Faith in action

9/18/2025 11:00:00 AM | Dance Team

GCU dancers celebrate baptism together

By: Lexi Almeido

When the Grand Canyon University Dance Team takes the floor, it is known for its athleticism, energy and polished look. But this past season, the team shared a moment that went far deeper than anything the dancers put on the floor. Nine dancers chose to be baptized, publicly declaring their faith.

The movement began when GCU Dance head coach Jacque “GK” Genung-Koch shared that God had placed baptism on her heart for the 2024-25 season. What started as a simple conversation quickly grew into something bigger than anyone anticipated. Over time, athletes prayed, reflected and felt called to take the next step in their faith journeys.

“There is nothing more humbling than being entrusted with coaching a team whose desire is to boldly live out their faith. To witness these women make intentional choices in their walks, invite their teammates into that journey and then continue to grow together is both fulfilling and inspiring.”

GCU Dance head coach Jacque Genung-Koch

For senior Lizzie Dunlop, she came into college not knowing Jesus. During the summer of 2024, she became a huddle leader at Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Summer Sports Camp in Flagstaff, Arizona. Throughout camp, she was able to see the way Jesus worked through those athletes, and it completely changed her life.

“About three months later, I was baptized alongside (junior) Maya (Kitching) who walked through the journey with me and challenged me daily in my faith.”

GCU senior Lizzie Dunlop

During the season, three teammates decided they wanted to get baptized together. After talking with each other and spending time with team chaplain and FCA representative Kelly Schmidt, they realized how meaningful it would be to share the experience.

After a full day of practices for nationals, former GCU captain Jordan Goldberg, former teammate Brooklynn Gibbons and current junior Jayden Diaz walked to the on-campus Papago Apartments hot tub, where they were baptized surrounded by their teammates, friends and family.

“For months, getting baptized has been on my heart, but I always struggled with feeling ‘worthy’ or thinking I wasn't far enough along in my relationship with Christ. This past year, however, has been a turning point in my life. I’ve been incredibly blessed to be surrounded by a group of people who shine Christ’s light in everything they do. Their example has helped guide me closer to Him, and they continue to encourage me to step out of my comfort zone in growing my faith.”

GCU junior Jayden Diaz

GCU senior Carleigh Radu decided to get baptized at Christ Church of the Valley (CCV) with her sister.

“I decided to get baptized last year to proclaim my faith in Christ and live according to His word. I have felt the presence of God more than ever and have felt immense joy even through hardships.”

GCU senior Carleigh Radu

For Radu, choosing to be baptized with her sister made the moment even more special. Sharing the experience not only strengthened her personal relationship with God but also deepened the bond with her family. Having the support of her teammates and loved ones during this time has been an encouragement in her faith journey.

One morning, the team chat lit up with a message from current third-year dancer and senior Kaitlin Rhein announcing that she was getting baptized. She sent the livestream link so everyone could watch if they wanted. It was a decision she had made that day during church service. Choosing to be bold in her faith, Rhein decided it was the right time to take the step she had been feeling called to make.

“I got baptized because I felt God pulling on my heart for me to do it for a while,” Rhein said.

At the time, her family was walking through a difficult season, and those challenges ultimately drew her closer to Jesus. She explained that it felt like God was guiding her toward a step of faith that she could no longer ignore. After taking that step, she described a powerful shift in her life.

“After I got baptized, I felt renewed and light, and it has had a strong impact on my life following my baptism,” Rhein said.

Her teammates flooded the chat with love, encouragement and joy, celebrating her decision and the courage it took to share such a personal moment. For Rhein, that support made the experience even more meaningful, reminding her that she wasn’t walking in faith alone. She had a community surrounding her with open arms.

Moments like these reveal the heart behind the GCU Dance Team. Beyond hours of practice, games, events, appearances and competition while being full-time students, this team has built a culture where faith is at the center. Watching teammates commit their lives to Christ was not only inspiring but also a reminder that their platform extends far beyond what they accomplish as dancers.

GCU dancers who were baptized last season: