Owner / Lead Choreographer

T. J. Maple

Louisiana native T.J. Maple graduated from Iowa High School in 1997. As a member of the yearbook staff, Maple oversaw the dance team pages. During this time, his genuine love for the craft and curiosity of its competitive community took hold. After high school graduation, Maple began his career as a choreographer for the Prancers Pee Wee Drill Team in Dayton, Texas. Selecting 12 Prancers, he created the Sensations All-Star Team and took them to the
American Dance/Drill Team Galveston Island competition in 2000. Volunteering as a technique
coach, Maple soon became director for the Dayton High School Dazzlers in 2000. No degree,
no training and no boundaries – he directed the Dazzlers, creating a solid foundation for
progress, for two years.
In 2002, Maple joined the McLennan Community College’s dance team, where he danced until 2004. Maple was MCC’s first Assistant Director from 2004 to 2005. In April 2005, he became the Coach at Stephen F. Austin State University and is currently in his 19th season with the program. Maple’s teams at SFA have won 17 national championships under his
leadership. Maple obtained a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Kinesiology from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2008 and 2021 respectively. Maple joined the Texas Dance Educators’ Association membership in 2001 and was the TDEA All-State Choreographer in 2013. He has served as an adjudicator, master instructor and presenter for numerous companies; was on the ESP productions staff for the college football Citrus Bowl in Orlando; and served as a panelist for The Dance Worlds in 2016, 2017 and 2023. Maple, with the assistance of the SFA dance professors, created the first ever dance team coaching minor at SFA in 2018. He also is an adjunct professor in the University’s School of
Theatre and Dance, teaching the Theory and Practice of Dance Team Coaching and the Choreography for Dance Teams courses.
His company, T.J. Maple, LLC, encompasses all things related to dance teams, including his choreography endeavors, Pom Perfection Workshops, and the Texas College Dance Team Connection, which assists Texas high school seniors with finding their college dance team home.
Maple’s philosophy is simple, “We do not need some dancers, but some dancers need us.” He chooses to focus on what is most important and satisfying to him – “the development of the student athlete/dancer and the family which is created each year within a team.”
His favorite quote is, “If it doesn’t challenge you; it will never change you.”

Choreographer/ Dance Staff

Arrika Harakal

Arikka coaches the Red Oak High School cheer team and advises the Hawkette Drill and Step Teams. With over 15 years of coaching and choreography experience, she has dedicated her career to helping athletes succeed at every level.

As a former Head Instructor for the Universal Dance Association (UDA), she has made a significant impact in the spirit industry. She was featured in summer staff training material videos during her time with the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA). As part of the Core Staff team, she trained over 500 instructors and judged at local, national, and international competitions. Her work with UDA includes choreographing summer camp material for more than 1,000 dancers, collaborating with top college dancers and coaches nationwide, and chaperoning the H.E.B. Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade All-Americans. Additionally, she has judged at prestigious competitions such as Dance Worlds while helping cheerleaders, dancers, and coaches build successful programs across the country.

Arikka also has experience in the semi-professional dance world, having performed with the Dallas Sidekick Sizzle Dance Team for two years while pursuing a B.A. in Dance Performance at Texas Woman’s University. She won a dance scholarship from ProDance to attend the Broadway Dance Center in New York City. When she’s not working with her team, she consults with collegiate teams, including the North Texas Dancers of the UNT Pioneer Pride and the Dance Team of TWU. She frequently travels nationwide to set visual choreography for various dance teams.

Her passion for dance extends beyond the United States; she has traveled to Scotland twice to choreograph pom and jazz routines for ScotCheer, contributing to the growth of the sport internationally. She has also shared her expertise in Puerto Rico by judging competitions.

Now, she wants to work with YOU. Through her partnership with T.J. Maple LLC, Arikka offers expert guidance to help teams with dynamic choreography, purposeful masterclasses, and impactful consultations.

Choreographer/ Dance Staff

Courtney Banfield

Courtney Banfield is currently the assistant dance team coach at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). She graduated from SFA with a bachelor's degree in Management and a Master's in Business Administration. Courtney began dancing at the age of two at the Bonnie Siscoe School of Dance in Friendswood, Texas. At the age of nine, she transitioned to Dance Productions in Pearland, Texas, where she received the majority of her training, participated in the competitive dance company, and later helped teach and assist in classes. 

As a highly competitive dancer, Courtney won multiple titles during her time in the studio. She attended Friendswood High School, where she was a member of the national championship drill team, the Wranglerettes. She served as a dance officer during her junior year as Deputy and in her senior year as Marshal. Additionally, Courtney was a part of the Dance League Convention Company in 2015-2016, traveling across the country to assist faculty in various dance genres.

Courtney continued her dance career at the collegiate level with the SFA Dance Team for five years, where she had the honor of serving as captain for three of those years. She currently holds five national championship titles with Stephen F. Austin: one in the D1 Hip Hop Division and two in the D1 Pom Division as a dancer, as well as two more championships in Pom and Team Performance as a coach. 

Courtney is excited to continue her dance career at SFA as the Assistant Coach while also choreographing for various schools and studios. She looks forward to her fifth season with TCDT Connection and is thrilled to be the pom choreographer for the tour.

Choreographer/ Dance Staff

Emma Howard

Emma is currently the Assistant Coach and Choreographer for the McLennan Dance Team & Showtime International LLC. She is a passionate and accomplished dance professional from Ennis, Texas, with extensive experience as both a performer and a coach. Emma began her dance journey under the mentorship of Stephanie Reese at GO! Dance and Gymnastics Studios and later became a member and Captain of the Ennis High School Lionette Drill Team.

Her collegiate dance career includes notable success at McLennan Community College (MCC) and Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA). While at MCC, she was a vital member of the McLennan Dance Company, which earned a National Championship in Division III Jazz at the 2018 NDA College Nationals. Emma’s leadership as one of three captains during her sophomore year solidified her reputation as a committed and influential leader, even though the season was cut short due to the pandemic.

After transferring to SFA, Emma continued to excel and contributed to the team’s successes in multiple national competitions. As a member of the SFA Dance Team, she helped secure national championships in Division I Pom (2021) and Division I Spirit Rally (2022) at NDA Nationals, as well as two championships at the DTU College Classic in Division I Pom and Hip Hop (2022). In her senior year, Emma served as captain and guided the team through a successful and impactful season.

In addition to her competitive achievements, Emma has expanded her influence in the dance world through coaching and choreography. As the Assistant Coach for the McLennan Dance Team, she applies her extensive experience to develop talented athletes and foster teamwork and excellence. Emma also works as a staff member and choreographer for Showtime International LLC, sharing her expertise with dancers at all levels.

She holds a Master’s degree in Coaching and Sports Administration from Concordia University, which further complements her role as a coach and leader in the dance community.

Choreographer/ Dance Staff

Fran Castro

Fran is from Georgetown, Texas, and he has dedicated nine years to the art of dance. His journey began at East View High School, where he immersed himself in dance classes throughout all four years, showcasing his passion and commitment. During this time, he also proudly joined the Sparklers Dance Team, contributing to their dynamic performances from 2018 to 2020.

After high school, Fran continued to hone his skills at McLennan Community College, where he was an enthusiastic member of the dance team for two years, from 2020 to 2022. His hard work and dedication paid off as he earned three prestigious national championship titles while competing in the National Dance Alliance (NDA) and Dance Team Union (DTU) competitions.

Currently, Fran is pursuing his dream at Stephen F. Austin State University, majoring in Dance Education. He is now in his second year on the SFA Dance Team, where he holds the esteemed position of captain. Under his leadership, the team has thrived, helping him secure two additional national titles in the Pom and Team Performance Division, further solidifying his place in the competitive dance landscape.

