Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - University of Oklahoma

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

After 12 weeks meeting these amazing Collegiate Twirlers representing in or from Texas…

1. University of Texas, Austin Feature Twirler – Caroline Carothers
2. Texas State University Feature Twirlers – Kaylee Williams and Megan Lazrine
3. University of Texas, San Antonio Twirlers – Alexis Tanner, Hannah Kacher, and Caitlin Stanke
4. Stephen F Austin State University Twirl-O-Jacks
5. Texas Southern University Platinum Girl – Kennedi Robinson
6. Texas Tech University Twirlers – Emily, Kimberly, Anna, Chailie, Emma, Holly, and Feature Abby
7. University of Houston Feature Twirlers – Jassandra Holbert and Abigail Neuman
8. Sam Houston State University Feature Twirlers – Sara Wleczyk and Kasey Strouse
9. Southern Methodist University Feature Twirler – “The Doll” Rachel Hutchinson
10. University of Hawaii Feature Twirler – Callyn Marvell
11. University of Missouri Feature Twirler – Josie Linson
12. University of Arkansas Twirlers from Texas – Kendal Baker and Lindsay Richards

We have one final Collegian to meet to wrap up our Field Twirling Interview season, which is also our final post for November. You may have seen her Instagram Takeover on Saturday where she showed us a little more about Game Day in Norman, and gave quite the "fire" performance for the crowd...

Our final Collegiate Twirler Spotlight this year is the University of Oklahoma Feature Twirler!

The University of Oklahoma, known as OU, is located in Norman, OK. OU is the home of the Sooners, and this World medalist ttwirler. She can be seen on Saturdays twirling her heart out for her beloved Sooners. The University of Oklahoma Feature Twirler, and 2019 USTA Collegiate Champion, is Emily Perkins!

Emily is a Texas girl, but when it came time for college and finding her higher education home, she made the decision to cross the Texas State Line into Oklahoma. We asked her what made her decide on OU? “OU was the first place that I tried out, and the moment I stepped on the campus, I knew this was my home.”

Making the decision of where to apply and audition for twirlers can be difficult. Emily told us that applying at OU was definitely the right choice for her. “The band staff is extraordinarily friendly and supportive, and the position has a long line of talented representatives that have upheld such a rewarding tradition.  The directors offered a contract that I couldn’t refuse. I mean…It’s the SOONERS…you just can’t beat that!”

Choosing to go away from her home and her family was the only bad part of her decision, “I missed my cat a lot. But also, not seeing your family for long periods of time or practicing with your pairs partner is challenging.”

While she has missed being at home, being away has led to her developing new skills and learning independence. “It is hard to go far from home, and you might get home sick, but eventually it gets better. Being on your own is the best way to learn responsibility and how to be on your own.” She also advises those wanting to twirl in college to think about where they want to go before application time. “Start looking and apply early… the best schools are very competitive.”

One thing that has really helped her with being away from home is being a part of the OU Band Family. She has made many friends and memories she will always cherish. In fact, she tells us her best advice for future Collegiate Twirlers is to develop that family away from home. “Be a part of the band family. You might be your own section, but you aren’t the only section.” Great advice for all twirlers!

Now that we have learned more about what brought her to OU, lets learn more about Emily!

Emily Perkins
Competition Level: Elite
Emily is a Junior Majoring in Environmental Design (Architecture) and Minoring in Art. At OU, she is also a part of the Student Heroes. She is from Spring, Texas, and has been twirling for 15 years with Coach (and mom) Lori Perkins. Emily has won many notable titles, including the 2019 USTA Collegiate Champion, World Championship Team Silver Medalist, and WBFT International Cup Silver Medal in Elite 3 Baton and Duet. Her favorite competition trick is anything 2 baton, and her favorite field trick is back neck rolls with fire. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her pairs partner, Keragan Ogden. “We have pushed each other since we started twirling, and no one cheers louder than we do for each other!” After college she hopes to continue teaching baton and begin her career in architecture/environment design.



Fun Facts!

Favorite Color – Blue

Favorite Music – Alternative Rock

When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Haha, not twirling? I study a lot and I twirl a lot. Outside of that I enjoy painting, drawing, playing with my cat, Victor, and watching anime.”

Some things people might not know about her is…
“I was the Homecoming Queen in High School, I like to cosplay at conventions, and I have pretty bad anxiety. My hands shake when I twirl – even if it is just a fun performance. I also didn’t really know how to talk to people until college.”

Most memorable advice from her Coach…
“’You don’t have to be perfect.’ She also says, ‘I love you no matter what’ every time I take the floor. (My coach happens to be my mom.)”

Favorite moment as a competitive baton twirler…
“This year at USTA Nationals, I earned my first NINE for my two baton performance.  I think that was my biggest goal and to finally reach it was amazing.  I had earned 9’s in team and pairs before, but never as an individual.”

Funniest memory from a baton competition…
“It wasn’t me, but one of my friends did a solo at Twirl Mania where she dropped every single trick in her routine. I mean EVERY thing she tossed landed on the floor. She has such a great attitude about it and we still laugh when we think about it.”

Best life skill she has learned from baton twirling…
“How to keep going when things get rough, and learning how to speak to people.”

