All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Wesleyan hires Haylee Shires as competitive dance coach

West Virginia Wesleyan College has hired alumna Haylee Shires, an experienced dancer, choreographer and former volunteer assistant coach with an MBA, to lead the competitive dance team and pursue national recognition.

BUCKHANNON – West Virginia Wesleyan College is pleased to announce the hiring of alumna Haylee Shires as the new head coach of the competitive dance team. Shires, a lifelong dancer and dedicated Bobcat, steps into the role with a dynamic blend of passion, creativity, and championship-level vision.

A dancer since the age of three, Shires brings more than seven years of experience in the dance industry as a studio instructor, choreographer, and assistant coach. Her approach to coaching is rooted in both precision and passion, qualities she has demonstrated throughout her career on and off the stage.

A proud Bobcat, Shires earned her MBA in 2022, all while competing as a collegiate dancer and serving as a volunteer assistant coach under her mentor, Coach Lesa Dencklau. During that time, she played an integral role in helping guide the program to the NDA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, a milestone that solidified her commitment to collegiate dance.

“Haylee embodies the spirit of Bobcat Athletics,” said Rae Emrick, Vice President for Athletics. “Her energy, creativity, and vision for the program honor the legacy of Coach Dencklau while building toward an exciting and nationally competitive future. We are thrilled to welcome her leadership.”

As she takes the helm, Shires is committed to cultivating a team culture grounded in positivity, discipline, and mutual respect. Her vision for the program includes earning national recognition, delivering spirited sideline and halftime performances, and preparing athletes for success both on stage and in life.

“I am honored to step into this role and lead a program that has given so much to me,” said Shires. “Coach Dencklau’s mentorship shaped me as both a dancer and a leader, and I am excited to build on that foundation with a team that works hard, supports one another, and believes that greatness is built one count at a time.”

Whether choreographing for game-day spirit or preparing routines for the national stage, Shires is ready to usher in a bold new chapter for Bobcat Dance.

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