Washburn University Dancing Blues Earn Awards at 2026 College Classic National Championship

Topeka, Kan. - The Washburn University Dancing Blues danced their way to success, bringing home new hardware from the 2026 College Classic National Championship, April 10-12 in Orlando, Fla., and closing their 2025-26 season on a high note.

The team competed against other Division II colleges and universities, earning second place in pom, third place in jazz and fifth place in hip hop. Their jazz routine ranked in the top 20 across all divisions at the championship.

"The 2025-26 Dancing Blues were a truly special group - the kind of team coaches dream about. Beyond their incredible success on the floor, I am so proud of who they are when no one is watching. They show up for each other, work harder than anyone and do everything with so much heart," said Grace Ellrich, head coach of the Dancing Blues, Washburn University.

The Dancing Blues are an integral part of Washburn Spirit. As the university's dance team, they perform at all home football games, men's and women's basketball games, NCAA tournament games and appear at university and alumni events.

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Editor's Note: 2025-26 Dancing Blues Hometowns
Avery Cairns, senior, Cheigh Cox, senior, Cheyenne Turkin, sophomore, Ellianha Kallenberger, junior, Georgia Zeller, sophomore, Haylea Ruff, freshman, and Hannah Thompson, freshman, are from Topeka, Kan.

Madison Brosa, sophomore, is from Lawrence, Kan.

Elizabeth Gaschen, senior, and Maggie Gaschen, junior, are from Meridan, Kan.

Linley Mendenhall, sophomore, and Baylie Yackovich, sophomore, are from Emporia, Kan.

Kailey Hill, senior, is from Goddard, Kan.

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Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
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