Favorite Game Day Tradition…
“We get to perform a pre-show at Wagner Hall before we enter the stadium, and I enjoy signing autographs and taking pictures with fans before the games.”

Favorite activity with the OU Marching Band…
 “We play a game  called “Assassins” where anywhere you are on campus, you have a band member assigned to “kill” you with a highlighter (by marking you on the wrist, neck, or heart) and take you out of the game. No matter how hot it is, I wear a scarf and long sleeves to cover up for the game. I have come close to winning- top ten out of three hundred! Maybe next year…”

This past summer was an incredible one for Emily, on top of earning several medals in World Competition (WOW!), at the USTA National Championship in July she was named the USTA Collegiate Champion! We asked her what that moment was like. “It was incredible! I still can’t believe that dream came true. I remember having nerves before competing, but the moment I stepped on the floor, I felt like I do on the field. The routine was perfect for me, and the crowd was a lot louder than I expected! I was a little nervous that no one would shout “Sooner” after I said, “Boomer”, but I was blown away when the whole arena shouted back at me. I didn’t have my routine ready in time for previous contests, so that performance was the one and only time I got to perform it on a competition floor.”

That is so amazing, and surely something she will never forget. We asked her how she felt when she heard her name called as the new Collegiate Champion? “Hearing, “The University of Oklahoma” followed by my name, just reminded me of how lucky I am. There IS only ONE Oklahoma! How lucky am I to continue that winning tradition?! And, the trophy that Savannah Miller’s family donated is absolutely beautiful; I was completely in awe to follow in her footsteps.”

We know a lot had to go in to that routine coming together so perfectly on the competition floor. Besides the endless hours of practice and dedication, what do you think helped you to secure that win? “Well, the all catch probably helped. I also have the advantage of having the multi-time USTA Choreographer of the Year as my mom/coach, so there’s that (I did get to collaborate on the choreography too!). I think that my routine had a lot of places focused on school spirit. It wasn’t about the most difficult skills I could demonstrate, but more about the love I have for my school.”

What great advice for future competitors in this event. Making a Collegiate routine about your passion for your University and its traditions is a great way to approach preparing for a collegiate routine. As Emily told us, “You don’t have to demonstrate every difficult skill you are capable of doing, you just have to LOVE what you are doing and the school you are representing. Act confident and be comfortable with your routine!”

We are so happy for Emily and all the achievements she has reached this year. We cannot wait to see where 2020 takes her, and we love getting to cheer her on as she supports OU. Congrats Emily! Boomer Sooner!

To wrap up this amazing season we want to thank the amazing Collegiate Twirlers we have been able to talk to this season. We appreciate them taking the time to chat with us, we loved their Insta-story takeovers, and we know they have continued to inspire the next generation. Collegiate Twirlers bring our sport to the masses, and we are so proud to have these ladies as our representatives! Now, let's all kill it during competition season. Go #TeamTexas!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it.

Friday Night Lights Feature - Bullard High School Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

It is here! The final High School Interview of the season. We have loved getting to learn more about High School twirlers from all over Texas, and from all different competition circuits. It is so great to see how many twirlers are out there spreading the love for our sport each Friday night.

Our final Friday Night Lights Feature this season is the Bullard High School Twirlers!

Bullard High School, located in Bullard, Texas, is the home of the Panthers, and some amazing twirlers. The BHS Twirling team, lead by Coach Jeri Coke, is made up of a Feature Twirler - Ally Wilcox, and nine line twirlers - Katie Campbell, Haley Smith, Stella Vaughan, Anja Terho-Streck, Molly Axworthy, Kellen Coke, Clair Hunter, Nichelle Sanders, and Alyssa Crow. 

We asked Coach Jeri Coke how these young ladies secured their spots as BHS Twirlers. “We hold tryouts the Friday before spring break. The twirlers have to perform both a solo and a group routine that ends up being our first field routine. They learn the group routine about a week before tryouts.”

Once selected to be on the team, the Panther Twirlers get to be a big part of the Game Day experience at Bullard High School. From pep rallies, to the football game, to the post-game bonding, they love each part. They tell us their favorite moment of Game Day happens at the pep rallies, “when the student body comes to the floor and dances during the drum line feature.” These twirlers also love dancing in the stands, and their tradition of going to IHOP together after twirl and band events.

Now that we have learned more about what the BHS twirlers do, let’s learn more about them!

Ally Wilcox, Senior & FEATURE TWIRLER
“Cast all of your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Ally has been twirling for 6 years with Coach Beth Maddox and competes in the NBTA Intermediate division. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the Beginner Miss Majorette of The Woodlands pageant. Her favorite tricks are toss somersaults or leg holds. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Beth Maddox, Caroline Carothers, and Joel Claudio. After High School she wants to become an educator of some sort and possibly a coach.

Katie Campbell, Junior
“Don’t be a drag. Just be a queen!”
Katie has been twirling for 10 years with Coach Jeri Coke. The competition title she is the proudest of  winning was being named a Premier Performer. Her favorite trick is the splits. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Hannah Reschke. After High School she hopes to twirl in college, work with life skills students, and be successful.

