Ponderosa Dance Team
Home of the 12x Colorado Pom/Jazz State Champion Dance Team
If you have any questions, please email us at PonderosaDanceTeam@gmail.com
2026-27 Coaching Staff
MORGAN BENHAM
Varsity & Program Head Coach
Morgan started dancing at the age of three in Omaha, Nebraska, at Kitty Lee Dance Studio. She was a 4x varsity dancer and senior captain at Millard North High School, where her leadership helped the team win multiple state titles and achieve top national rankings. Continuing her dance journey in college, Morgan was a captain of the University of Iowa Dance Team, performing at major athletic events, competing at UDA Nationals, and graduating with a degree in Sports Management.
TARYN NOWICKI
Varsity Assistant Coach
Taryn is a proud alumna of Ponderosa Poms (2018–2022), where she was a four-year varsity member and served as captain during her junior and senior years. During her time with the program, the team won a state championship. She continued her dance career at Colorado State University as a four-year member of the CSU Golden Poms, performing at major athletic events, including football and basketball games, with highlights including the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl and Mountain West Basketball Tournaments. Taryn also served as the varsity assistant coach for the Loveland High School dance team during its inaugural season. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration, with concentrations in Marketing and Real Estate, and is excited to be back with the Ponderosa Poms family.
ASHLEIGH PIEL
Junior Varsity Head Coach
Ashleigh started dancing at the age of 2 and trained primarily at Colorado School of Dance. She was on the Ponderosa Dance Team from 2018-2021, spending 2 years on Varsity. While on the team, she contributed to a JV state title, a Varsity state title, 2 state finals, and 4 UDA nationals finals. She recently graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor’s in kinesiology. She is very excited to continue on the Ponderosa legacy as a part of the PHS coaching staff!
MORGAN BURY
Junior Varsity Assistant Coach
Morgan has been dancing for 17 years and trained at Miller’s Dance Studio and Colorado School of Dance. She was a member and captain of the Legend High School Dance Team for two years, helping lead the team to top placements at nationals and regional championship titles. After high school, Morgan continued dancing professionally at Brigham Young University–Idaho for two years while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Spanish. She is passionate about mentoring young dancers and creating a positive, encouraging team environment. Morgan is excited to join the coaching staff at Ponderosa High School and looks forward to sharing her love of dance with the team and school community.
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2025-26 Sponsors
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