ROCK SPRINGS — Rock Springs High School senior Addison Gonzales has signed to continue her dance career at Iowa Central Community College, where she plans to study criminal justice while pursuing her passion for dance.

A member of the Tiger Rhythm Dance Team at Rock Springs High School, Gonzales has been dancing for 14 years. What began as an activity her mother encouraged her to try eventually grew into an important part of her life, providing lasting friendships, role models, and a place to turn during difficult times.

When asked what drew her to Iowa Central, Gonzales said the coaching staff and the connections she felt with them played a major role in her decision.

“The coaches are really amazing, and I just felt a really good bond with them,” Gonzales said.

She also felt the coaches were confident in her abilities, helping make Iowa Central a place where she could envision continuing her dance career.

Dance has provided Gonzales with more than an opportunity to perform. Over the years, it has become a source of support and a community she can rely on, particularly when facing challenges.

“It’s been somewhere I can go when I have a bad day or something,” Gonzales said.

She credited the coaches at Rock Springs with being people she could count on and turn to when she was having a tough time. As she prepares to move to the collegiate level, she hopes to find that same kind of support in her next chapter.

“The coaches at the collegiate level, I feel, are also going to be the people I can go to every day if I need to,” Gonzales said.

The relationships built through dance have been among the most meaningful parts of her experience, creating connections that extend beyond the sport itself.

“You just make such a great bond with dance,” Gonzales said.

Rock Springs dance coach Amber Serna has been a particularly important influence throughout Gonzales’ life. Gonzales said Serna has been a consistent role model, someone she has been able to look up to throughout her years in dance.

“She’s been with me for all of my life, and I wouldn’t have had someone to look up to like her if I had never done dance,” Gonzales said.

As she looks ahead to the next stage of her career, Gonzales said one of the most important lessons she hopes to carry with her is independence. She emphasized the importance of believing in what she can accomplish and understanding that she does not need someone else to be there for her to succeed.

Her years with the Tiger Rhythm Dance Team have also provided plenty of memorable moments, including the jokes and playful interactions she has shared with her coaches. One of her favorite running jokes involves asking a coach, “Do you know who George Bush is?” whenever she sees a bush, before pushing the coach into it.

While dance will remain an important part of her college experience, Gonzales also has career goals beyond the dance floor. She plans to study criminal justice and hopes to work with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.

Check out more photos from Gonzales’ signing here.