Sara (Evans) Heptig, a native of Olathe, Kansas, began her dance journey at the age of three. She trained extensively with various educators through studios, conventions, camps, and workshops, gaining a diverse and comprehensive foundation in dance. In high school, Sara was a dedicated member of the Olathe North Eaglette Dance Team, where she served as captain for two years. Her passion for dance continued at Kansas State University, where she was a member of the Classy Cats for four years, eventually serving as Assistant Section Leader in her junior year and Section Leader in her senior year.
Sara graduated from K-State with a degree in Secondary Education, specializing in Family and Consumer Science, and went on to return to Olathe North as the head coach of the Eaglettes. During her 14-year tenure, she led the team to numerous achievements, including two National Champion titles in the Large Pom Division at NDA and DTU.
A passionate educator, Sara began teaching dance and choreographing at the age of 15 and has been hired by numerous schools and studios throughout the years. She continues to lead dance camps for high school and middle school teams in the Midwest, sharing her expertise and love for the art form. In 2018, Sara founded and became the director of the O.N.E. Love Movement, a non-competitive organization that brings dancers together to focus on community and personal growth. Through the O.N.E. Love Movement, she hosts masterclasses and organizes the annual Dance Showcase, a highlight for dancers across the region.
Sara is deeply committed to community service and has used dance as a platform to give back. She helped create the Project Access Teen Group, which provides students with special needs the opportunity to dance and perform alongside their peers. She also developed dance programs for elementary schools within the Olathe community, ensuring that students who might not have access to dance education can still experience its benefits.
Currently, Sara serves as the Manager of Camp and Competition Sales for Dance Team Union, where she works closely with coaches and dancers across the country. She is married to Mike Heptig, also a K-State alumnus, and they have one daughter, Brooklyn. Their family’s love for K-State is unwavering, and Sara is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the university and the program that played a significant role in her journey.
As the Classy Cats coach, Sara has helped lead the team to back-to-back College Classic D1A Pom National Champion titles in 2022 and 2023, further solidifying her legacy as a passionate and dedicated leader in the dance world.