Haley Smith, Junior
“Assume you are wrong.”
Haley has been twirling for 5 years with Coach Jeri Coke. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was being named a Premier Performer. Her favorite trick is a two turn. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Rachel Hutchinson. After High School she hopes to attend a college and possibly twirl, “but most of all, become successful. During college I will be in the nursing program to become a DDN (disability development nurse) who works with special needs patients in hospitals.”

Stella Vaughan, Junior
“Life is short, and if we enjoy every moment of every day, then we will be happy no matter what happens or what changes along the way.” – Gretchen Bleiler
Stella has been twirling for 6 years with Coach Jeri Coke. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was being named a Premier Performer. Her favorite trick is a retraction. After High School she hopes to go to college and have a successful career.

Anja Terho-Streck, Junior
“If there ever comes a day that we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”
Anja has been twirling for 5 years with Coach Jeri Coke. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was being named a Premier Performer. Her favorite trick is a toss cartwheel. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Coach Jeri Coke. After High School she hopes to be a teacher for grades Kinder through 4th Grade.

Molly Axworthy, Sophomore
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world!” John 16:33
Molly has been twirling for 6 years with Coach Jeri Coke. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was being named a Premier Performer. Her favorite trick is a toss grand jete. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Caroline Carothers. After High School she hopes to go to a big college and get a high paying job.

Kellen Coke, Sophomore
“The best revenge is massive success.” – Frank Sinatra
Kellen has been twirling for 12 years with Coaches Jeri Coke, Patti Mickey, and Kayli Mickey-McIntosh, and competes in the NBTA Beginner division. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the NBTA Junior Texas State Basic Skills Pageant. Her favorite trick is a four spin catch left. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Savannah Miller. After High School she hopes to be a Feature Twirler in college.

Clair Hunter, Sophomore
“Sometimes you just have to put on some lip gloss and act like you are excited!”
Claire has been twirling for 7 years with Coach Jeri Coke. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was being named a Premier Performer. Her favorite trick is an around the world under a fan kick. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Caroline Carothers. After High School she hopes to attend Texas Tech University, audition to become a Red Raider Twirler, and join the nursing program at the University.

Nichelle Sanders, Sophomore
“One moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory.” – Louis Zamperini
Nichelle has been twirling for 4 years with Coach Jeri Coke. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Savannah Miller. After High School she hopes to go to college and become a teacher.

Alyssa Crow, Freshman
“Live life to the fullest and have fun!
Alyssa has been twirling for 3 years with coach Jeri Coke. Her favorite trick is any type of rolls. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by Savannah Miller. After High School she hopes to attend college and become a successful psychologist.






Fun Facts!

Favorite Color – Teal (Alyssa and Haley), Maroon (Katie), Grey-Blue (Stella), Yellow (Anja), Pink (Molly), Blue (Kellen & Ally), Sunset colors (Nichelle)

Favorite Movie – A Star Is Born (Katie), Ironman (Stella), Heathers (Anja), The Princess Diaries (Molly), The Princess Bride (Kellen), Clueless, 10 Thing I Hate About You, and the Star Wars series (Clair), Legally Blond (Alyssa)

Favorite Music – “I listen to all kinds” (Ally), Lady Gaga (Katie), Country (Haley), Classic Rock (Stella), Alternative (Anja), “I love Christmas music!” (Molly), Frank Sinatra, Linkin Park, and MCR (Kellen), Country like the Josh Abbott Band (Nichelle), Any Music (Alyssa)

When they are not twirling, they love to… 

• Ally – “Have downtime with naps or hangout with my friends outside of the twirling world.”
• Katie – “Be with my family, listen to music, and hang out with my friends and boyfriend.”
• Haley – “Play with my dogs and spend time with my family.”
• Stella – “Hike, read, or draw.”
• Anja – “Hang out with my sister and go shopping or watch a movie.”
• Molly – “Take naps and play with my dogs.”
• Kellen – “Read (but I always twirl!)”
• Clair – “Binge watch great 80’s/90’s romantic comedies.”
• Nichelle – “Hang out with friends.”
• Alyssa – “Be with my friends and play with my pets.”
  

Something people might not know about them is…

• Ally – “I really enjoy teaching people and helping others understand new concepts.”
• Katie – “I love jazz music.”
• Haley – “I started twirling on accident.”
• Stella – “I am allergic to grass.”
• Anja – “I have 4 siblings.”
• Molly – “I love dogs a lot!”
• Kellen – “I have the most random taste in music and an obsession with Pinterest.”
• Clair – “I love Star Wars!”
• Nichelle – “I like to hunt.”
• Alyssa – “Most people don’t know my middle name.”

Most memorable advice from their coaches…

• Ally – “Have fun with what you do because it is a God given talent.”
• Katie – “Mrs. Coke always reminds me how to handle situations that are difficult.”
• Haley – “Two and a half minutes does not determine who you are as a person or if you are a good twirler or not.”
• Stella, Molly, & Anja – “Assume you are wrong.”
• Kellen – “The judge always wants you to do your best!”
• Clair – “If you are early, just throw a one turn in there.”
• Nichelle – “One judge’s/person’s opinion of you doesn’t define you.”
• Alyssa – “Always smile and stay on your toes.”

