It all started with a love of dancing. Seniors Diana Balsamo and Julia Troise were inspired to bring a kickline team to Bay Shore High School. Determined to turn their vision into reality, they organized a petition that gained strong support from their peers and urged school administrators to create a new team and were ultimately able to bring the first ever kickline team to the high school.
“I actually created the kickline team with Juilia Troise,” said Balsamo. “We got a petition signed, wrote letters to the board of education and Mr. Gordon. Once the team was approved the athletic director was able to find a coach.”
Creation of the kickline team
Once the proposal was approved, athletic director Theodore Nagengast took the next steps to find a coach. Since kickline teams were already established at neighboring schools attended by their friends, coach Geena Sullivan was excited to help introduce the program at Bay Shore as head coach, alongside assistant coach Alyssa Bertolino.
Over summer, the first clinic was held. However, only a few people showed up. Once school was back in session for this 2025-26 school year, an announcement was made to inform the entire school that about an informational meeting on the second day of school for any interested students. Attendance was much higher for the informational meeting than the first clinic.
Since the team was brand new, Coach Bertolino decided it seemed best for girls who are interested in the team to not have to try out. The only requirements were to attend practices, games and events, all while having a positive attitude, and trying their best.
Coaching Staff and Captains
Captain selection was no easy task, as many outstanding qualities were carefully considered throughout the process. Both coaches evaluated strong communication skills, responsibility, and persistence when making their decision. After thoughtful consideration, junior Ava Graham, and seniors Diana Balsamo and Julia Troise were proudly selected as captains for the 2025-2026 school year. Their shared experience as competitive dancers at Kovacs Studio of Dance outside of school has strengthened their teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills, which have been evident throughout their seasons as captains.
Graham was introduced to the kickline team through her friend. By being consistent and volunteering to help when needed, she was selected as one of the captains.
“It helps me become a better team player, improving communication, and becoming a better leader for my team,” Graham said.
Balsamo’s interest in creating a kickline team sparked after learning about other neighboring schools having a kickline team through conversations among other dancers at the dance studio.
“The bonds made with my teammates, learning new things. Sisterhood is a big thing on the team, we love each other, love to perform with each other and make history for Bay Shore,” Balsamo said.
Troise finds being a part of the creation of the kickline team a very memorable experience that is special to the school. Being a part of the team has given Troise the ability to become more determined, patient, and a better leader.
“The most important thing I’m taking away from this team is all of the friendships I’ve made,” said Troise. “We have worked so hard together, especially since it’s everyone’s first time on a kickline team so we have been through ups and downs but we always do it together.”
Behind the Scenes of Performances
The team practices two to three times a week from 2:30 to 5:00 PM, a schedule similar to many other sports teams. Each practice typically begins with a warm-up focused on starting kicks, performed in a series of patterned repetitions using different counts. From there, head coach Sullivan introduces new choreography, which the girls rehearse repeatedly to become familiar with the movements.
Throughout practice, both the athletes and coaches evaluate the routine, deciding which elements to keep and which to adjust or discard. As the choreography develops, the team shifts its focus to perfecting synchronization, a process that often takes the most time. With consistent repetition, the movements eventually become second nature, allowing the team to perform with confidence and precision.
The team has completed two successful seasons highlighted by performances at both basketball and football games. Their first performance occurred at the varsity football home opener at the start of the school year. As a team, the performance component was an enriching experience. One of their most widely viewed performances took place at the pep rally, where they performed for the entire student body. Additionally, they performed at homecoming showcasing their routines in front of members of the community, friends, and family.
“Performing at football and basketball games is my favorite part. Football season was really fun. We loved having an audience to see us cheer on the side lines and on the field,” Balsamo said.
The Signature Look
The kickline team needed uniforms that reflected who they were. In the past, the team performed in simple black leggings and a T-shirt. It took a lot of fundraising as a team to accumulate money to be able to have the uniforms. The maroon-and-white, blinged-out uniforms were designed with longevity and comfort in mind, while also ensuring that every member felt confident and proud wearing them. The team also considered practicality, as the uniforms would be worn during both the fall and winter seasons.
“Wearing the uniform when performing makes me feel as if I am a part of something super special,” Troise said.
Relationships created beyond the Kicks
Sisterhood on the kickline team is built through trust and countless hours of practicing side by side. The bond grows stronger through shared challenges, from tough rehearsals to pre-performance nerves, and through the pride felt when everyone moves as one. On the kickline, sisterhood means lifting each other up, holding one another accountable, and knowing that no matter what happens on the field or stage, the team stands together as one.
