Hello Texas Twirl Fans!
As we cross into October, which already puts us almost halfway through football season, we are excited to feature our next collegiate twirlers. We hope you enjoyed following their Instastory Takeover on Saturday, and we know you will enjoy learning more about these awesome twirlers today!
Each season this blog likes to get to know many of our awesome Texas twirlers a little better by learning about their experiences. We will be meeting many High School twirlers throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights. We will also be having many of our High School and Collegiate twirlers take over our Social Media Story for their Game Days! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx or at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx so you don't miss a thing!
Our next Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is on the University of Arizona Twirlers!
The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, is the home of the Wildcats! It is also home to this wonderful Twirling Team! The 2026-2027 University of Arizona Twirlers includes Paige Epp, Emma Latour, Ava Migliazzo, Kimika Shimazaki, Ava Frese, & #TeamTexas twirler - Evelyn Henry!
While the University of Arizona’s mascot is the Wildcats, their school saying is “Bear Down”. We wanted to know how that came to be, and we were able to learn the history behind the well known saying! “The famous Arizona saying “Bear Down” came from the student body president and school quarterback John Button Salmon, who whispered in his coach's ear to tell his team to Bear Down as his dying words right before he passed away in a tragic car accident in 1926.The same saying “Bear Down” is written on the rough of Bear Down gym, the old basketball arena which still is a stable building on campus. Then, Jack Lee, a past Band Director, saw the words “Bear Down” on the roof of Bear Down gym when he flew to Tucson to interview for the Band Director position. He then wrote Arizona’s fight song “Bear Down Arizona” which is still used today.”
This team of Feature Twirlers is led by their twirling coordinator, Kirsten Grabo. We wanted to know how these twirlers came together and what the process included. “To audition to the University of Arizona you first reach out to Kirsten Grabo via email declaring your interest. From there, she will give you a list of things needed to be seen when you submit your video audition. If you make it to final audition rounds, Kirsten will email inviting you to in person auditions. In person auditions are held beginning of April at the University of Arizona. This audition includes twirling with the current team, performing Bear Down, fight, and a 2-3 baton routine. You will also perform an individual show twirl, spotlighting your 1,2,3, and 4 baton skills to the panel of judges. You then have an interview with the panel of judges to conclude the audition process.”
Once they have completed this process, the new season’s team is announced. As an Arizona Twirler, this group gets a lot of amazing opportunities. “We twirl with the Pride of Arizona Marching Band. This means we are incorporated into the marching bands drill during pregame, and halftime performances. We Twirl 1,2,3 and sometimes 4 batons during halftime, as well as lighted batons. Another fun fact about the Twirling Team is that we get to twirl on the sidelines cheering Arizona on for the whole game. Not only do we twirl for football, but we twirl at all the men’s basketball games as well!”
With the members of the team coming from Texas, Illinois, Iowa, California, and even Canada, we wanted to know why they all chose Arizona? “We all wanted to go to school far away from home, and Arizona has really good programs for all of our areas of interest.” Arizona has given them all a great twirling option while all pursuing their ideal fields of study, but they also love the campus!. “We all love the beautiful campus! Who doesn't love palm trees!”
The weather is also a big factor in why they chose Arizona. “One thing we love about our school is the warm weather year round and all of the mountains and hiking locations in Tucson. Twirling wise we love the appreciation our school has for twirling, like letting us twirl the entirety of football games on the sidelines, and letting us twirl at every basketball game!”
Palm trees, nice weather, and a great school? Sounds like a win! What would make it even better? Great traditions! They all say their favorite school tradition is the Wildcat Walk, and of course they have to include the band march off. “We do a march off every year at the end of the season with all the other sections! It is always fun to see the other sections get competitive and for us to show off our marching skills!”
Finally, we asked them what they are most looking forward to this season, and they all are excited about the possibility of a Bowl Game, and also the start of Basketball season!
Now that we have learned more about twirling at Arizona, let's learn more about the twirlers!
