News Post

The St. Joseph’s Academy Red Steppers brought home top five finishes in all three competition categories from the 2026 National School Spirit Championships (NSSC), held January 30-February 1 at Walt Disney World Resort.

The Red Steppers placed second in Hip Hop (their highest Hip Hop finish in program history), second in Game Day and fifth in Jazz. 

“I am beyond proud to be a Red Steppers coach,” said head coach Jade McCune. “These girls have poured in countless hours, rising to every challenge placed before them with resilience, humility and determination. They pushed themselves beyond comfort, raising the standard of what it means to be a Red Stepper.”

McCune praised team captains Giulia Arion, Hannah Templet and Stella Vince for their leadership and setting an example that will endure. She thanked the team’s seniors for their commitment to the Red Steppers legacy and commended the new team members for stepping into big shoes with confidence and grace, honoring those who came before them while creating their own place.

“Above all else, who these girls are at their core has been the greatest blessing to witness,” McCune said. “They allow God to lead them, taking each step with faith, trusting that He is carrying them through it all. Their friendships and bonds are deep, genuine and undeniable. We often remind them that this journey is about more than results. It’s about growth, connection and becoming better people along the way. This season has truly been one of the most meaningful journeys yet.”

Templet, a senior, said the dancers worked tirelessly to prepare for the NSSC and that they gave maximum effort throughout the competition. “We stepped onto that mat with full hearts and poured out everything we had,” she said. “Our goal was to finish feeling proud of our performance but, even more importantly, to enjoy every moment together, especially with this team. We focused on letting God take control and trusting in His plan for our season. Because of that, this year has been one of the most special. We grew stronger, became more determined and built deeper trust in one another as well as in our relationships with God. I am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished, and I can’t wait to see what the coming years bring.”

Junior Taigon Schexnaydre said this year’s national competition is an experience she will always cherish. “Before we go on stage, we always say, ‘We’ve already won,’ because winning isn’t about a trophy or a white jacket; it’s about the year we’ve spent together,” she said. “The bond this team has is so special, and we prioritize our relationships just as much as our dancing. The laughs, smiles and constant support we have for one another are truly unmatched. I won’t remember a trophy or an award, but I will always remember the memories, the laughter and the love this team shared.”

Vince, a sophomore, said the work put into preparing for the nationals championship was worth it. “Every early morning practice, every correction and every moment of doubt led us to this point,” she said. “Standing on that stage and earning second place in the nation wasn’t just about a trophy; it was about our growth, our trust in each other and our coaches and our love for our team and our school. Our motto for this nationals season was One Chance. We were reminded every practice that we only get one chance at today to give it all we have, every single time, and that mindset carried us through everything we faced together.”

Arion, a senior, said this team shared a bond unlike any of the three previous years’ Red Steppers.  “These girls are my best friends, and their light, joyous presence fills any room we walk into,” she said. “In addition to this, we channeled in on our relationship with God this season and put Him at the forefront of all. We really felt His presence and His guiding hand over us as we had many God winks throughout our time at nationals. This nationals season was truly one for the books. Our determination, love and faith-centered hearts outshined all the uncontrollables and gave us a memory of a lifetime.” 

McCune also thanked assistant coach Olivia Hamilton for her dedication and heart for the program and the Red Stepper parents for their unwavering support. “It truly takes a village, and this one is special,” she said.