The story begins with a Lake Forest High School graduate walking the stage in June of 2015, a Scout who returned ten years later, to continue to fuel her love for the sport she grew up with. 

This year’s recognized Coach of The Year is Varsity Dance Coach, Meg Winebrenner.

Winebrenner graduated with an undergraduate degree from DePauw University in 2019, after learning late in her academic career that she wanted to become a teacher. Following her graduation, Winebrenner proceeded to graduate school to receive a masters degree in Education. 

After receiving her first teaching position at Glenbard South High School as a student teacher, Winebrenner quickly learned how highly valued involvement is in a high school environment, and took the position of an assistant dance coach for three years.

During her time as assistant dance coach at Glenbard South, Winebrenner would continuously run into the LFDT coaches at competitions, who ultimately influenced her to pursue a role at Lake Forest High School.

“As the oldest of 5 kids and 15 cousins in our extended family, Meg has always played the role of caretaker. She was a natural leader, and in many ways, a coach,” said Winebrenner’s mother, Anne Winebrenner. “At LFHS, her teachers and coaches were always very important to her, so I am not at all surprised that she decided to be one herself.”

Last summer, Winebrenner was announced as Head Coach of the LFHS Dance Team for the 2025-2026 season.

“I was hesitant at first, because LFDT is a high profile and high pressure team,” said Winebrenner. “I initially took it on for the summer, but by the end of my first day of dance practice, I knew I wanted to work with the team for the long haul.”

Winebrenner delivered an incredibly successful season—bringing home a state win and a well executed run at Nationals—all as a 28 year old Lake Forest High School alum with a passion for dance, and of course her loyalty for the Scouts.

“When she took on this role as head coach, she gave it everything she had. She has always been so passionate about dance,” said Anne Winebrenner.  

After the retirement of adored coaches Angela McNicholas and Ashley Nash, Winebrenner stepped in and devoted her time towards training this skilled team, alongside assistant coach Caroline Martino.

“What made it such a great shift between coaches was that Coach Meg really listened to all of us and incorporated her coaching skills into what a traditional season looks like for our team,” said junior LFDT member Madeleine Axus.

Winebrenner understood the team’s dynamic and what it takes for them to be successful. 

“This team is built on traditions and legacy. Meg came in receptive to feedback, and eager to learn and maintain old traditions, while trying to build amazing new ones,” said senior LFDT Captain, Mia Konkol. 

This year’s group of seniors grew increasingly closer with Winebrenner, together, fostering a special environment to inspire and motivate the younger team members. The seniors remarked how they grew together along with Winebrenner over the course of the year, a mentor figure in their last season. 

“Coach Meg’s outgoing energy, empathetic heart, and willingness to learn was the perfect match for LFDT. She stepped into a very intense role with such ease and excitement just as our previous coaches hoped for,” said senior LFDT member Josie Irvin.

Each dancer admires Winebrenner’s loyalty and devotion towards the team, as she continuously nurtured their skills while revitalizing the team’s relationships. 

“Coach Meg taught us to appreciate our teammates through everything, especially since we spend so much time together—she knew that we all needed each other to lean on, inside and outside of dance,” said Axus. 

“One of Coach Meg’s main objectives was to bring the team closer together, though for me, I felt the most change was through her actions,” said Irvin. “Her constant desire for everyone to feel loved, included, and seen went above all, and each one of our teammates appreciated her love for this program which ultimately gained our trust, eventually building the team connection.”

Winebrenner approaches her coaching method with empathy, and applying the necessary force towards success—all while cultivating a team atmosphere is difficult to encompass elsewhere. 

“Coach Meg encouraged us by keeping us focused and leveled while we were under a lot of pressure,” said Axus. “She reminded us to think while we dance and to give it our all. She is always telling us how proud she is, no matter what happens.”

Winebrenner suffered a back injury after her second year of competitive dance in high school. Performing at a high level, she has realized what goes into a successful athlete and how to avoid struggles such as burnout.

“I want to be mindful of burn out and how all encompassing this sport can be, and I have learned then how much this team means to its dancers, families, and alumni,” said Winebrenner. “I always want to be sure I am doing justice to the legacy of dancers and coaches that have come before me.”

“Coach Meg has an ability to push her dancers to their fullest potential. When our team felt slightly weak and tired after a long practice, she could tell right away, but knew that we had more steam, and that it was her job as a coach to push us,” said Irvin. “Even if we were struggling in the moment, it was very rewarding in the end and we appreciate her constant push to make us the best dancers we can be.” 

Winebrenner goes above and beyond, not only to benefit the team’s victories or titles, but to teach them ways in which they can better themselves, their mentality, and their skill. Her approach is based on a belief system, reminding her team of their “why.”

“She has taught me and all of my teammates that we are stronger than we think, and to never doubt ourselves for a second,” said Axus. “This really shifted my mindset in practice and made the season overall more enjoyable as I gained more confidence in myself as a dancer.”

“She encourages us to trust our training, trust each other, and to dance for each other,” said Konkol.

Winebrenner recognizes each team member for not only their accomplishments, but their work ethic and commitment at its core. She acknowledges each triumph, and attributes it to their desire to align themselves as a collective unit to flourish competitively. 

“I am not surprised that she has had this kind of impact so quickly,” said Anne Winebrenner. “She cares so deeply and her dancers can feel her commitment to the program.”

The energy created by this team and its coaches is the foundation of the team’s culture and success.

“Before and after each performance at State and Nationals, the parents make a tunnel to celebrate the athletes, and I swear I cry every time,” said Winebrenner. “To see the love everyone has for the girls, the sport, and the Scouts is so special, and knowing how hard everyone works to get there makes every tough practice worth it.”

Winebrenner opens the next chapter of LFDT, one written with passion, perseverance, and love. A narrative in motion, following the success of a talented group of young women, each step adding a new line to an inspiring story. 

It’s a story you won’t want to miss that is destined to leave a lasting legacy, and it’s only just begun.