Paige Epp, Captain
Paige is a senior from Airdrie Alberta Canada, who is majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Adolescent Education, Music. She is an advanced/elite level competitor that has been twirling for 14 years. She is a member of Elite Aridrie Baton and is coached by Loren Dermody. The competition placements she is the proudest of winning was competing in International competitions in 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023, and receiving multiple metals and top 10 placements. Her favorite twirling trick is anything with three batons, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Julee Stewart and Jennifer Marcus. After college, she hopes to become a Pediatric Speech Pathologist.
Paige is a senior from Airdrie Alberta Canada, who is majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Adolescent Education, Music. She is an advanced/elite level competitor that has been twirling for 14 years. She is a member of Elite Aridrie Baton and is coached by Loren Dermody. The competition placements she is the proudest of winning was competing in International competitions in 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023, and receiving multiple metals and top 10 placements. Her favorite twirling trick is anything with three batons, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Julee Stewart and Jennifer Marcus. After college, she hopes to become a Pediatric Speech Pathologist.
Favorites!
Favorite Color - Yellow
Favorite TV Show - Desperate House Wives
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink…
“Nerd Gummy Clusters.”
“Nerd Gummy Clusters.”
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“C’est La Vie.”
“C’est La Vie.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to.....
“Hangout with friends, go on hikes, and go for coffee.”
“Hangout with friends, go on hikes, and go for coffee.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I love to sew, and sew clothes, bags, and other fun things!”
“I love to sew, and sew clothes, bags, and other fun things!”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Determination. Baton has taught me to never give up, even when things get hard.”
“Determination. Baton has taught me to never give up, even when things get hard.”
The most memorable advice from her coach...
“Practice like you have never won. Baton performances are muscle memory, you want to be so prepared that your mind lets your body take over!”
“Practice like you have never won. Baton performances are muscle memory, you want to be so prepared that your mind lets your body take over!”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers...
“Twirl with full confidence at all times! The fans pick up on vibes, if you are nervous they will feel it! You have nothing to lose, so always go out and have fun!”
“Twirl with full confidence at all times! The fans pick up on vibes, if you are nervous they will feel it! You have nothing to lose, so always go out and have fun!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler...
“My funniest moment as a baton twirler was my sophomore year at the University of Arizona during one of our halftime performances. We went from part 1 of our show to part 2, and I got so into part 1 that when I hit my ending pose for part 1, I stayed in it while the band moved to set part 2.”
“My funniest moment as a baton twirler was my sophomore year at the University of Arizona during one of our halftime performances. We went from part 1 of our show to part 2, and I got so into part 1 that when I hit my ending pose for part 1, I stayed in it while the band moved to set part 2.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“I will miss the feeling of performing pregame with the Pride of Arizona. Pregame is an electric
feeling when the crowd starts to cheer and the music starts to play!”
Ava Frese
Ava is a freshman from Iowa City, Iowa, who is majoring in Psychology. She is an advanced level baton twirling that has been twirling for 11 years. She is a member of Ambition Baton and Dance in Iowa and she is coached by Jessica Maxwell. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was winning Advanced Junior Miss Majorette of Iowa in 2024. Her favorite twirling trick is a toss front walkover, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Ella McDaniel. After college, she hopes to get a PhD in psychology.
“I will miss the feeling of performing pregame with the Pride of Arizona. Pregame is an electric
feeling when the crowd starts to cheer and the music starts to play!”
Ava is a freshman from Iowa City, Iowa, who is majoring in Psychology. She is an advanced level baton twirling that has been twirling for 11 years. She is a member of Ambition Baton and Dance in Iowa and she is coached by Jessica Maxwell. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was winning Advanced Junior Miss Majorette of Iowa in 2024. Her favorite twirling trick is a toss front walkover, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Ella McDaniel. After college, she hopes to get a PhD in psychology.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite Movie or Book – Harry Potter
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink…
“Fruit snacks.”
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail” — Kobe Bryant
“Fruit snacks.”
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail” — Kobe Bryant
When she is not twirling, she loves to...
“Find other ways to stay active, like going to the gym!”
“Find other ways to stay active, like going to the gym!”
Something people might not know about her...
“I love doing my own nails.”
“I love doing my own nails.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is...
“Confidence.”
“Confidence.”
The most memorable advice from her coach...
“There is no harm in trying.”
“There is no harm in trying.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers...
“The school is just as important as the position.”
“The school is just as important as the position.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler...