These twirlers have made amazing memories together this season, but their favorite moment was at this year’s UIL Regional Twirling Competition. “Everyone made first divisions at UIL Regional Twirling Competition this fall, so the entire line (solos and ensembles) and our feature twirler (solo) will compete at state in June!” Wow! That is very impressive and says a lot about the talent at this school.

They do also have their funny moments. Between stray batons, slips and trips, and tons of inside jokes, they remember the moment that made them laugh the most. “One day we tried to be really quiet at practice, and Mrs. Coke thought we had done something wrong!” Oops!

Through the many hours of practice together they have each gained tons of skills individually, but they credit twirling together with teaching them teamwork. “We have really learned how to work in a team.”

Finally, to wrap up the interview, we asked them what advice they would pass along to potential future BHS twirlers, and they said, in the immortal words of their coach, “Assume you are wrong!”

We want to thank these ladies for being our final FNL Feature of the season, and congrats on a great fall!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it.

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - University of Arkansas Twirlers Kendal & Lindsay

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Competition season here in Texas is literally just days away! Don’t forget that tomorrow is the online registration deadline for the ATX Holiday Twirl Fest, and who all is attending the Fall Twirling Festival Saturday? We will be there, and we can’t wait to see everyone. Let’s get competition season started!

Before we do that, it is time to continue our final week of Feature Twirler interviews here on the blog! Today we have our second to last Collegiate Twirler Spotlight of the season. These two awesome Texas twirlers represent every week in Reynolds Stadium all the way in Fayetteville.

Today's Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is on these Texas Twirlers turned, University of Arkansas Majorettes, Kendal Baker & Lindsay Richards!

The University of Arkansas is the home of the Razorbacks, and some serious school spirit! It is impossible to attend a Razorback Game Day and not get caught up in the atmosphere. A big part of building that spirit is the University of Arkansas Majorettes and Feature Twirlers. The 2019-2020 team consists of Captain Ashley Wicks, Co-Captain Kendal Baker, twirlers Lindsay Richards, Whitney Williams, and Hanna Carter, and Feature Twirlers Savannah Miller and Isabella Udouj. Lead by Coaches Ashley Moss and Cecily Clinkcscales, the Razorback Twirlers bring smiles, sparkles, and awesome skills to the field each week.

Why are we featuring these Arkansas twirlers? Two of the young ladies on the Majorette Line are from Texas! Kendal Baker and Lindsay Richards may be across state lines, but they are still Texas Girls, and we love supporting them as a part of #teamtexas.

What brought these two Texas twirlers from the Lone Star State to Arkansas? Kendal tells us it was the chance to experience something new. “I wanted to get out of my city and experience life on my own. As an only child I was attached at the hip to my parents (not a bad thing, just a fact) and so I wanted to live on my own and experience a new city and way of life.” Lindsay had similar reasons. “I was hoping to experience somewhere new since I have lived in Texas my whole life. Arkansas is beautiful and they also offer amazing scholarships for students that come from out of state.”

Making the decision to go out of state is a hard one, but deciding which school to go to is even harder. We asked these ladies what brought them to the University of Arkansas. Kendal loved the environment and culture. “Ultimately I loved the feeling that Arkansas gave me when I stepped on campus.” Lindsay was also glad to find they had a great twirling program. “Arkansas has a great line with an impressive skill level. I also love the school so twirling at Arkansas is a great fit for me!”

Arkansas has been a great choice for both of these ladies that has led to experiences they will never forget. We asked them what advice they had for other twirlers that might be making the decision for themselves whether to stay in Texas or not. Lindsay said, “Going out of State is a great opportunity! It may seem scary at first, but it will help you grow as an individual and it is great to experience living in a new location when you’re young.” Kendal agreed and said that everyone has to make the right decision for themselves. “Go with what your gut tells you to do, even if you are scared or afraid. Life is about leaping out of your comfort zones.”

While they have loved their choice to attend Arkansas, it isn’t always easy being away from home. Lindsay says the hardest part has definitely been being away from family. Kendal also misses her friends and family but loves getting to share Fayetteville with those that come to see her. “Leaving my hometown friends was so hard. Luckily I get to see my family regularly because they come to the football games.”

Now that we have learned what brought these ladies to Arkansas, let’s learn more about them!

Kendal Baker
Kendal is a Sophomore Supply Chain Management Major from Keller, Texas. At UA she is also a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and the Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Service Organization. She has been twirling for 15 years and is currently working with Coach Ashley Moss. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the Texas State Advanced X-Strut Champion. Her favorite competition tricks are rolls and 4 or 5 spins, and her favorite field trick is the toss triple leap from their pre-game show. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Carly Bender DeTrempe, DaNae Couch, and Steffany Lien. After college she hopes to get a job in her degree field.

Lindsay Richards
Lindsay is a Senior Majoring in Marketing and Minoring in Finance. She is from The Woodlands, Texas. At UA she serves on the executive board for her professional business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, and is a member of the American Marketing Association. She has been twirling on and off since she was 7 years old and is coached by Patti Mickey, Ashley Moss, and Cecely Clinkscales. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the Intermediate National Solo when she was 16. Her favorite competition trick is a toss turn illusion and her favorite field trick is a toss cartwheel. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Kayli Mickey McIntosh. After she graduates, she has already lined up a job working as an Inside Sales Representative at Dell.

