From Missoula to the NFL: Griz Dance Team Alumni Go Pro
Amber Laiche, ‘21, Dallas Cowboys
Amber Laiche was accepted into the dance program and was a part of the Griz Dance Team for all four years of her collegiate career. She graduated in 2021 with a degree in dance. Knowing that one day she would want to have her own dance studio, UM stood out for its option to combine the academic dance program with dancing at student spirit events.
Amber quickly fell in love with the dance program for its welcoming environment and well-rounded offerings, ranging from ballet and hip hop to African dance and beyond. In 2021, Amber advanced to the final round of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' auditions, earning a coveted place on the team in her first attempt.
UM had a major influence on Amber's transition into dancing professionally. The sideline and quarter-change routines for the UM Dance Team mirrored the same style as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Although the Griz didn't compete collegiately during Amber's time at UM, she found that the preparation and passion developed as a Griz aligned perfectly with the professional path ahead of her.
"By the grace and glory of God, that foundation led me to something greater than I could have imagined: becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader," she said.
Her time at UM taught her independence and how to balance academics with dance and other commitments. She also learned what it meant to be a part of something bigger than yourself. The Dance Team shaped her values and ingrained a mindset of showing up early, working hard, and always leaving better than she arrived.
"UM gave me unforgettable experiences, lifelong friendships and the confidence to believe that my dreams were achievable," she said. "Most importantly, it gave me the tools, mindset and work ethic needed to pursue those dreams—lessons that continue to guide me today."
Amber stresses the importance of prioritizing well-being and staying grounded through gratitude. She credits the people who helped her along the way, including her parents, friends, teammates, coaches and instructors. Ms. Michelle, Amber's ballet instructor at the time, re-inspired her love for ballet and deepened her appreciation for dance training and the art form itself. Griz Dance Coach Megan Carcioppolo was Amber's greatest inspiration during her time at the UM. Her encouragement inspired Amber to audition for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Amber encourages any current dancers who aspire to dance at the professional level to keep focused on their goals.
"Do not compare yourself to others. You are worthy of this role because of who you are and what you bring to the table," she said.
Now Amber is the proud owner of a competitive and recreational dance studio located in Sandpoint, Idaho. She's focused on passing down her knowledge, discipline and love for dance to the upcoming generations.
Callie Yeager Werk, '07, Arizona Cardinals
Callie graduated from UM in 2007 with a degree in dance with an emphasis in performance and choreography. Callie was a part of the Griz Dance Team for three years and grew up as a devoted Griz fan, surrounded by family members who are proud alumni. For her, choosing UM felt like the only option—for the opportunity to be part of the strongest dance program in Montana.
She was drawn to the dance team's classy, polished style and the sense of fun that made UM stand out. She also found a built-in family with a team that supported and cared for each other.
Her time at UM challenged Callie to grow, find confidence and develop discipline and her work ethic—all things that helped propel her into the professional dance world.
The Dance Team was a collaborative culture, with all team members playing an important role and valuing respect, commitment and consistency.
Callie's Dance Team coach during her time at UM, Meagan Hensley, introduced her to many professional dance opportunities after college. After graduating, Callie tried out for teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos, gaining valuable experience and lessons that helped shape her development as a dancer. In 2009, she auditioned for the Arizona Cardinals as a "practice" audition but ended up making the team.
The pride and atmosphere that the Grizzlies bring to gameday have stuck with her even during her time in the NFL.
"The culture, passion and tradition of Washington-Grizzly Stadium, and the overall energy of waking up on a Saturday morning in Missoula have stayed with me throughout my NFL career," she explained. "There is truly nothing like it. While the NFL is the biggest stage in sports, it doesn't carry the same feeling."
Callie is now working as a case manager for a virtual public school in Idaho. She also coaches cheer and teaches dance. Looking back on her time at UM, Callie would encourage her college self to take more classes and immerse herself in every possible opportunity. She is still a proud Griz fan and attends alumni events and performances at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
Camryn Rhodes, '21, Arizona Cardinals
Camryn graduated from UM in 2021 with a degree in wildlife biology. UM stood out to Camryn for its academics and athletics. She knew that UM's Wildlife Biology program is one of the best in the country and was also drawn to Missoula and the sense of Griz community. She liked how the dance team was such a big part of the game day experience.
Camryn was a member of the Griz Dance Team from 2017-2021. "The Dance Team is such a tight-knit community of women," she said. "I loved how supportive and dedicated the team was and how involved they were in the athletic community."
She held the title of Griz Dance Co-Captain her sophomore year and became captain for her junior and senior years. After graduation, she coached the team for the 2021-2022 season.
When transitioning to the NFL, Camryn noted a few ways UM contributed to prepping her for the professional level. The discipline and dedication learned at UM, as well as the expertise of her UM coaches, Colby Harms, Claire Kronenberger and Megan Hurley, helped Camryn grow as a dancer and a person. The dance team helped her become a consistent team member, balance high expectations with accountability and utilize feedback.
This foundation she built at UM helped her find success with the Arizona Cardinals. Camryn added that college dance taught her to show up as a professional before ever entering the professional world. Although UM taught Camryn a lot, the NFL presented new challenges and opportunities. Beyond the performances, dancers participate in charity events and outreach initiatives, which taught her the greater value of giving back to the community.
Camryn learned that the work of professional dancers can have a positive impact beyond the field. She encourages aspiring professional dancers to remember that being part of a team goes beyond their dance skills.
"Talent gets you noticed, but character keeps you there," she said. "How you show up, your attitude, work ethic and support for your teammates, is just as important as your dance skills."
