St. Ambrose places nine on NAIA Dance All-American Team
St. Ambrose placed nine members on the NAIA Competitive Dance All-American Team, including seven on the first team. The list includes Sara Gundacker and Josie Kaffenberger, who posted the top scores in the tryout process to be named NAIA Competitive co-Dancers of the Year.
Kaffenberger is the back-to-back Dancer of the Year after earning the honor by herself in 2024. She is also a two-time First Team All-American. Gundacker has been named to the first team three straight years.
Sydnie Offermann and Leah Zeimet joined Gundacker as three-time First Team All-Americans by again making the list in 2025. Maddy Barnes and Lexi Crook earned repeat first team honors. Grace Sheldon, who was a third teamer last year, was the final Bee named to the first team.
Shea Denahy, recognized for the second straight season, and Maggie Schreiber were named to the second team.
All-Americans are determined by the national championship judges. The top 14 scores (including ties) are First-Team All-Americans, the next 14 (including ties) are on the second team, followed by the final 14 (including ties) on the third team.
St. Ambrose led the NAIA with seven first team selections and nine total All-Americans.
The SAU Dance Team narrowly missed winning its third straight NAIA Competitive Dance National Championship. St. Ambrose settled for second place, finishing just 0.16 points behind 2025 champion Midland.