Fun Facts!
Favorite Color – Light Pink (Lindsay)
Favorite Movie – “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (Kendal), “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (Lindsay)
Favorite Music – “I love all genres of music but especially love alternative/indie pop” (Kendal), “I like all types of music honestly, it really depends on my mood! (Lindsay)

Favorite Quote...
Kendal – “No matter what you are, be a good one” – Abraham Lincoln
Lindsay – “She believed she could, so she did!”

When they are not twirling, they love to…
Kendal – “Hang out with friends, catch up on sleep and homework, and watch Netflix.”
Lindsay – “Watch movies, shop, cook, and hang out with friends and family.”

Something people might not know about them is…
Kendal – “I sleep with my eyes open.”
Lindsay – “I was on a golf team for a short time when I was younger!”

Favorite moment as an Arkansas twirler…
Lindsay – “Performing pregame for the first time! It was the first moment that I stepped
out onto the field to twirl and it was an amazing feeling.”

Funniest moment as an Arkansas twirler…
Kendal – “When we went to Arlington for the A&M Game this past September, one of the other Majorettes, Hanna, and I made it on television. Only problem was it looked like we were arguing with each other!”
Lindsay – “I completely fell in the middle of a two spin at a practice this year!”

What is the best life skill they have learned from baton twirling?
Kendal – “Confidence!
Lindsay – “That all good things come to those who wait.”

Arkansas is a University rich with traditions. Kendal just loves their live mascot, Tusk. “He is really cute!” Lindsay’s favorite is their pregame routine or the chant the band does at the end of every practice. They both also really enjoy the pursuit of the “Spirit Stick” within the Razorback Marching Band. “During early week, each section tries to win a spirit stick. They do this by putting on skits during water breaks and having the most spirit and pep throughout the day. Once you win the spirit stick you get to decorate it. The twirlers always end up decorating it with rhinestones.” Of course they do! Twirlers love their bling!

This year has been exciting for both twirlers. Kendal was ecstatic to be named Co-Captain of the Majorette line. We asked her what she did differently this year to prepare and what has been the best part. “Going into auditions, the thought of being co-captain never occurred to me. In my interview, however, the judges kept asking hypotheticals about being a captain. After my interview I texted my mom, ‘... they might make me co-captain! What?!?!’ When they announced the captain as Ashley Wicks, and me as co-captain, I was overjoyed. I have loved being co-captain this season. It is so rewarding when you work hard with a group of twirlers and it pays off on the field.”

Lindsay had a very unique experience. While she did not twirl for her initial years at Arkansas, going into her Senior year, she decided to go for it and audition. As you can see, her risk paid off. “I truly missed twirling and realized that twirling my senior year at the University of Arkansas, even for just one year, would be a great opportunity. I have enjoyed this experience and have friendships with the other twirlers that will last a lifetime! As a senior, every event that we partake in is my first and last. It is a bittersweet and special feeling. This season has also pushed me to become a better twirler, so I am thankful for that.”

We know there are many twirlers that may attend a University that were not able to twirl initially due to not having spots available or not auditioning, so we loved seeing Lindsay get to take her shot. We asked her what she would tell other twirlers that may already be in a college debating on auditioning for a twirling spot at their school, and she said to go for it! “It is better late than never!!!! I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to twirl at the University of Arkansas my senior year. It was been the best experience!”

Finally, to wrap up our interview we asked them what advice they would pass on to help twirlers survive their college experience. Kendal told us to be friendly. “Everyone at college is equally scared and uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to go up to someone and start talking. Chances are they are very thankful you started a conversation.” Lindsay’s advice was to hone your time management skills. “Manage your time well! Twirling in college is a great experience, but, be sure to schedule your days to fit in your schoolwork and twirling demands.”

We want to say thank you to these two wonderful Texas Twirlers for being today’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight. Way to go Kendal on a great season as Co-Captain, and Congrats to Lindsay on an amazing Senior year as a Razorback twirler. Wooo Pig!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it.

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - University of Missouri

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

We are now on to week two of High School Playoffs, and this Saturday officially kicks off the baton twirling competition season in Texas. Wow! This is also the last week of the year for our Friday Night Light Features and our Collegiate Twirler Spotlights. We just love this time of year and learning so much about Texas twirlers all over the state. We will miss these interviews, but to make sure we all get our fill before the week is over, we have three collegiate interviews and one last high school feature left for you.

If you were following the @twirlingiscatchingtx Insta-story on Saturday you got to see some exciting posts from this week’s Feature as she showed us what Game Day is like in CoMO.

This week’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is the University of Missouri Feature Twirler!

Photo credit to Nate Brown

The University of Missouri, also known as MIZZOU, is located in Columbia, Missouri, and is the home of the Tigers, and a long legacy of amazing baton twirlers. Joining the history of fantastic Tiger Twirlers this year, alongside Carlee Fenton and Simone Esters (who is currently serving as Miss Missouri), is Texas girl, and University of Missouri Feature Twirler, Josie Linson! 

