Unity. Hard work. High expectations.

That’s the mindset driving Hillcrest High School’s HD drill team this season. With 27 dancers, a strong core of returners and a theme of “Stand as 1,” the Huskies are ready for a year of talent, focus and team support.

"We’ve got a strong returning group, and they’ve been working so hard," said head coach Chelsea Divine. “They’re amazing dancers with a lot of energy and commitment.”

After winning back-to-back state championships, Hillcrest is aiming high once again, with goals of another strong state showing and a return to nationals in Florida this spring. 

“Winning back-to-back was incredible, but each year, the competition gets better. We’re constantly trying to better our best,” Divine said. “We’re proud of our team skills with every dancer hitting right and left aerials and showcasing teamwide technical tricks like back tucks and splits.”

This year’s team includes 17 returners and 10 rookies — seven of them freshmen. Practices began in April, with dancers logging 12 to 15 hours weekly.

In the summer, the team attended a three-day camp in St. George, where they bonded and unveiled this year’s show routine: a fun, hip-hop number themed around Cruella de Vil, the Disney villain in “101 Dalmatians.” It was choreographed by Divine’s brother, Carter Williams, a professional dancer.

“The costume is amazing, and the girls are going to wear wigs to capture that Cruella look and feel,” Divine said. “Show is about making the show fun and entertaining, but we’ll also be pushing ourselves technically and creatively.”

Their military routine will feature a brand-new costume — sparkling with school colors and rhinestones — and a mix of classic tricks and new choreography. The dance routine will use “Stand by Me,” aligning with the team’s unity theme. Hip hop and pom routines are also being polished, both which Divine described as “phenomenal.”

But for Divine, the year is about more than performances — it’s about values.

“To us, it means standing as one team, one family, having one goal,” she said. “None of us can do it alone. We have to stand together to accomplish what we’re setting out to do.”

The team is also active in the community. They recently performed at the Capitol Theatre’s “Dance for Life” suicide awareness concert — a cause they’ve supported for years. On Oct. 11, they were scheduled to perform at a Utah Royals soccer game, where they were also to be recognized for their championship achievements.

This winter, the team will organize a warm clothing drive and continue their annual mini drill clinic, where around 80 young dancers, ages 3 to 14, learn from the team.

Strong community support has helped sustain the program. This year, thanks to a record number of sponsors, the team was able to fundraise enough to cover over half of their expenses. 

“My goal is to never let finances stand in the way of a girl being part of this team,” Divine said. “I’m grateful for everyone who helps make our program possible. The community’s support has meant everything.”

Now in her 15th year, Divine was recently named UHSAA Coach of the Year and the National Federation of State High School Associations Utah Spirit Coach of the Year. 

“I love coaching as much as when I started,” she said.

The team’s competition season begins Dec. 13 in Cedar City, followed by two invitationals in January, regionals on Jan. 17, 2026 at Cyprus High, and state competitions on Jan. 27 and 31, 2026. Nationals are scheduled for April in Florida.

Although no boys joined the team this year, a recent UHSAA policy change now allows them to compete — a shift Divine supports.

“Boys have been able to do dance company, and cheer was sanctioned recently to include boys, but competitive dance wasn’t an option,” she said. “With how popular dance has become on TV and in the collegiate world, it’s great it has opened up more opportunities.”

That inclusive attitude is embedded in the program’s culture. 

“Every piece of our puzzle matters,” Divine said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a girl or a boy — what matters is being part of the team. We stand as one.”