Join us in congratulating Coach Boeni on this well-deserved recognition and the impact she continues to make on the OHS dance program!
Oxford High School is delighted to share that Erin Boeni, OHS head dance coach, was recently named the Mississippi Dance Coach of the Year by the Mississippi Association of Coaches. This recognition reflects Coach Boeni’s commitment to her dancers and the continued growth of the program under her leadership.
“We are extremely proud of Coach Erin Boeni for being named Mississippi Association of Coaches Dance Coach of the Year,” said Tabitha Beard, Oxford School District Co-Activities Director. “Her exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships with her dancers, combined with her resilience through adversity, led to a state championship and a return to national competition.”
In this Q & A, Coach Boeni shares about her journey to becoming the OHS head dance coach, her leadership of the program, and what this recognition means to her.
Q & A:
How many years have you been at OSD as an employee? As a coach?
I have been an OSD employee for three years. I started out as a self-contained special education teacher at the middle school and then transferred to my current role, District Behavior Coach, this school year. I have been in special education since 2011, and this will be my third season as head coach for OHS dance.
What inspired you to become a dance coach, and how did your journey lead you to OHS?
I began dancing at the age of two and continued training throughout high school in a studio setting, studying a variety of styles, including ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop, and jazz. I went on to attend Temple University, where I became a member of the university’s dance team. After college, I moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where I served as a professional cheerleader for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although the role was cheerleading, it focused more on dance than stunting.
My passion for coaching comes from the profound impact dance has had on my life. It gave me a sense of purpose, strength during challenging times, and ultimately helped shape who I am today. I became a coach because I want to instill that same passion, confidence, and resilience in the dancers I work with and to provide them with the same meaningful experiences that dance has given me.
What does being named the Mississippi Dance Coach of the Year mean to you both personally and professionally?
I am truly honored to receive this award. I am still in shock that I was selected, but above all, I feel incredibly humbled and grateful for this recognition. Being named Mississippi Dance Coach of the Year has given me a deep sense of validation that I am making a meaningful impact. While I have spent most of my life involved in dance as a performer, stepping into a coaching role was a completely new challenge for me. In all honesty, I was terrified during my first season and unsure if I was truly capable of leading a team in this way. Over time, I have grown through both successes and mistakes, learning more each day about what it means to be an effective coach and leader. Receiving this award has reassured me that I am on the right path.
On a personal level, it has given me the confidence and strength to continue pursuing my coaching career. More importantly, it reminds me that I am making a difference in my dancers’ lives—not only as their coach but also as a positive influence beyond the dance floor.
How did you find out about the award, and what was your initial reaction?
I was sitting in my office when I received a call from a Jackson number. I was completely shocked when I answered and realized the person on the other end was the Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Coaches. It was a moment I will never forget and one that truly caught me off guard in the best way.
Can you share a moment or accomplishment from your time as head dance coach at OHS that stands out to you?
One of our biggest accomplishments this season was winning the MHSAA State Championship (2025–2026). It was an incredibly special moment and a proud achievement for our entire team. However, my most meaningful moments as a coach go far beyond competition. The times I value most are when my dancers come to me simply to talk through things happening in their lives. They are never required to share anything with me outside of dance, which makes it even more meaningful when they choose to. The trust and relationships we have built—where they feel safe, supported, and heard—mean more to me than any title or trophy. Those moments remind me why I coach and reinforce that the impact we have goes far beyond the dance floor.
How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
I don’t know that I have a single, set coaching philosophy. I believe each season is different, with a new group of dancers, so I approach every year individually and adjust to the needs of that team. That said, one consistent focus in my coaching is the importance of being part of a team. My dancers understand that success does not come from one individual but from all of us working together. We are not just a group of dancers—we are a team, and we must support one another and work collectively to achieve the goals we set for ourselves.
What values or life lessons do you hope that your dancers will take away from being on your team?
The biggest life lesson I emphasize to my dancers is to be good humans. Everyone has a story, and everyone is going through something, so kindness should always be at the center of how we treat others. However, being kind does not mean being passive or “soft.” You can be a good human while also being confident, strong, and grounded in your personal values. I encourage my dancers to develop a sense of self that reflects who they want to become in the future.
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