Josie has held numerous State and Regional titles, was a Feature Twirler for her High School all four years, and was a 2018 USA Baton Twirling Ambassador to Peru, so the ability to continue her twirling career somewhere with a great PT program was very important. She took the time, visited many schools, but in the end she knew that Mizzou was where she belonged. “Mizzou has a phenomenal physical therapy program so that was a huge factor in me picking Mizzou. What really sold me though, was when I went to my audition, Carlee, Simone, and our band director, Dr. Knopps, were so welcoming. Mizzou and the band program already felt like home.”

While Mizzou felt like home, it was out of state. Making the decision to go out of state is a big one. We asked Josie what helped her make the choice. “I chose to go out of state because it was a way to push me out of my comfort zone. Being at an out of state university has really helped me become more independent." We asked her what advice she would have for other twirler's considering an out of state college experience. "Keep an open mind about going out of state, and make sure you know all your options. Remember that while you may be far from home, it has the potential to be an amazing new experience!”

Having such a wonderful time in Missouri has made Josie’s first semester of college one to remember. New friends, new places, new opportunities. There has been one part that has been difficult though. “It has been hard being away from friends and family from home, but it makes getting to see them when they come to visit me even more special!”

Now that we have learned more about what brought her to CoMo, let’s learn more about Josie!

Josie Linson
Competition Level: Advanced
Josie is a freshman pre-physical therapy major from Austin, Texas. At Mizzou she is also in the Tau Beta Sigma Band Service Sorority. She has been twirling for 11 years and is a member of Twirl ATX. The competition title she is the most proud of winning was the 2019 Texas State Collegiate Downfield Champion. Her favorite competition tricks are double illusions or five spins, and her favorite field tricks are toss walkovers and elbow pops. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Erica Kuntz, Lindsay McCormick, and her coach, Whitney King Coons. After college, Josie hopes to attend Graduate School to get her doctorate in PT!”







Fun Facts!
Favorite Color – Turquoise
Favorite Movie – “Anything Disney!”
Favorite Animal – Llamas

Favorite Quote…
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

When she is not twirling she loves to…
“Hang out with friends, especially my friends in Tau Beta Sigma!”

Something people might not know about me…
“I have scoliosis and that’s one of the reasons why I want to be a physical therapist.”

Most memorable advice from her coach…
“When in doubt, punch it out! (Punching the air helps calm some pre performance jitters).”

Favorite experience as a competition baton twirler…
“Being selected as a United States Twirling Ambassador to Peru and getting to spend two weeks twirling with some of my best friends.”

Funniest experience as a collegiate twirler…
“Carlee and I learned that when duet tricks go wrong, my Rose batons leave really big bruises.”

Being at Mizzou has given Josie a wide array of new experiences, but the strong University of Missouri traditions, for both the school and the band, have been her favorite. “When you start school at Mizzou, you run through the columns towards Jesse Hall. When you graduate, you run back through the opposite way, to signify leaving and going out into the world.” Such a fantastic tradition! Josie also enjoys that the band sings the Alma Mater at the end of every practice as it lets them all leave on the same note.

Through her many years in competition and field twirling, Josie truly feels baton twirling has helped make her the person she is now. She said that the sport has taught her many lessons, but the most important is the value of perseverance. “Having the ability to set goals, and have the self-discipline to work towards those goals, is one of the best skills that you can carry with you throughout life.”

Finally, we asked Josie what her best advice was to any twirler that wanted to one day also twirl on a collegiate field, and she said have fun! “Play to the crowd and enjoy yourself. When you are having fun, the crowd has fun too!”

We want to say thank you to Josie for being this week’s Feature, and wish her congrats on a great first season as a Mizzou Feature Twirler! We also want to give a shout out to Josie’s Co-Feature, Carlee Fenton, for being a part of the Insta-story take over. They make a great team! Go Tigers!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it.

Friday Night Lights Feature - Melissa High School Twirler

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Week one of playoffs is in the books. Half the teams still in action this week have now completed their season, but for the ones that are still in the game, those Friday Night Lights sure are just as bright as they shine on those twirlers supporting their teams.

Each season this blog likes to get to know our awesome Texas twirlers a little better by learning about them and their experiences. We will be meeting a new High School twirler each Friday and discovering more about our Texas Collegians during the week. Make sure to follow us at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx or on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx for live content and Insta-story take overs by some of your favorites.

This week’s Friday Night Lights Feature is the Melissa High School Feature Twirler!

Melissa High School, located in Melissa, Texas (northeast of Dallas), is the home of the Cardinals, and the first ever MHS Feature Twirler, Hollyn Fleming-Stump! After meeting with the band director in the spring, Hollyn performed a routine in front of three judges and was selected to be the inaugural Cardinal Twirler.

While twirling is new to MHS, the school traditions run deep. Hollyn tells us her favorite tradition occurs at the end of every football game. “After the game is over, the band plays the school song and the football guys, and everyone in the stands, will stop in point their finger towards the sky.”