“Getting batons stuck in the ceiling at our studio.”
“Getting batons stuck in the ceiling at our studio.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Halftime performances on the field.”
Evelyn Henry
Evelyn is a freshman from Dallas, Texas, who is majoring in Business Management. She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 11 years. She is a member of Texas Touch of Class where she is coached by Sheila Rigelsky. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the 2026 Senior Miss West of the Mississippi. Her favorite twirling tricks are illusions, walkovers, and fujimis, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her coach, Sheila Rigelsky. After college, she hopes to run the social media of a sports team and continue as a twirling coach.
“Halftime performances on the field.”
Evelyn is a freshman from Dallas, Texas, who is majoring in Business Management. She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 11 years. She is a member of Texas Touch of Class where she is coached by Sheila Rigelsky. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the 2026 Senior Miss West of the Mississippi. Her favorite twirling tricks are illusions, walkovers, and fujimis, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her coach, Sheila Rigelsky. After college, she hopes to run the social media of a sports team and continue as a twirling coach.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite Book or Movie – The Hunger Games (books and movies!)
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink…
“Pringles and Lemon-Lime Liquid IV.”
“Pringles and Lemon-Lime Liquid IV.”
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“We are a product of everyone we have loved!”
“We are a product of everyone we have loved!”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Grab a sweet treat with my friends.”
“Grab a sweet treat with my friends.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I have a Duolingo streak of over 1400 days!”
“I have a Duolingo streak of over 1400 days!”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Conversational skills with all kinds of different people.”
“Conversational skills with all kinds of different people.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Don't overthink and be #zen.”
“Don't overthink and be #zen.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
“Enjoy each and every performance!”
“Enjoy each and every performance!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“My jazz shoe came off when I was doing an illusion during my solo.”
“My jazz shoe came off when I was doing an illusion during my solo.”
What event are she most looking forward to this season?
“My first basketball game in McKale.”
“My first basketball game in McKale.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“The energy of the crowd during touchdowns!”
Kimika Shimazaki
Kimika is a sophomore from San Jose, California that is majoring in Global Studies with a minor in Japanese Culture. She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 14 years. She is a member of Valley Baton Club where she is coached by Paige Campbell. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the 2024 USTA Nationals Intermediate Solo 17. Her favorite twirling tricks are back of neck rolls, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Amelia Di Paola. After college, she hopes to work in healthcare and to continue spreading the joy of twirling.
“The energy of the crowd during touchdowns!”
Kimika is a sophomore from San Jose, California that is majoring in Global Studies with a minor in Japanese Culture. She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 14 years. She is a member of Valley Baton Club where she is coached by Paige Campbell. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the 2024 USTA Nationals Intermediate Solo 17. Her favorite twirling tricks are back of neck rolls, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Amelia Di Paola. After college, she hopes to work in healthcare and to continue spreading the joy of twirling.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Purple
Favorite Series – Frieren
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink…
“Sour Bubbs Gummies.”
“Sour Bubbs Gummies.”
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Misogi.”
“Misogi.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to...
“Spend time with friends and cook good food.”
“Spend time with friends and cook good food.”
Something people might not know about her...
“I love matcha.”
“I love matcha.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is...
“It's all about mindset!”
“It's all about mindset!”
The most memorable advice from her coach...
“Sky is the limit!”
“Sky is the limit!”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers...
“Start recording yourself and those videos will not only improve your twirling, but could be used
for your video audition.”
“Start recording yourself and those videos will not only improve your twirling, but could be used
for your video audition.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler...
“When I slipped and fell during a trick and caught it.”
“When I slipped and fell during a trick and caught it.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Twirling with everyone in the marching band as a big group for halftime!”
Ava Migliazzo
Ava is a Junior from Geneva,Illinois, who is majoring in Nursing. She is an advanced competitor that has been twirling for 11 years. She is a member of Silver Knights Baton Twirling Corp. and is coached by JoAnn Britton. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was being named Miss Majorette of Illinois in 2021/Junior, 2022/Senior, & 2023/Senior. Her favorite twirling tricks are low flip, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her teammates. After college, she hopes to become an ICU nurse.
“Twirling with everyone in the marching band as a big group for halftime!”
