Madeline Kelly serves as the Varsity Head Coach of the Apex High School Dance Team, bringing a strong background in dance and athletics to the program. Originally from Holly Springs, North Carolina, Coach Kelly danced for 15 years and also participated in multiple sports throughout middle and high school, shaping her appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and commitment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and maintains her teaching license along with CPR/First Aid/AED and required coaching certifications.

Coach Kelly was drawn to coaching by a desire to help students recognize their potential and believe in what they are capable of achieving. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes accountability, effort, and personal responsibility, both individually and as a team. She believes that when athletes are willing to put in the work and hold themselves and one another to high standards, growth and success naturally follow. Her approach focuses on building confidence, discipline, and pride through consistent effort and teamwork.

After helping launch the dance program at Apex as an assistant coach, Coach Kelly now leads its continued growth as head coach. Under her leadership, the team earned a second-place finish in Jazz at this year’s regional competition. What she values most is watching student-athletes grow throughout a season and across multiple years, both as performers and individuals. Outside of coaching, Coach Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her dog, Bacon. A fun fact—she holds dual citizenship.