TCDTC Dance Staff

Holly Fowler

Holly grew up in Plano, Texas where she began dancing at the age of two. She danced competitively in various styles at Next Step Dance. Holly was an Adrenaline/Revive Dance Convention ACE assistant from 2016-2017 where she traveled across the country assisting the faculty. She attended Perry Mansfield in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and several summers at Justin Giles’ Soul Escape. After high school, Holly went to Texas Tech University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She was a 4-year member of the Texas Tech Pom Squad, as well as a 3X All-American and 5X NDA National Champion (Two titles in the D1A Jazz division and three titles in the D1A Pom division). On the team, she went to Pro Action Dance, filmed for CLI Studios, and cheered for multiple home and away games. From 2021-22, Holly was the Assistant Coach for the Texas Tech Pom Squad and helped coach them as the U.S. National Jazz Team. They won the Gold Medal at the 2022 International Cheer Union. In addition, she was a teacher and choreographer for Revolution Elite Dance in Lubbock, Texas. Holly will be on staff for her fifth season with the Texas College Dance Team Connection Summer Tour. She also owns a business called Skills Dance with her sister, where they specialize in college dance team prep, masterclasses, and choreography. Holly will be going into her third season as the Head Coach for SMU Pom in Dallas, Texas.

Graphics/Media Staff

Jordan Segelken

Jordan Segelken is from League City, TX, where she spent her childhood pursuing her passion for dance and getting involved in student publications. She served as Colonel for the Clear Springs Silverados, dedicating four years to the team. Currently, she is in her third year at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she is a member of the SFA Dance Team and has proudly earned a national championship in Division 1 Team Performance. In addition to her dance pursuits, she works for SFA Athletics as a photographer, graphic designer, and social media assistant while also managing her own photography business. Jordan is excited to combine her love for dance and content creation as a second-year member of the TCDTC staff!

Choreographer/ Dance Staff

Kamerin Steward

Kamerin is a current member of the Stephen F. Austin State University Dance Team. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Dance Performance, with a minor in Dance Team Coaching. Born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, Kamerin moved to Texas during his freshman year of high school. He began dancing in eighth grade before relocating to Texas. By the time he entered his freshman year of high school, he had decided that he wanted to pursue a career in dance, where he would receive most of his training.

Kamerin attended Thurgood Marshall High School in Missouri City, Texas, located south of Houston. He made the varsity dance team in his sophomore year, became an officer in his junior year, and served as captain during his senior year.

After graduating from high school, Kamerin decided to join the Army Reserves and took a year off from dancing to build discipline and character. Once he completed his training, he was eager to continue dancing at the collegiate level, so he auditioned and made the SFA Dance Team for the 2021-2022 season.

Kamerin has achieved impressive success in competitive dance, winning a total of six National Championship titles. During his freshman year (2021-2022), he won first place in D1 Spirit Rally at NDA and in both Pom and Hip Hop at DTU. In his sophomore year (2022-2023), he secured a victory in D1 Pom at NDA, while in his junior year (2023-2024), he won titles in D1 Pom and Team Performance at NDA.

Looking ahead, Kamerin plans to become a cruise line dancer and aspires to compete on the reality TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race. He is enthusiastic about working with others who share his passion for dance!

Choreographer/ Dance Staff

Katie McAninch

Katie began dancing at her local studio at the age of four in Modesto, CA. She soon became involved in other competitive activities, including gymnastics, cheerleading, tumbling/trampoline, and sports acrobatics. In 2009, she moved to Houston, TX, where she continued dancing in the studio and joined her high school drill team. After graduating high school, Katie worked for Crowd Pleasers Dance Company, traveling across Texas to choreograph and teach.

Katie pursued her education at Blinn Junior College in Brenham, TX, where she was a member of the Blinn Treasures dance team. In 2014, she captained the team to win a National Dance Alliance (NDA) collegiate title. After Blinn, Katie transferred to Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX, where she continued competing in dance on the SFA dance teams. She won three additional NDA collegiate titles during her time at SFA, serving as captain in her second year. Throughout her three years at SFA, Katie was deeply involved in the dance program, studying Dance Pedagogy along with Theories and Principles of Dance. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dance with a minor in Communication Studies in 2017.

In 2020, Katie received her MFA from Texas Woman’s University, where she researched and explored ways to enhance artistry in competitive dance team choreography. She then taught Dance and Physical Education at Independence High School and served as the Assistant Director of the Royals Drill Team for the 2020-2021 school year.