She has also had the opportunity to work alongside the marching band, not just as a twirler, but also as a part of the Colorguard and Band. When asked what the best part of marching season was for her, she told us it was, "Definitely Summer Band Camp!" Hollyn also enjoys all of the band inside jokes (Simba!), and the morning practice runs before school starts.

Now that we have learned more about how she became the MHS Twirler, let’s learn more about Hollyn!

Hollyn Fleming-Stump, Freshman
Competition Level: Beginner/Intermediate (USTA)
Hollyn has been twirling for four years with Coaches Sherry Thompson, Lori Perkins, and Alicia Olivier. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was first place in her Freestyle at Regionals. Her favorite competition trick is a toss, leap, front walkover and her favorite field trick is a toss aerial. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Karissa Wimberly and Savannah Miller. After High School she plans to go to college and possibly twirl at the collegiate level.



Fun Facts!

Favorite Quote…
“What is hard now will someday be your warmup.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“There is not much time after twirling, Colorguard, Band, and homework!”

Something people might not know about her is…
“I love snakes.”

Most memorable advice from her Coach…
“If you are not bleeding, it’s a rip off.”

Favorite moment as a competition baton twirler…
“Performing an all catch, perfect freestyle routine at Regionals to Wonder Woman’s Wrath.”

Favorite moment as a field baton twirler…
“When the little girls are in awe watching me, and all the support I get from the stands!"

Funniest moment as a baton twirling…
“When the cheer coach's two-year-old daughter ran and got one of my batons and brought it to me while I was performing a routine. I had to finish that routine with two batons.”

Through her many hours practicing for being a competition and a field twirler, Hollyn has learned many skills, but she finds persistence to be the one she values most. “No matter when you start, with hard work and dedication, you can move up.”

Finally, we asked her what advice she would pass on to twirlers wanting to one day twirl for their High School, and she told us that she suggests getting some chalk. “When learning a new trick, chalk mark the distance of that trick and then practice your tossing the length of the chalk marks.”

We want to say thank you to Hollyn and we hope she had an amazing football season!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it.

Contest Calendar Series: 2019 ATX Holiday Twirl Fest

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Now that we are in to November, the hints of the holidays are starting to show up everywhere. Music, lights, shopping.. and even twirling contests! It is time to get ready to celebrate one of the best times of the year in the Austin, TX area with all your favorite twirling friends.

Today our Contest Calendar Series is about the 2019 ATX Holiday Twirl Fest!

*MAIL IN REGISTRATION DEADLINE SATURDAY* 
Please note that the mail in registration deadline for this contest is this Saturday, November 16th, but they will continue to accept online registrations until midnight on Friday, November 22nd. Visit http://www.twirlatx.com/atx-twirl-fest.html to find the online registration form and the paper entry.

PLAYOFF HOLDS - If your High Schooler wants to enter but may have a football play-offs conflict, please have them register online, but do not pay via PayPal! After registering online, hit submit, but close the pay screen when it opens. Then email atxtwirlfest@gmail.com requesting a Playoff Hold to make arrangements for payment. Please do not pay via PayPal if you need a hold!

Who? What? When? Where? Why?
Who - Hosted by the Hutto HS Winterguard & Directed by Ashley Wood and Whitney Coons
What - 2019 ATX Holiday Twirl Fest
When - Saturday, December 7th, 2019. Doors open at 7:45 am. Contest begins at 8:15 am.
Where - Hutto High School, 101 Chris Kelley Blvd, Hutto, TX 78634 (North East of Austin, TX)

Why - The ATX Holiday Twirl Fest is a fun holiday themed contest. Holiday music is played for modeling and solo, the decorations and awards are holiday themed (custom snowflake ornament medals, snowflake trophies, etc), compete for Miss Holiday Model or the Miss Twirling Snowflake title, or catch a photo op with the Candy Cane archway! Great way to get into the holiday spirit with all of your twirling friends.

CONTEST HASHTAG! #atxtwirlfest2019
For this event we strongly encourage our Texas Twirlers to utilize the hashtag #atxtwirlfest2019 when posting photos of the competition weekend on social media. Use the hashtag and your photo could end up on this blog or the contest site! Don't forget to tag @twirlingiscatchingtx on Facebook or Instagram and we may share your pic on one of our pages.

Highlighted Event - Created to honor contest co-director, Ashley Wood's, mother, who fought and defeated Breast Cancer in 2015, and to celebrate all the women in our twirling community that have overcome so much, there is a special Best Costume event, unlike any Best Costume event you have seen before. The "Honorary Best Costume" competition puts all ages against each other on the floor at the same time to judge who has the "best costume". The entry fee for this event ($10) is a direct donation to Twirling to Fight Cancer. TTFC Founder, John 'Baton' Mitchell, will once again be judging at the contest, and will be there to accept the donation check. Last year this event raised $250.00 for TTFC... What will it be this year?

Congrats to Collyn Lambeck, the recipient of the 2018 Best Costume Award

Interested in attending this event? Visit http://www.twirlatx.com/atx-twirl-fest.html to find the paper registration form or the online registration link. Have any questions? Contact atxtwirlfest@gmail.com or call /text Ashley at 512-848-7426. We hope to see everyone in December!

