In 2022, the Viewmont High Vykelles won its first state drill championship and they haven’t given up that title in the two seasons since – earning a “3-peat” Feb. 2 at Utah Valley University. 

 “We are so incredibly proud of this team and feel so grateful to represent Viewmont High School with this win,” said co-head coach Bailee Hadlock. “We knew that if these girls wanted it they were going to have to fight for it – nothing was going to be handed to them. They were focused, calm and confident and they never lost sight of their goal. We are so excited to say that it all paid off in the end!”

The Vykelles were first in Military and Show and placed fourth in Dance.

In their Show routine, Coach Hadlock noted the risk her team took in performing the character “Miss Trunchbull.” “We had a vision and we worked as hard as we could to bring her to life on that floor,” Hadlock said. “Our girls truly embodied every aspect of her character, from the principal jacket, to the cake smear on their face, to the newt on her shoulder, to the unibrow and black mole and finally the unexpected costume change – they were Miss Trunchbull. It was just as fun to watch the routine as it was to dance it!”

Allie Andrew and Lauren Salimbene were honored as members of the All-State team while Andrew, Salimbene, Tessa Pitt, Gracie Boardman, Xandra Gee, Addie Fenton and Mia Peterson were officers on this year’s Vykelles squad.

Also on the 2023-24 team this season are Libby Allred, Sarah Anderson, Elle Bloomfield, Paislee DiMaria, Kenadee Eskelson, River Farrell, Berklie Fox, Lindsie Fry, Charli Fuller, Sydnee Hawkes, Lily Holt, Isabel Jorgensen, Macey Kurtz, Kate Lauder, Kennedy Nielsen, Kylee Nielsen, Sophia Preston, Leah Sonntag, Adee Walton, Hannah Winder and Ava Wright.
Co-coaches Hadlock and Kayla Bagshaw were assisted on the coaching staff by Whitney Galbraith, Brittany Anderson and Melanie Walker while Bagshaw was the choreographer for all of the routines this year.

“This team is made up of the most resilient, hard-working group of girls.” Hadlock said. “There was definitely a lot of pressure for us going into another season after winning state for the past two years. There’s an expectation to uphold and a title to maintain. We stayed hungry and humble as we trained, practiced and prepared for our upcoming season. We overcame many trials along the way including an overwhelming amount of injuries but as our theme for this year was ‘Whatever It Takes,’ these girls chose to do whatever it took to reach their goal.”

Hadlock also shouted out her team’s cheering section. “We want to say thank you to all of our friends, family, student body, administration and community for all of the love and support that we have felt all year long and especially during the state competition,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without you!”

Bountiful

The Bountiful High Mandonelles were runners-up at the 5A state championships this year, placing second in Military, Show and Dance.

“We are absolutely proud of what we put on the floor,” said head coach Alba Butler. “We gave everything we had! It was insanely close and couldn’t have been closer! We tied twice and lost both tie breakers unfortunately!”

The 2023-24 Mandonelles included Ady Lillywhite, Ainsley Ribble, Andie Polster, Ava Box, Bella Madsen, Bella Oborn, Camryn Page, Elsa Harper, Gabriela Nielsen, Jasmine Icasiano, Jayci Malmrose, Jessica Nielsen, Kate Derrick, Kennedy Hendricks, Kiley Ingles, Leigha Ozminski, Lily Ray, Madi Christopherson, Marin Reeves, McKinley Gilchrist, McKinley Ridwell, Mia Bright, Mylie Frazier, Penny Pilkington, Presli Rieck, Rainee Allred, Sadie Russon, Sophia St. John and Sophie Hendricks. Butler was assisted by Kali Breckenridge and Andy Truong on the coaching staff.

“There are so many insanely talented teams in the state of Utah, and we are grateful to have tied for first overall and ended our season as the 5A state runner up!” Butler said. “Our perfect season speaks for itself and state results will not diminish that!”

The Bountiful High Mandonelles finished runners-up at the 5A state championship, coming in second in the three categories of Military, Show and Dance. Photo courtesy Alba Butler

Woods Cross

The Woods Cross Chatelles – who were coached by the 5A Coach of the Year Kelsey Gallagher – placed fifth in Show at the 5A state championships. Gallagher has been assisted on her coaching staff this season by Heather Price and Halle Emery.