Oviedo’s Varsity Dance Team, Mane Attraction, has spent the 2024 fall season producing routines for every football game. Yet contrary to typical circumstances of a sports team-more than one senior- Mane Attraction was led by one singular senior, Gabriella Laudani.

Laudani, a 4-year member of the team, has been part of the team’s successes throughout her entire high school journey, but keeping and meeting these high expectations came as a challenge with a young team around her.

“People can get in the mindset of ‘there’s always next year’,” Laudani said. “But for me, there is no next year.”

Despite this, Laudani’s ability to keep her teammates engaged and knowledgeable with the complex routines, and her strong focus and dedication rubbed off on her teammates and showed in the team’s synchronization and confidence.

“She’s very caring, she makes sure everyone knows what she’s doing,” junior Mayah Catledge said. “We can always rely on her if we need clarification because her memory is really good.”

An entire dance team’s questions and complaints falling onto one senior’s back is enough to crumble most teams, but Laudani’s leadership and energy gives the Mane Attraction dance team a strong base for successful dances.

“When she speaks, she carries herself so well. The team has an easy time following her,” coach Annie Jennings said. “She is very confident, she’s very calm and collected.”

While being the only senior has its challenges, Laudani was able to find the advantages in her unique position. Laudani was treated to a Senior Night and is seen by her teammates as an inspiration. Her clear advantage in years of dancing gives her a trustworthy voice that teammates can call on.

“More people respect you and look up to you because you’re more experienced,” Laudani said.

Laudani’s teammates not only get a helpful captain but also a reliable friend. She builds a deeper level of trust connecting with her teammates as friends.

“If you ever need to talk to her, she’s always there,” Catledge said. “She’s very funny, I can talk to her about anything and she makes a joke about it and makes it less serious. She just helps the day get better.”

Laudani’s teammates aren’t the only people who are affected by her energy. Around school, Laudani’s spirit lifts her friends up and leaves an effect on others.

“Gabby is always in a cheerful mood and tries to stay positive no matter what,” Senior Deanna Le’Conte said. “That energy rubs off on others, she helps lift you when you’re down.”

While Mane Attraction’s competition season is only now starting up, Laudani’s leadership has built for years., She led the team through her last season, and her team will continue to rely on her for lifted spirits and advice as a teammate and friend.