Neb.)
· Elise O’Neill (North Platte, Neb.)
· Cameron Ottersberg (Pawnee City, Neb.)
· Kaylee Powell (Central City, Neb.)
· Bianca Romshek (Bellwood, Neb.)
· Addison Sample (Pleasant Dale, Neb.)
· Lana Tillman (Battle Creek, Neb.)
2026 Competitions
Jan. 21 – Def. CSM in dual (83.66)
Jan. 24 – Placed 3rd/8 (85.21) at Dordt Invite
Jan. 30 – Placed 3rd/9 (87.7) at KWU Classic
Feb. 6 – Placed 1st/14 (87.33) at York Crown Classic
Feb. 7 – Placed 1st/8 (93.33) at Concordia Invite
Feb. 13 – Placed 5th/10 (87.70) at Northwestern Invite (Day 1)
Feb. 14 – Placed 3rd/9 (87.87) at Northwestern Invite (Day 2)
Feb. 21 – Placed 2nd/7 (87.79) at Midland Invite
March 7 – Placed 3rd/9 (87.68-prelims; 88.09-finals) at GPAC Championships
March 27-28 – Placed 8th (84.26) at NAIA National Championships