Jordan Stuber, '21, Seattle Seahawks
Jordan Stuber graduated from UM in 2021 with a degree in dance with an emphasis in choreography and performance, a minor in media arts and a certificate in entertainment management. Jordan knew she wanted to attend a college with a football team and active Greek life, where she could study dance and take business classes. UM was the perfect fit.
Jordan served as the VP of Marketing and Social Media for the Dance Club and started an Instagram account for the dance program (@umontanadance). On top of her other commitments, she was also a social media manager for the UM Alumni Association.
Jordan enjoyed being a part of the dance program and expanding her artistry and choreography skills.
"Choreographing is something I really love, and I appreciate how much the dance program helped foster that and how many opportunities I was given to choreograph," she said.
Several mentors had a significant impact on her development as a dancer, including Heidi Jones Eggert, Brooklyn Draper and Nicole Bradley Browning. After graduation, Jordan moved back to Seattle, trained at studios in the area, taught dance and was a judge at two national dance competition companies. She then auditioned and made the Seattle Seahawks dance team. As a professional, she relied on the organizational and time management skills she developed at UM.
She found that the discipline she learned from academics and the dance program helped her succeed during her time in the NFL.
Jordan has some encouraging words of advice for her college self.
"It's all going to work out, and post-graduation is scary, but I did everything I could to set myself up as best as I could, and I'm so glad I did," she said.
Jordan encourages aspiring professional dancers to keep taking ballet, since technique is key.
Currently, Jordan is a personal trainer and loves helping people get healthier and become more confident. She still dances at studios in Seattle and is in a few upcoming Seattle dance shows.
Dance is an important part of her life, and she hopes to keep the dance community around her.
Danae Klaboe, ‘13, Seattle Seahawks
Danae graduated from UM with a degree in communications. Freshman year, she was a part of the cheer team at UM. After injuries, she decided to try out for the dance team and remained on the team until graduation. In her senior year, she was captain of the Griz Dance Team.
Due to the proximity to her hometown of Sandpoint, Idaho, she wanted to be involved in the UM Spirit Squad. She was also drawn to the energy at Griz football and basketball games.
Danae comments about how UM has contributed to her success in making an NFL team. The type of preparation the Griz Spirit Squad took before game day was similar to the NFL and helped her get used to learning new routines at a fast pace.
“But more than anything, I really grew into myself in regard to showmanship and performing in front of large crowds,” she said.
The Spirit Squad director at the time, Christie Clark, was one of the most supportive mentors who helped push Danae to the next level. Holding a leadership role taught her that being a great dancer doesn’t automatically make you a great captain. Earning your teammate’s respect is incredibly important.
Danae made the Seattle Seahawks and credits her experience on a college team for propelling her to the NFL. Learning to dance with strength and power while performing in front of large crowds was essential.
“What you get from being on a collegiate team versus a studio is the flow of the game from the sideline,” she shared. “The first home game for the Seahawks, all of the veteran cheerleaders kept asking if I was shocked about how loud the stadium was. It didn't seem that loud to me coming from the Griz stadium.”
While Danae was cheering for the Seahawks, she experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment when the team won the Super Bowl. The Seahawks invite her back often for celebratory games and performances. She has since coached a high school cheerleading team and is passionate about giving back to the cheer community. She encourages aspiring dancers to follow their dreams.
“Just go for it,” she said. “There's never a perfect time, and the answer is always no unless you try. Also, each team has a specific style and vibe. Have an idea of what that is, so you know if you are a good fit for that team. It will make or break your experience.”
Today, her greatest focus is her five-year-old daughter, who is involved in dance, looks up to her mom and dreams of one day becoming a Seattle Seahawks cheerleader just like her.
Molly Sheahan ‘15, Miami Dolphins
In 2015, Molly graduated from UM with a degree in organizational communication. Molly chose UM to be close to her hometown of Spokane and fell in love with the campus.
Molly was a member of the UM Spirit Squad for both cheer and dance. In her freshman year, she floated between both cheer and dance teams as an alternate. In her sophomore year, she chose to fully commit to the dance team. She was captain of the dance team in her senior year. Additionally, she took dance classes at UM to fulfill her credits.
UM also taught Molly the value of community. Knowing that her role in cheerleading was bringing joy and encouragement to others helped shape her as a person and a dancer.
“My favorite aspect of being involved in UM’s Spirit Squad was how it truly united the community, bringing together fans from all over the state,” she said. “The atmosphere of a Griz Football game is unmatched, the energy is electric.”
Molly gained strength and confidence with UM’s structured strength conditioning program, which helped her grow as an athlete. This helped guide her to her next steps to the NFL.
“I think the collegiate experience on a dance team was a huge steppingstone before entering the professional level. At UM, I developed a level of professionalism I was able to take with me to the NFL.”
Molly’s audition process for the NFL had a few setbacks. She auditioned for four years and was cut eight times from professional dance auditions before securing her spot with the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders. She learned resilience and determination and used her shortcomings as a way to fuel her next audition.
Molly is now going back to school in Spokane to pursue a career as a NICU nurse. She continues to dance and created a class dedicated to helping dancers who want to perform at the professional level.
She stays connected to current Griz Dance Coach Alli Baumgardner and former Spirit Squad Director Stacey Richards. Molly tries to attend one home game every year to watch the dancers and cheerleaders. Her advice to aspiring professionals is to keep showing up for opportunities.
“Don’t be afraid to dream big, but also don’t be afraid of rejection. Be bold, be courageous and focus your energy on what you can control! And if you show up to an audition, that in itself is commendable, because most want it, but won’t try.”