Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 Church Directory
THE 2021 BIG LAKE HORNET GIRLS DANCE TEAM consists of: (In no particular order) Jessica Sandberg, Madison Klatt, Kylie Veldhuizen, Sydney Marotz, Izzy Swinehart, Emma Berner, Tristian Hill, Emma Kuchera, Rowan Payne, Grace John, Josa Vizenor, Emma Forpahl, April Gerth, Calissa Pishney, Jayden O’Brien, Makhyla Schmidt, Madeline Peterson and Lauren Bagne. (Submitted Photo).

Hornet dancers motivated for big season

During the Big Lake Hornet Dance Team’s first week of practice, Head Coach Kayla Kleinsteuber encouraged all of the dancers to choose their own quote that will serve as motivation for the upcoming season. 

“I also shared my motto for this season, ‘historical times, historical results,’” said Kleinsteuber. 

“We will do all that we can to overcome adversity and keep a positive attitude because we have goals to accomplish and motivation is greater than any obstacle,” she continued. “We are shooting for the highest scores our team has seen in over a decade — an accomplishment that was achieved last season. We are also focusing on success within our conference. With close scores among all teams and shifting placements last season, we are hoping to climb the ladder!”

Kleinsteuber’s team consists of Jessica Sandberg, Madison Klatt, Kylie Veldhuizen, Sydney Marotz, Izzy Swinehart, Emma Berner, Tristian Hill, Emma Kuchera, Rowan Payne, Grace John, Josa Vizenor, Emma Forpahl, April Gerth, Calissa Pishney, Jayden O’Brien, Makhyla Schmidt, Madeline Peterson and Lauren Bagne.

Team Manager is Lilly St. Jean.

The Hornet’s first competition was a jazz conference meet Jan. 15 at St. Francis High School. They faced off against St. Francis, Monticello, Becker, Chisago Lakes and North Branch.

Kleinsteuber’s girls were able to organize one week of in-person practice in November before there was another delay in the season due to the governor’s orders. The dancers had optional summer practices where they were required to wear masks so they have adapted to the change and did well adjusting earlier this year. 

“There are protocols in place to keep everyone safe such as social distancing, requiring everyone to wash their hands before and after practice, wearing masks for the entire duration of practice (with the exception of dancing full out),” said the head coach. “Parents, coaches, and dancers are aware that we must all equally do our part in order to keep everyone safe and everyone has complied accordingly.”

While wearing masks can make it more difficult for the athletes and coaches to communicate and hear one another, Kleinsteuber has had all her dancers try and focus on being the best listeners they can be and respectful of one another when someone else is speaking to ensure a proper exchange of communication.

This is Kleinsteuber’s third year as the head coach of the team and is also the third consecutive year Melissa VanHofwegen has been the assistant coach.