By Katie Gomez OMAHA, Neb. – The University of Nebraska at Omaha Dance Team gave fans a first look at its new routines before heading to Orlando for the 2025 UDA College Nationals, one of the nation’s top collegiate dance competitions.
Balancing performances at athletic events and university functions throughout the year, the UNO Dance Team is now channeling months of hard work into three high-energy routines designed to highlight both its athleticism and school spirit.
“This year, one of our dances really focuses on being from Omaha and being a Maverick,” said Head Coach Mo Klug, who’s leading the team into her 11th season. “We’ve never done that before outside of Game Day, and we’re really excited to showcase that.”
Klug, who has guided the Mavericks to two Division I UDA Game Day National Championships in 2021 and 2022, said the team’s success stems from more than talent. “The biggest strength of our dancers is time management,” she said. “They’re students, athletes and often employees, and they have to show up at practice ready to give 100%.”
Team captain Claire Linnell said the dancers’ weekly schedule is packed with early-morning workouts, practices three days a week and additional responsibilities tied to sports schedules and fundraising. “From August until Nationals, we’re working nonstop on routines that are physically, emotionally and mentally demanding,” Linnell said. “The goal is to make it look effortless — but it’s definitely not.”
For Linnell and her teammates, the upcoming UDA Nationals are more than a competition; they’re a chance to represent UNO on a national stage. “We love performing at games, but that’s only about 15% of what we do,” she said. “Nationals is where we get to show what being a Maverick really means.”
Klug said this year’s routines blend artistry and athleticism while highlighting the team’s unity. “From an athletic standpoint, it’s really impressive,” she said. “But I also want this team to shine as a family.”
The UNO Dance Team will unveil its 2025 Nationals routines during a campus showcase Sunday, Nov. 2, ahead of the competition at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in January.
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