Thursday, November 3, 2016

Friday Night Lights Feature - Smithson Valley High School Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! Welcome to the final week of regular season football games here in Texas. Next week we start the always exciting play-offs. How is your team doing? We know the twirlers from today’s school are play-off bound with their football team’s 7-2 season.

This week we travel to Spring Branch, Texas, just north of San Antonio, to visit with the Feature Twirlers from Smithson Valley High School, Camryn Shows and Sophie Gilbert!


In order to become a Smithson Valley Feature Twirler, at the end of each year they participate in auditions where they must prepare a routine demonstrating their skills with one, two, and three baton.  They are judged by the school’s band director, dance coach, and cheer coach.

As the Ranger Twirlers, these two have become fully involved with the band program. In fact, in the spring, Sophie even plays the trumpet. They have had so many amazing moments with the band including the first time they were able to perform during halftime, and their annual appearance in the Comal County Fair parade. We asked what the best moment they have had as a part of the band. Sophie says that one time “the entire band spent the night at the band hall because of a late football game the night before an early morning football game”.


Being a Junior and Senior, these two are in the countdown of their final performances with SVHS. We asked them what they will miss the most about being in the Ranger Band. Camryn says she will miss the “Friday night football games and having fun with the band and Colorguard”.  Sophie has similar feelings and says she will most miss “being a part of my 300 member band family”.

Through their experiences, they have learned comparable lessons to pass on to other twirlers. They both say that the best life skill they have learned from field twirling is confidence. Camryn says “Twirling has taught me a lot about self confidence and doing what you love regardless of what others think”. They also have similar advice for future field twirlers…. SMILE!!!  Sophie also says “never forget to have fun!”

Now let’s meet these two lovely twirlers that sport the red, white, and navy on the field each Friday…

Camryn Shows, Senior, Competition Level: Beginner
Camryn has been twirling for 5 years with Coach Pat Montgomery. Her favorite competition trick is her roll section, and her favorite field trick is three baton juggling. Growing up she has been most inspired by former College Miss Majorette of America, Karissa Wimberly. “I have always been inspired by how crazy talented she is!” After she graduates from High School, Camryn plans to attend college at Texas State University.




Sophie Gilbert, Junior, Competition Level: Beginner
Sophie has been twirling for 6 years with Coach Heather Harmer Hayden of the Texas Gems.  The competition twirling title she is the most proud of earning is Beginner Junior Miss Majorette of the Southwest. Sophie’s favorite competition trick is her two spin blind, and her favorite field trick is a toss cartwheel. Growing up she has been most inspired by Texas Tech Twirler Rachel White. “I was at a high school football game when I saw her twirling at it inspired me to try something new”. After she graduates from High School, Sophie hopes to go to college to major in environmental science and minor in German.


 Fun Facts!
Favorite Color = Burgundy (Camryn), Blue (Sophie)
Favorite Movie = “Love, Rosie” (Camryn)
Favorite Band = Of Monsters and Men (Sophie)

When they are not twirling they love to…
    *Camryn = “Watch Netflix and spend time with friends and family”
    *Sophie = “Go bike riding and spend time outdoors”

Favorite Quote/Life Motto…
    *Camryn = “As the wise Dory once said, ‘Just keep swimming’”
    *Sophie = “Only one who attempts the absurd can achieve the impossible"

Most Memorable Tip/Advice from your Coach…
    *Camryn = “Even if you drop your batons, don't lose your smile”
    *Sophie = “Always smile and have fun!”

Favorite Individual Twirling Moment…
    *Camryn = “Performing at halftime”
    *Sophie = “I love being able to twirl in the Comal County parade! It’s a great event that many people in my community love to go to every year”.

Funniest Twirl Moment…
    *Sophie = “We had a football game on Halloween my freshman year. The band for that week was playing thriller, so at one point in the song the dance team all screamed at once.  It scared me so much I dropped my baton!”


We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Friday Night Lights Feature. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com with their name and email address so that we can reach out to them!

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