HERMISTON — Riley Campbell comes from a long line of basketball players. She played up until two years ago when she traded in her high tops for dance shoes.

The Hermiston senior will continue her dance career at the University of Montana, where the Grizzlies are taking their program in a whole new direction — including dance competitions — after being a combination cheer and dance team.

“I was really interested in the aspect that they are trying to build a team, and they have a good foundation,” Campbell said. “I got to go and learn from them and see what they are doing. It was something I was looking into when considering that school. They are a talented team. They have girls go on and do other things in dance, but they have never competed. I can’t wait.”

Campbell also looked at other dance programs, including the University of Idaho, but her heart was in Montana.

“I looked at a lot of schools, but U of I and Montana are great schools,” Campbell said. “I got to go to Montana in person in September, and a more recent visit in December for a dance clinic. It was a good fit for me.”

Campbell went to school in Echo from grade school through her sophomore year. She then transferred to Hermiston to take advantage of a variety of classes and to perform with the school’s Stardust dance team.

“I played basketball since I was in kindergarten,” said the 5-foot-3 Campbell. “I only stopped last year when I transferred to Hermiston. I transferred so I could have more opportunities with dance, and it has been amazing. I have got to spend more time dancing with girls who take it seriously and like to spend time doing it.”

Stardust instructor Susan Stephens was happy to add Campbell to the team.

“She has been with me for two years, and I feel very lucky,” Stephens said. “She is an incredibly talented and strong dancer. When she dances, she has no regrets, she gives it everything she has. She is fun to watch. I have a lot of great dancers, but Riley is pretty special.”

Growing up in the Junior Jam Dance Studio with instructor Debbie Kishpaugh, Campbell has honed her skills, and is willing to help others.

“She is a good teammate and helps others with their dance moves,” Stephens said. “I love her and so do all the other little dancers in the community.”

Stardust is preparing for district and state, and competed Saturday, Feb. 24, at Pendleton High School at Hearts in Motion.

“I have been competing in Hearts since I was little,” Campbell said. “To get to do Hearts again when I transferred was amazing. It’s a good way for us to show our routines before we go to district and state.”

Stephens said Stardust has competed in the event for years.

“It is one of our dancers’ favorite competitions to go to,” she said. “We have three routines: show, hip hop and contemporary. We will do all three in Pendleton.”

District for Hermiston is March 2 in Spokane, with state dance March 23 at the SunDome in Yakima.

“You have to have qualifying marks to go to state,” Stephens said. “We feel pretty confident about going to district and state.”