For the first time since starting coaching back in 2013, coach Keeley Naughton will be stepping back from her position in the dance program. Naughton had left coaching about two years ago to have her daughter. Before that, she had never stepped away. For similar reasons, she will be leaving her position with the dance program.

“I’ve enjoyed coaching over the past nine years, but I am ready to be able to spend more time with my daughter and husband,’’ Naughton said.

Coaching over nine years creates many relationships and close connections.

“Naughton’s coaching has had a big influence on the way I see dances. I’d like to become a coach one day and will definitely be inspired by some of her coaching skills,” said senior Itzel Gonzalez.

Naughton was a teacher before coaching, and she has also had her own experiences as a dancer.

“I have been a dancer since I was two years old. I have loved the sport and enjoy performing. As a teacher, I knew I wanted to be involved in coaching the dance team,” Naughton said.

Naughton is leaving right before the dance team starts their competition season. The winter season is one they spend all year working toward. Having Naughton leave right before a major season causes dancers to readjust not only their schedules but their sense of the environment they have created.

“Naughton is such an important factor to our team because she’s coached teams of different levels for so many years; losing her for the winter season is going to be a big change for all of us,” Gonzalez said.

Not only is competition season the biggest season for the dance team, but it is one that brings the biggest feelings of success. Throughout the season, the team creates goals for themselves, ranging from improving scores or just feeling more confident about what they put on the competition floor. “Improving our overall competition scores made me feel the most successful. I always tell my dancers we are our biggest competition,” Naughton said.

The dance team is now being led by Kimberly Vojack, an old dance team coach, along with Jennifer Morgan, an ex-varsity dance captain.

Naughton is still a part of GNHS as the activities director. She now plans big events like Homecoming and Prom.