Since 2022, 8CA has recognized an overall Illinois dance team Coach Of The Year based on both nominations and what her program achieved during the season. The avalanche of nominations shows off just how highly dancers around the state regard their coaches, and we’re proud to award regional and divisional Coach Of The Year awards to credit more outstanding coaches for their accomplishments. But each year, the Overall Coach Of The Year has done something pretty extraordinary.
Going into the ’25-’26 season, Raider Dance Team alum Haley Kruis had already put together an impressive string of state-level success as head coach (4 IHSA state appearances in 5 years including breaking through as a Day 2 team, and 5 state qualifications in her 8 seasons at the helm) — and for a program that, when taking the long view, wasn’t exactly a fixture at the highest levels of the sport.
Then came word of the dreaded bump-up from 1A to 2A for the 2025-26 competition season in the IHSA circuit. Any change in division can be jarring (and I’d argue that even the 3A to 2A shift can be intimidating), but the 1A-2A change is perhaps the most feared. Many teams facing this scenario end up confirming their concerns, residing in the middle of a tough division instead of near the top.
The Glenbard South Raider Dance Team, though, not only held their own but even thrived in the world of 2A IHSA dance. Weekend after weekend, Coach Kruis’s dancers logged scores that held pace with the 2A teams that perennially book a block of rooms at Bloomington hotels every January. And going on the “eye test,” they looked to be on the same level as their top-tier opponents, delivering confident performances without a trace of newcomer status.
Icing on the cake: facing a tough sectional and getting a state spot, and then dancing on Day 2. In those 3 high-stakes runs, Coach Kruis and RDT put up a 90.22 (4th), 90.82 (6th) , and wrapped with a 89.64 (6th).
Assistant Coach Kaitlyn Crim shared her thoughts on the nomination form:
Haley is exceptionally deserving of Coach of the Year for her leadership during this season in the 2A division. Competing at this level brought new challenges, expectations, and pressures, yet Haley guided her team with confidence, positivity, and purpose. She consistently put her athletes first, fostering an environment built on trust, accountability, and growth. Through obstacles and adversity, she kept the team focused, motivated, and united, helping them rise to the level of competition both on and off the floor. Her ability to lead with integrity, adapt to challenges, and bring out the best in her athletes truly sets her apart and makes her an outstanding candidate for this honor.
A senior mom enthusiastically summed up Haley’s achievement in a couple lines:
Moved up to 2A this year, making them one of the smallest schools competing at 2A level and made it to day 2 at state, finishing 6th with the highest score in program history!
Stacking together all of the pieces (performances, stats, their weekly AND postseason “look,” nomination comments, and the historical tendencies of teams that move to a new division), 8CA proudly recognizes Coach Haley Kruis as our 2026 Overall Illinois Coach Of The Year.
8 Questions for our 2026 Overall Coach Of The Year, Haley Kruis of Glenbard South:
1: What was your top concern as soon as you found out that your program was moved to 2A?
Our biggest concern was that, as a smaller team from a smaller school, we might get overlooked or go unnoticed at the 2A level. We knew the competition would be incredibly strong and talented, so from the start, we emphasized that our routines had to stand out. It wasn’t just about being clean, it was about being memorable, intentional, and performing in a way that demanded attention.
2: Was the team’s strategy to stick to who you are and try to perform at a higher level, or did you feel you also had to make strategic changes (like in choreography, roster decisions, and practice regimen)?
It was both sticking to who we are, but raising the bar at the same time. At our core, we stayed true to our standards, our culture, and what we value as a program. At the same time, we made intentional adjustments, we chose a style that was a bit different for us, but one we knew our athletes could execute with confidence and time. We also raised the skill expectations at the varsity level to match the competitiveness of 2A.
3: In terms of performing at a high level throughout the winter, was there a single, big difference-maker, or was it a combination of a lot of little things?
It was definitely a combination of a lot of little things! The seniors set the tone early on and continued every day. Our athletes bought into accountability, they weren’t afraid to give each other honest feedback, and humbly accepted and applied corrections. And mentally, we kept coming back to “why not us?”
4: Was there a point during the winter when you and the team knew you were able to run competitively with the top 2A teams?
While we were excited to place 1st and 2nd at Andrew, we knew that one competition didn’t define our season, especially with how strong the 2A field is. Heading into Deerfield, we understood we still had a lot to prove. As the season progressed, there was a clear turning point where you could see the consistency, confidence, and composure the team showed under pressure. Our home competition, when we scored a program high of 90.08, is when it really started to feel real. That’s when we realized we truly had a chance to be successful at sectionals and beyond.
5: What’s it like being an alum of the program and coaching it at such a high level of success?
It truly means everything to me. This program helped shape who I am, not just as a dancer but as a person, so to come back and lead it at this level is something I never could have fully imagined for myself. There are moments where I take a step back and realize how special it is to be in this position, and it’s honestly a little surreal.
There’s a deep sense of pride, along with a strong understanding of the responsibility that comes with this role. I care so much about preserving the traditions that make our program special, while also continuing to grow it. More than anything, I want my athletes to have that same sense of belonging, confidence, and pride that I experienced, while also helping them achieve things they once dreamed about.
6: If you could go back in time to last summer or fall, what advice would you give to you and your team about dancing and succeeding in 2A?
Overall, I would go into it with the same approach we did, but I would remind us to not overthink or doubt ourselves as much. At the beginning of the season there were a lot of doubts and uncertainties as we adjusted to the new division. Looking back, I’d emphasize trusting the process, trusting each other, and staying confident in what we bring to the floor. Once we moved past that doubt and truly gained confidence, everything started falling into place.
7: Any advice for other teams that get moved to a different division / class?
Don’t let the fear of being in a new division define your season, let it fuel you! Use it as motivation to raise your level. Focus on what you can control: your preparation, your culture, and your effort. When those things are solid, you give yourself every opportunity to succeed.
8: Any specific shout-outs?
Our seniors deserve a tremendous amount of credit. This season would not have been the same without their strength, leadership, and belief from day one. They set the tone in every practice and every performance, and their consistency carried us through both the highs and moments of uncertainty. They truly built the foundation for everything we were able to accomplish.
Our assistant coaches, Kaitlyn Crim and Riley Carrillo (my sister 🙂), were incredibly helpful in keeping our team prepared, focused, and supported in every way – while also keeping me sane. I can’t even begin to thank them enough for all that they did and continue to do!
We’re so proud of what this group accomplished, and at the same time, incredibly excited for the future (shout out to the trio!!) . The standard has been raised, and we’re motivated to keep building, keep growing, and continuing to push our program to an even higher level.
Previous 8CA Overall Coaches Of The Year:
2022: Megan Post / Morris
2023: Vicki Shifley / Grant
2024: Dawn Palmer / Argo
2025: Caroline Toledo / J Sterling Morton