Ava is a Junior from Geneva,Illinois, who is majoring in Nursing. She is an advanced competitor that has been twirling for 11 years. She is a member of Silver Knights Baton Twirling Corp. and is coached by JoAnn Britton. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was being named Miss Majorette of Illinois in 2021/Junior, 2022/Senior, & 2023/Senior. Her favorite twirling tricks are low flip, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her teammates. After college, she hopes to become an ICU nurse.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite TV Show – Friends
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink…
“Goldfish.”
“Goldfish.”
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“The work is always worth it.”
“The work is always worth it.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to...
“Read books.”
“Read books.”
Something people might not know about her...
“I read 40 books over the summer.”
“I read 40 books over the summer.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is...
“Learning that the work is always worth it.”
“Learning that the work is always worth it.”
The most memorable advice from her coach...
“My coach would always tell me to trust my training.”
“My coach would always tell me to trust my training.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers...
“Don’t doubt yourself.”
“Don’t doubt yourself.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler...
“I have had multiple performances where my shoes have fallen off, and I have faceplanted in front of the entire band.”
“I have had multiple performances where my shoes have fallen off, and I have faceplanted in front of the entire band.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“I am going to miss seeing my teammates everyday.”
Emma Latour
Emma is a Junior from Naperville, Illinois, who is majoring in Elementary Education, She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 14 years. She was a member of The Silver Knights Baton Corps and was coached by JoAnn Britton and Olivia Negris. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the 2019 Miss Majorette of Illinois. Her favorite twirling tricks are spins and “anything with a walkover”, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Danielle Hull, her former teammate in corps and high school.” After college, she hopes to become an elementary or middle school teacher.
“I am going to miss seeing my teammates everyday.”
Emma is a Junior from Naperville, Illinois, who is majoring in Elementary Education, She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 14 years. She was a member of The Silver Knights Baton Corps and was coached by JoAnn Britton and Olivia Negris. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the 2019 Miss Majorette of Illinois. Her favorite twirling tricks are spins and “anything with a walkover”, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Danielle Hull, her former teammate in corps and high school.” After college, she hopes to become an elementary or middle school teacher.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – green
Favorite Movie – Mamma Mia
Favorite Color – green
Favorite Movie – Mamma Mia
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink…
“Nerd gummy clusters.”
“Nerd gummy clusters.”
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“You will never know until you try.”
“You will never know until you try.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Hang out with friends and be outside.”
“Hang out with friends and be outside.”
Something people might not know about her is…
“I have been skydiving.”
“I have been skydiving.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Time management and commitment, especially when it comes to twirling in college.”
“Time management and commitment, especially when it comes to twirling in college.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“To practice like you are going to perform so you have that muscle memory and there's no surprises when you get out on the floor/field.”
“To practice like you are going to perform so you have that muscle memory and there's no surprises when you get out on the floor/field.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
“Video everything and take as many opportunities as you can to twirl in front of an audience.”
“Video everything and take as many opportunities as you can to twirl in front of an audience.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“When she was competing in duet with her duet partner and on one of our exchanges we both hit the ceiling and both our batons went flying in different directions and we couldn’t stop laughing including the judge so we had to salute and just end our routine.”
“When she was competing in duet with her duet partner and on one of our exchanges we both hit the ceiling and both our batons went flying in different directions and we couldn’t stop laughing including the judge so we had to salute and just end our routine.”
What is her favorite thing about her school?
“One thing I love about my school is the warm weather year round and all of the mountains and hiking locations in Tucson. Twirling wise I love the appreciation our school has for twirling, like letting us twirl the entirety of football games on the sidelines, and letting us twirl at every basketball game.”
“One thing I love about my school is the warm weather year round and all of the mountains and hiking locations in Tucson. Twirling wise I love the appreciation our school has for twirling, like letting us twirl the entirety of football games on the sidelines, and letting us twirl at every basketball game.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Getting to perform and/or practice in Casino Del Sol Stadium 4+ times a week.”
“Getting to perform and/or practice in Casino Del Sol Stadium 4+ times a week.”
We want to thank the Arizona Twirlers for sharing their Game Day with us, and we enjoyed learning more about them. Have a great rest of your season. Bear Down!
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.
