Wayland to bring back competitive dance team, recruiting begins immediately

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 23, 2026
By Phillip Hamilton

  PLAINVIEW, TX —Wayland Baptist University will bring back its competitive dance team for the Fall 2026 semester, relaunching a program that previously combined game-day spirit with regional and national competition. Recruiting for the scholarship sport is already underway for prospective dancers interested in joining the team.

"Wayland has a strong tradition of giving students opportunities to lead, perform, and represent the university with excellence," said Jim Giacomazzi, Wayland's Director of Athletics. "Bringing dance back is another way we're investing in the student experience and rebuilding programs that create pride across campus and in our community." 

Wayland's dance team competed for about a decade, with rosters dating back to the 2010–2011 season. The program was active through the 2019–2020 academic year, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted seasons and activities across college athletics. 

During its most competitive years, Wayland's dance team posted notable finishes on the national stage. In 2019, Wayland placed first in the team category (NAIA division) at the American Dance & Drill Team Collegiate Nationals at the University of North Texas and finished runner-up in the overall NAIA competition. In 2016, the team earned a first-place finish at the American Dance & Drill Team American Collegiate Championship in Denton. 

The university also points to alumni success as a sign of the program's impact. Lauren Strong, a 2017 Wayland graduate, went from performing on the sidelines for Wayland to cheering professionally for the Los Angeles Chargers. Elexia Ruiz, a four-time All-American, teaches dance instruction, while Calista Garces, from 2019, moved into professional music theater and dance instruction. Alyssa Roberts transitioned into dance instruction roles, while De'anna Prince has been involved in choreography and leading spirit groups. 

As Wayland plans for the team's return, the university is encouraging prospective dancers — including high school seniors, transfers and current Wayland students — to begin the recruiting process now. Interested students may complete Wayland's Prospective Athlete form through the athletics website and should watch for upcoming information about coaches, clinics, and tryouts.

Wayland officials said the dance team's return comes during a broader season of renewed student opportunities on the Plainview campus, including the ongoing revival of the university's instrumental music program and Pioneer Band tradition. 

More details — including staff leadership, program expectations and recruiting events — will be announced as they are finalized.

For more information about the return of Wayland's dance team, contact the Wayland Athletics Office at (806) 291-3801 or visit wbuathletics.com.

About Wayland Baptist University

Established in 1908, Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an academically challenging, learning-focused, and distinctively Christian environment. Wayland operates campuses in Plainview, Lubbock, Amarillo, Wichita Falls and San Antonio, Texas, as well as Arizona, Hawaii, and online.