Katie later moved back to Houston and started the inaugural Spirit Program at the University of St. Thomas, where she was the Head Cheer and Dance Coach from 2021 to 2022. She currently works at the collegiate level as the Head Dance Coach at Rice University while also serving as the Head Director at Cypress Ridge High School, where she leads the Dazzlers Dance Team and teaches Dance I-IV.

Brand Manager/ Dance Staff

Kristen Jones Hankins "KJ"

Kristen Hankins retired after seven seasons as the Director of Spirit and Traditions at Baylor University. During her tenure, she served as the head coach of the Songleaders dance team and the Bruiser and Marigold Mascot Security teams. She was also the founding creator of Marigold the mascot in 2017. Under her leadership, the dance and mascot teams won a combined total of seven collegiate national championships at the Dance Team Union's College Classic.

From 2014 to 2017, Kristen was the Athletic Director at Heights Preparatory in Dallas, Texas. In addition to her directorial duties, she started the dance program and established the competitive cheer and dance teams. The athletics program achieved its three most successful seasons during her tenure, winning three state championships.

Kristen was the founding coordinator of the competitive Spirit Teams at Wayland Baptist University, where she also coached the competitive cheer and dance programs. Both squads experienced significant success at the 2013 NCA/NDA Collegiate Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, and the CCA Collegiate Championship in Salem, North Carolina. Both teams were nationally ranked from their inaugural year to 2014.

A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, Kristen was a member of and later served as an assistant coach for the nationally-ranked SFA Pom Squad from 2000 to 2007. In 2009-2010, she was the assistant director of the national champion McLennan Community College Dance Company and was nominated for a NISOD Excellence Award while at MCC.

As a member of the American Dance and Drill Team staff for the past 21 years, Kristen has taught clinics, camps, and judged cheer and dance team tryouts and contests across the nation. She also developed gymnastics and competitive dance programs for the Boys & Girls Club of Deep East Texas for two years.

In 2016, Coach Hankins received a Master of Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University and earned a bachelor's degree in communication advertising with a minor in Kinesiology from SFA in 2005. She is thrilled to join T.J. Maple, LLC in a new role and to continue building on the success of this company alongside her long-time friend and mentor.

TCDTC Dance Staff Assistant 

Daphne Cantu

Daphne is from Edinburg, Texas, and graduated from Edinburg North High School, where she served as a major on the dance team for four years. Following high school, she attended Blinn College, where she was the captain of the dance team in her sophomore year and won her first NDA championship in Pom.

After Blinn, Daphne joined the Stephen F. Austin State Dance Team, earning additional NDA championships in Pom and Team Performance. She is graduating with a major in Public Health and a minor in Dance Team Coaching. During her time in college, she choreographed for various schools and Showtime summer camps. Additionally, she has been a second-year member of the TCDTC staff and a four-year member of the Showtime staff.

TCDTC Dance Staff Assistant

Ruby Perry

Ruby is from Plano, Texas, where she graduated from Plano West Senior High School. During her time in high school and middle school, she trained as a company member at Next Step Dance and Performing Arts Studio, focusing on tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet, and contemporary dance. After high school, Ruby attended the University of Texas at Arlington for one year before transferring to the University of Texas at Dallas, which is closer to home, where she is currently finishing her studies.

At UTD, Ruby served as the captain of the UTD Power Dancers for two years, leading the team to win multiple titles, including the D3 Team Dance National Championship in 2023 and the D3 Spirit Rally National Championships in 2024 and 2025. 

Currently, Ruby is pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Political Science. Additionally, she spends her fall and summer months as a staff member for the National Dance Alliance (NDA). This will be Ruby’s fourth season with TCDTC, and she is excited to witness the incredible talent that the dancers bring every summer!

TCDTC Dance Staff Assistant

Skylar Cox

Skylar is from Deer Park, Texas. She attended Blinn College and she is currently on the Stephen F. Austin State University dance team. This is her 2nd year as a dance assistant for TCDTC.