Sandpoint trio signs with University of Idaho Gem Dance Team

SANDPOINT – Mikah Little, Haleigh Knowles and Madison Coon officially signed their commitments to join the University of Idaho Vandals Gem Dance Team this fall.

The three have accumulated a multitude of accolades over the last four years and helped Sandpoint win multiple district grand championships as well as qualify for the state tournament.

Mikah Little – Little has been dancing for 10 years, six of those competitively, and has attended national championships all over the West Coast. Mikah’s favorite thing about being a part of the Sandpoint High School Dance Team is the way they are able to maintain a healthy balance between life and dance.

“Dance has shaped my life by teaching me that you can portray yourself and see how other people feel through more than just words,” she said. “Whenever there's a situation or a person I feel passionate about, I always find a way to connect a song to the certain situation [or] person.”

Haleigh Knowles – Knowles has been dancing for 12 years. Her favorite part of the SHS Dance Team was winning the district grand championships all four years; something she said she will never forget.

“Dance has shaped my life by being my escape from reality in times of trial,” she said. “Dance has changed who I am as a person and has allowed me to express myself in ways words alone cannot express.”

Madison Coon – Coon has been dancing for 14 years, since the age of 4 years old; she has danced for Studio 1 in Sandpoint while also competing on the Sandpoint Dance team. Her favorite part of the team is her teammates. She said she wouldn't want to wake up early and spend so much time with any other group of girls and that the team is like another family to her.

“Dance has shaped my life by giving me a place to be,” she said. “It has kept me busy and out of trouble. I have made friends who will be there my whole life without a doubt. I love the family I have received while on this team and the atmosphere we created for each other.”

Head coach Amber Laiche said it has been an honor to coach these three incredible dancers.

“They have done all the preparation in order to achieve in the next chapter of their dance journeys,” Laiche said. “To know them is to love them. Being their coach has been my greatest joy. I love you three, my Vandal Gems!”

All three girls said they are excited for the new memories, experiences and to reach their full potentials at the University of Idaho.