Also, don't forget to check out www.texastwirl.com/contests.html for information and entry forms for many upcoming contests in and around the State of Texas. There are so many great contests heading our way, and we don't want anyone to miss out!

We hope you have this edition of the Contest Calendar Series. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some info we could use to help highlight our sport? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it.

Friday Night Lights Feature - Needville High School Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

This Monday we are continuing our journey to meet the many great twirlers around Texas. This post would have normally come on Friday evening, but due to connectivity issues we are making a special Friday Night Lights post this lovely Monday. We are always happy to celebrate Texas twirlers any day of the week!

Each season this blog likes to get to know our awesome Texas twirlers a little better by learning about them and their experiences. We will be meeting a new High School twirler each Friday and discovering more about our Texas Collegians during the week. Make sure to follow us at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx or on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx for live content and Insta-story take overs by some of your favorites.

This week’s Friday Night Lights Feature is the Needville High School Twirlers!

Needville High School, located southwest of the Houston area, is the home of the Fighting Blue Jays, and these two awesome twirlers! NHS Twirlers, Emily Wittneben and Jailyn Webb, brighten up the field each Friday night as they perform for their community.

How did these two become the Blue Jay twirlers? “Tryouts are usually held on a Thursday or Friday.  The week of tryouts, the twirlers are given “open gym” where the gyms are reserved for the twirlers to practice on the gym floor where tryouts are held. A “mock” tryout is held on Wednesday prior to actual tryouts.  High School twirlers, in addition to their solo, must learn a “group” routine that they must do at tryouts. This helps the judges to see how well the twirlers do with memorizing a routine in a short time, and more importantly how they twirl in a line, (i.e. counting, and working as a team). On the day of tryouts, the Jr High and High School both hold tryouts. The High School twirlers must perform their solo to their choice of music, demonstrate mastery of fundamentals, and then a group routine.”

Both Emily and Jailyn were honored to be named the twirlers this season, as they love getting to be a part of NHS Game Day. We asked them what their favorite part is, and they told us about their stadium walk. “Before every home game, the band marches from the high school to the stadium with the Twirlers leading the way. Police Officers close the road for the band to walk over as our football stadium is down the road from the actual high school.”

As the twirlers, they are a part of the NHS Marching Band and get to enjoy all the fun traditions that come with being members. They told us their best memories come from joining with their band friends. “At the end of summer band, we have a water day.  Seniors throw water balloons, and the fire department sends a fire truck over to come and spray the kids with water to cool them down. Also, before every performance, whether it is a game or a marching competition, the twirlers and color guard come together to pray for a successful performance.”

Now that we have learned about becoming NHS twirlers, lets learn more about Emily and Jailyn!

Emily Wittneben, Sophomore
Competition Level – Beginner
Emily has been twirling for 13 years and works with Coaches Tracey Sweeny (her mom!), Patti Jan, Jana Reid, and Heather Mikel. She is the proudest of winning the Marching Auxiliaries Regional Solo. Her favorite trick is juggling 5 batons between her and her partner. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Adaline Bebo. After high school she hopes to twirl at a University and go to college for Nursing.

Jailyn Webb, Freshman
Competition Level: Beginner
Jailyn has been twirling for 11 years and works with Coaches Patti Jan and Heather Holland. She is the proudest of receiving the “High Point Winner” award at the Needville Twirling Competition. Her favorite trick is one she learned this summer at Camp. “It is a two-baton trick where I do a horizontal high toss, then using the other baton when it comes down, I pop it in the middle and the baton goes to my partner”. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Savannah Miller. After high school she hopes to attend Texas A&M.

Fun Facts!
Favorite Color – Purple (Emily & Jailyn)
Favorite Movie – Hallmark Christmas Movies (Emily & Jailyn)
Favorite Music – Country Music (Jailyn), Country and Pop (Emily)

Favorite Quote…
Emily – “Act as if what you do makes a difference… It does!”
Jailyn – “When you don’t succeed, try harder!”

When they are not twirling, they love to…
Emily – “Sleep, watch Netflix, and hang out with friends.”
Jailyn – “Hang out with friends.”

Something you might not know about them is…
Emily – “I am really hard on myself and expect perfect routines.”
Jailyn – “Not only do I twirl, but I also play basketball and softball.”

Most memorable advice from their coaches…
Emily – “Everyone has a different style; you can twirl your own!”
Jailyn – “Go out there and enjoy the experience and the performance.”

Favorite moment of twirling together…
“Over the summer, The High School Twirlers attended the South Texas Camp of Champions in Gonzales.  They had a lot of time to spend together and had a lot of fun!! Lots of laughs that week, including an encounter with a family of skunks!!”

Funniest moment of twirling together…
“While performing at halftime at a football game, Jailyn got hit in the mouth. We thought it was lipstick on her teeth, but it was really blood.  She never missed a beat and performed the entire halftime without it affecting her.”

Through the many hours of practice, these twirlers have learned many things, but they have found that teamwork is what makes this experience so positive for them. “You have to work together in order to succeed.”

Finally, we asked them what advice they would pass on to any twirlers who want to one day twirl for their High School, and they told us, “When you fail, stay positive and try again.”

We want to say thank you to Emily and Jailyn for being this week’s feature and congrats on a great season!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it.