Coaching Staff

Dance Team Coach

Coach Gaines is in her 12th season coaching the University of Minnesota Dance Team - and her 16th total season with the program. She has also been connected with the program as a Choreographer, and previously as an athlete. Coach Gaines has been an integral member of the Golden Gophers winning 18 different National Championships from 2006-2025.

Assistant Dance Team Coach

Coach Tumbleson is in her third season on the staff as the Assistant Dance Team Coach. ‘Coach T’ has also spent time coaching at Edina High School. Prior to her coaching role, she was a standout athlete on the University of Minnesota Dance Team.

Assistant Dance Team Coach

Coach Busyn joined the University of Minnesota Dance Team coaching staff for the 2024-25 season. She enters the role after finishing her four-year career on the team and claiming three National Championships (2023 Jazz, 2023 Pom, 2024 Pom). Coach Busyn is a Minnesota native, and also assists coaching at Edina High School.