SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - After launching and taking the Augustana Acrobatics & Tumbling program to unprecedented heights over five seasons, Kaelyn Dillon has stepped down as head coach to move closer to family. 

"Augustana has been a truly special place in my life," said Dillon. "The past five years in Sioux Falls have meant more to me than I can fully put into words—they have been some of the most meaningful and rewarding years I've ever experienced. Being part of something greater than myself has been an incredible honor, and serving as the head acrobatics and tumbling coach has been a blessing I will always carry with me."

The first head coach in program history, Dillon used each season as a chance for ascension. She led the Vikings to a 24-7 record over the course of four seasons of competition, including appearances in the NCATA National Championships each of the last two seasons. 

"This journey has never been just about wins and losses," Dillon added. "It's about the people—the student-athletes, fellow coaches, administrators, and staff—who have shaped me, supported me, and left a lasting impact on my life. Augustana is more than a university; it is a community, and one that I will always cherish."

"We are so grateful to Coach Dillon for the way she has launched our program with excellence," said Vice President of Athletics Josh Morton. "Our team has been a great example of what it means to be a student-athlete at Augustana; distinction in the classroom, excellence in competition, with faithful service to community. It's because of what Kaelyn has built that we will find a great head coach to continue to elevate the program." 

Assistant Coach Sophie Gardner will assist in the transition to a new head coach. A national search for Dillon's replacement will begin immediately.

Dillon has been an ambassador for the sport of acrobatics and tumbling over the course of her time in Sioux Falls. She was instrumental in bringing the NCATA National Championships to the Elmen Center in 2025, a competition that saw the Vikings win their first-ever NCATA Championship meet over Fairmont State. While building Augustana into a major brand in the sport, she has also assisted with Dakota Spirit to provide impactful service in the community. 

"As life leads me back home to Texas, I have made the decision to step away from collegiate coaching for now in order to spend more time with my growing family," Dillon continued. "While this is the right next chapter for me, it is not without deep gratitude and a sense of bittersweet farewell.

I will miss this place and the people here more than I can express. Augustana will always be a second home to me. Always and forever, Skol Vikes!"

In 2026, Augustana scored a program-best 270.205 in their final regular season meet and reached the NCATA National Championships for the second time. Four event records were broken as the bar for Compulsory (38.350), Acro (28.750), Pyramid (29.700) and Tumbling (54.025) records were all reset. As a team, she mentored a two-time All-American in McKenna Trowbridge, All-Americans in Paige Simon and Elaina Matuszewski and two-time NCATA All-Academic honoree Natalie Homerding.