DDCA 2026 Awards Banquet

On April 4, 2026, the DDCA Board hosted its annual awards banquet to honor DDCA members who have excelled as associates, coaches, and/or judges within the organization. Now in its third year, the DDCA Awards Banquet was introduced in 2024 to provide nominees and recipients of various DDCA awards with a dedicated event for family and friends, celebrating the exceptional individuals who contribute to the success of dance teams in Oregon.

Held at the Antonia Ballroom in Canby, Oregon, the intimate space was an appropriate setting for the event. Light hors d'oeuvres were served, and many of the attendees mingled and exchanged pleasantries with each other as the event began.

Attendees found their seats, and the event commenced with acknowledgments for this season's various successes, including shout-outs to team accomplishments at the DDCA Championship and State Championships, as well as other noteworthy achievements.

Each year, the DDCA honors members' years of service in the form of a pin. All first year coaches get a pin for making it through their first season, then the years of service pin falls in increments of 5 years. When a coach or DDCA member makes it to 60 years, as Annie Ellett did, they get the biggest pin and the biggest applause. Congratulations to Annie, recognized as the second longest tenured coach in the United States (includes all sports and activities).

Nominees and winners for the "Coach of the Year" awards were announced. These awards cover Junior Coaches of the Year (Assistant and Head Coach), Assistant Coaches of the Year (1A-4A, 5A, and 6A), and Head Coach of the Year (1A-4A, 5A, and 6A). This year, all nominees were acknowledged for their significant coaching achievements. Hearing about the nominees in this manner highlighted that, although only one winner is chosen each year, there are numerous exceptional coaches in this organization who all merit recognition.

Nominees and Winners of the Coach of the Year Awards

winners in italics

Junior Assistant Coach of the Year Nominees and Winner:

• Miguel Macias (Albany Gems)

• Arella Rodriguez-Lentz (Crossier Middle School)

Junior Head Coach of the Year Nominees and Winner:

• Madison Middleton (Selwood Middle School)

• Ashley Bonn (Albany Gems)

Assistant Coach of the Year (1A-4A)

• Maia Mahoney (Astoria)

• Afina Arstill (Scappoose)

Head Coach of the Year (1A-4A)

• Michelle Cottrell (Newport)

• Ally Britton (Scappoose)

Assistant Coach of the Year (5A)

• Wes Wachob (Parkrose)

• Sherry Whiteley-Ross (Wilsonville)

• Marlena Nunley (Parkrose)

Head Coach of the Year (5A)

• Jennifer Chaffee (Canby)

• Cassie Markstaller (Wilsonville)

Assistant Coach of the Year (6A)

• Lauren Yamaguchi (Lake Oswego)

• Roshny Martuscelli (Sheldon)

• Alyssa Paulson (Reynolds)

Head Coach of the Year (6A)

• Makenna Vickroy (Clackamas)

• Ally Carney (Tualatin)

The remarkable coaches mentioned above deserve all the applause and recognition, but it's important to also acknowledge that many of our DDCA coaches are exceptional and committed mentors. Nobody outside of the dance team coaching circle really knows the personal sacrifice it takes to dedicate so much time to an activity year after year, with the unique professionalism, patience, and skill it requires. Coaches support our dance team athletes throughout the year, offering a home away from home filled with countless memories and life lessons.

This year, the DDCA recognized Amanda Wilcox (Putnam) for the DDCA Service Award. The Service Award is awarded to members who have served for the betterment of the organization by volunteering time and talents to our programs. These individuals have made a significant contribution to improving and implementing the goals established by the DDCA. This year, the DDCA Board awarded Amanda for her continued participation in all areas of DDCA and OSAA, as she has been part of our community and assumed various roles within it for many years.

Amanda was also inducted into the Lifetime Achievement Award family, as her dedication to the dance team activity started in her high school years as a participant, and has continued for over 25 years.

The Lifetime Achievement honor is awarded each year by a committee of current Lifetime Achievement inductees. This special award is given to members or former members of the DDCA with at least fifteen years of DDCA service. A preference for those who have served on the DDCA Board of Directors, the recipient has shown considerable involvement and contribution to DDCA. Recipients should display strong rapport, positive interactions, and have respect for all dancers, judging staff, other coaches, and the dance team community.

This year, alongside Amanda, Michele Napier (Judge) and Pamela Didier (Scappoose) are being inducted as Lifetime Achievement honorees. Michele has experience as a coach and has significantly contributed to the DDCA, particularly through her involvement as a judge in various leadership roles. Pamela has held numerous positions within dance teams but is most recognized and respected as a coach and mentor for numerous dance programs in the Scappoose area.

It was a remarkable year for Scappoose, as three of their coaches have been honored and they achieved their first-ever State Championship this year for their Traditional (1A-4A) routine. So many achievements to celebrate.

Family members or colleagues spoke about Lifetime Achievement inductees with love and admiration, while DDCA Board members shared the role of master of ceremonies between a few board members for the many other recognitions and awards. The variety of voices speaking about all of the nominees and award winners made the event feel special, and reflective of the DDCA community we are.

Although still new to our DDCA calendar, the DDCA Awards Banquet continues to take shape and is becoming a nice space for coaches to come together for a brief moment of celebration and reflection, and is a reminder of how much we need truly these programs in our communities, and how much we need each other to help them thrive.