Lake Oswego High School's Hayley DuLong Gets Coach Of The Year Honors

LAKE OSWEGO, OR — It would be hard to argue if someone asserted that Hayley DuLong lives and breathes the school's dance drill program. She's been the head coach for 14 years and is a graduate of the school and an alumna of the team.

Now she has an another deep connection: She was honored by the Dance Drill Coaches Association of Oregon as the Level 6A Coach of the Year.

"Throughout our time as Lakers Dancers, she has taught us more than just dance," a senior who did not want her name used said in a statement provided by the Oregon School Activities Associaton. "She has shown us all how to be strong, independent women in every aspect of our lives."

The senior added: "She always pushes us to do our best no matter what. She has taught us it’s about the journey and all the memories and relationships built along the way."

DuLong started working her 28 dancers from the beginning of the year, always stressing the point that they could "do it all" and still have fun, the coaches association said.

They had training camps, qualified for nationals, danced during halftime at every school football and basketball game, marched in the homecoming parade and more.

They even held a dance clinic for 100 kids in the community.