DETROIT LAKES, Minn (KWAD) — The Detroit Lakes Laker dance team enters the 2025 season with a powerful mix of experience, energy, and artistry under the direction of longtime head coach Britton Ramsey, who is entering her 15th season at the helm and 16th overall in the program.

This year’s squad is loaded with returning talent, including senior captains Addison Ramsey and Kira McCawley, along with fellow seniors Julia Omang and Madelyn Peeters. Altogether, the Lakers bring back 17 letterwinners, providing a strong foundation for what Ramsey believes is one of the most technically skilled groups in recent memory.

“We are returning a really strong group,” Ramsey said. “They’ve been young in the past, but now they have some experience under their belt. This is one of the most talented groups we’ve had in several years.”

The Lakers’ returning lineup includes underclass standouts Hayley Spindler, Aliyah Evans, Ava Esser, Ava Marchus, Preslee Baker, Brooke Thomas and Tessa Windels. Other key contributors include Braelyn Muzquiz, Cadence Melbostad, Hannah Schmitz, and Addison Pflepson .

While junior Aubrey Meeks will miss the season due to hip surgery, Ramsey said her leadership remains invaluable. Meanwhile, the Lakers welcome seven new dancers to the varsity mix—“hungry variety rookies,” as Ramsey calls them—eager to make their mark and build their skills.

Detroit Lakes will feature two routines that showcase both emotion and power this season. Their jazz routine is built around a contemporary-lyrical style designed to highlight the team’s technical strength and storytelling ability, while the kick routine blends multiple genres but leans heavily into hip hop.

“For kick, it’s super fun—lots of variety and heavy on the hip hop,” Ramsey said. “We tried to play to their strengths with both styles.”

The Central Lakes Conference once again features some of Minnesota’s elite programs, with Brainerd, Sartell, and Sauk Rapids leading the way. The Lakers’ Section 4AA field is even deeper this year, with section realignment adding former AAA powers Sartell, Sauk Rapids, and St. Cloud Crush to a mix that already included St. Francis, Becker, Monticello, and Rocori.

“It’s going to be really tight from one through eight,” Ramsey noted. “We’re up against legacy programs and multi-time state competitors. The key will be staying healthy, confident, and focused on what we can control.”

Detroit Lakes will host several marquee events this season, starting with their home invite on December 13, which features teams from across all three classes. They’ll also host a quad meet on January 15 at 6:30 p.m., and a Dance Show featuring local studios on January 17 at 7:00 p.m., all at DLHS.

The Lakers open their regular season November 21 at Sauk Rapids, facing the best of the CLC right out of the gate.

Dance: Varsity Winter 2025–26 Schedule