2025 GPAC Championships Results (PDF)
SEWARD, Neb. – In a first for the program, Concordia University, Competitive Dance hosted the conference championships. When the 2025 GPAC Competitive Dance Championships concluded inside Friedrich Arena on Friday (March 7), the Bulldogs had placed fourth. Concordia posted scores of 82.40 in the prelims and 86.0 in the finals for a total score of 85.1. The top three GPAC place finishers were Midland (91.91), Doane (89.7) and Morningside (88.52).
The finals score for Head Coach Mandi Maser’s squad represented a program record for a single routine. The Bulldogs moved up a spot after sitting in fifth place after the prelims.
“I am extremely proud of the dedication and effort demonstrated by our dancers throughout this competition,” Maser said. “Each experience, whether a victory or a challenge, contributes to their growth both as artists and athletes. We will use this moment as a foundation to continue refining our skills and becoming even stronger. This is just one chapter in a long journey, and I look forward to witnessing the continued success of this remarkable group of women.”
Concordia trotted out eight competitors on Friday. As part of the post-event festivities, the following Bulldogs were named 2025 GPAC All-Conference honorees: first team performers Hanna Bitner and Taylor Larsen and third team award winners Elise O’Neill, Kaylee Powell and Bianca Romshek. Collectively, they helped Concordia break the former program record of 85.9 (in 2023) for a single routine.
Said Maser, “Junior Taylor Larsen and sophomore Hanna Bitner were standout performers, each earning GPAC First Team All-Conference honors. Additionally, three more outstanding Bulldogs – junior Elise O'Neill, sophomore Kaylee Powell, and freshman Bianca Romshek – were recognized with GPAC Third Team All-Conference honors. These individuals exemplify excellence, leadership and competitiveness, and I couldn’t be more proud of their achievements.”
The GPAC Cheer & Dance Championships were hosted by Doane in each of the previous four seasons. Friedrich Arena has been home to two of the most significant competitions in the entire NAIA this season – the Concordia Day of Duals and GPAC Championships.
GPAC Championships Roster
· Hanna Bitner (Valentine, Neb.)
· Alexis Carlen (Staunton, Ill.)
· Brynley Cooper (Lincoln, Neb.)
· Taylor Larsen (Ravenna, Neb.)
· Elise O’Neill (North Platte, Neb.)
· Kaylee Powell (Central City, Neb.)
· Bianca Romshek (Bellwood, Neb.)
· Jozlin Schmidt (Bentonville, Ark.)
2025 Competitions
Jan. 18 – Won vs. CSM (80.7)
Jan. 25 – Placed 3rd at CIT
Feb. 7 – Placed 3rd/17 (83.77) at York Crown Classic
Feb. 8 – Won vs. William Penn (85.7); won vs. St. Ambrose JV (85.55); placed fourth overall at Concordia Duals
Feb. 15 – Won vs. Benedictine/Saint Mary (82.20); won vs. Baker (80.75); placed 2nd overall (162.95) at MidAmerica Nazarene Duals
Feb. 22 – Placed 5th/10 (75.2) at Dordt Invite
March 7 – Placed 4th at the GPAC Championships (total score of 85.10)
The ninth annual NAIA Competitive Cheer & Dance National Championship will be held in Ypsilanti, Mich., March 28-29. Official qualifiers for the national championships are scheduled to be announced on Monday, March 17. For additional information on NAIA competitive dance, check out the sport’s homepage here: https://www.naia.org/sports/dance/index.