Ackman, Olawsky earn All-State honors as Tea Area wraps up AA season at State

The 2025 SDHSAA Class AA State Cheer and Dance Competition was held on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Civic Arena in Watertown, where teams from across South Dakota came together to close out the season with high-energy performances and spirited routines.

Harrisburg claimed the state championship title in cheer, while Brandon Valley earned top honors in dance. Tea Area High School was among the schools competing in the Class AA division and delivered strong performances across the board.

In overall cheer, Tea Area placed 11th, and in overall dance, the team also finished 11th. The Titans earned an eighth-place finish in Pom Dance and ninth place in Hip Hop Dance, capping off an impressive second season in the competitive AA division.

Head Competitive Dance Coach Julie Loe expressed her pride in the team’s effort and growth throughout the season.

“I am beyond proud of this team and everything they accomplished at the state AA dance competition this year. Competing in our second season in this talented division, we’ve faced more than our share of challenges — from injuries to setbacks throughout the regular season — but this group never stopped showing up with heart, resilience, and determination. Their hard work truly paid off, as we finished stronger than ever with our highest scores in AA. Their performances were a testament to their growth, teamwork, and love for the sport as they left it all on the floor. It was a remarkable and rewarding way to close out the season!” said Loe.

Tea Area’s Leah Ackman and Olivia Olawsky were named “AA” Dance Athletic All-State Award winners. Additionally, three seniors — Ackman, Aubrey Mehlbrech, and Olawsky — earned Academic All-State recognition for their success both on the floor and in the classroom.