Sophomore, Payton Geary, plays a large role in the Woodland Dance Team. Geary brings a lot to the team with her incredible sportsmanship and positive attitude towards any challenges that may occur. She is a guide to the freshman allowing them to have a person to lean on whenever they need it most.

“One of my friends, from my dance studio, told me she was on the Woodland team and I should join and that she loved it. I knew I wanted to because it would give me more time to dance and learn more than I ever could at studio.”

After Payton auditioned for the team, she never turned back after. Joining the team was one of Geary’s best choices she has ever made.

“I wanted to get as much experience with it as I could. I also wanted to fill up most of my free time with dancing because I enjoy doing it so much.”

The environment that the dance team provides is nurturing and accepting which Payton values most.

“I like how inviting the environment of dance team /is/. I don’t feel judged and I’m not afraid to try new things when I’m with the team.”

Coach, Jennifer Cataldi, pushes her dancers to reach their limits.

“[Payton] is so inclusive with all of her teammates and how she treats others around her,” said Cataldi. “She always has a positive attitude, she is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met, and I love how she makes me and others laugh around her constantly!”

For the future, Geary plans on keeping dance close by once she graduates Woodland.

Payton has truly captured the attention of her coach and peers with her exceptional dance ability and unwavering dedication to the sport.

“I have not yet decided if I want to dance in college. I’ll never stop dancing though.”