2024 Southwest Regional Pageant Winners - Advanced Pageant

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! 

Happy Summer Everyone! Before we jump into June, and the last few weeks before we crown our new State champions, let's finish up our Regional Winners series by recognizing our Advanced Pageant title holders! Congrats to all of these talented twirlers on their success at Regionals. 

Today we will be recognizing the 2024 Southwest Regional Miss Majorettes!

College Miss Majorette of the Southwest 

Alexis Tanner

University of Houston

Alexis is from Corpus Christi, Texas, but is currently a graduate student and Feature Twirler at the University of Houston. She is a member of the Mickey's Majorettes where she is coached by Patti Mickey & Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. Her favorite memory from Regionals was when they were announcing her pageant results. "After I got announced as the winner, I started crying tears of happiness. Then, the youngest members of our team, Caroline and Savannah, started hugging and comforting me. This was super special to me because I love everyone on my team so much, especially the littles!" This summer she is most looking forward to representing UH on the National level and getting to spend time with all of her friends.

Senior Miss Majorette of the Southwest

Sophie O'Reilly

Sophie is from San Antonio, Texas, where she is a Feature Twirler at Claudia Taylor Johnson High School. She is a member of the Legends and is coached by Liane Aramaki. Her favorite memory from Regionals was "getting to spend time with my teammates from California and getting the honor to pass out awards and be able to crown so many of my friends!" This summer she is looking forward to seeing her friends from around the country that she has made over the past year and getting to perform for judges from around the US.

Junior Miss Majorette of the Southwest

Jacie Conway

Jacie is from Spring, Texas, where she is the Feature Twirler at The Woodlands College Park High School. She is a member of the Mickey's Majorettes and is coached by Patti Mickey & Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. Her favorite memory from Regionals was being able to spend time with friends that she doesn't get to see often. This summer she looks forward to "all the excitement and memories that are made at Nationals!"

Pre-Teen Miss Majorette of the Southwest

Collyn Lambeck

Collyn is from Stockdale, Texas. She is a coached by Catherine Lattimore. Her favorite memory from Regionals was warming up with her friends Evelyn and Seanna in the practice gym. "That is my favorite part of every contest!" This summer she is most looking forward to seeing all of her friends from around the country at Nationals, "and walking tacos, of course!"

Juvenile Miss Majorette of the Southwest

Emery Ramirez

Emery is from Hutto, Texas. She is a member of Twirl ATX and is coached by Ashley Wood, as well as Whitney Coons & Kaylee Williams. Her favorite memory from Regionals was practicing and playing games with all of her friends between events. This summer she looks forward to "eating 1,000 pretzels and spending time with my teammates and hanging out together at our rental house!"

CONGRATS TO ALL OUR 2024 SOUTHWEST MISS MAJORETTES!

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. 

2024 Fall Twirler Announcements - University of Houston

 Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

It is that exciting time of year where twirlers are auditioning for twirling spots for the Fall. This blog hopes to help spread the excitement by announcing the selections for the lovely twirlers we will see on the field very soon in Texas or representing out of State. If you have an announcement for new twirler selections for 2024-25, please email texastwirlcontact@gmail.com so that we can help spread the word!

Today's we announce the new 2024-2025 University of Houston Feature Twirlers!

UH, located in Houston, TX, is the home of the Cougars and the Spirit of Houston Marching Band. Led by Coach Kayli Mickey-McIntosh, UH has a great history of twirlers shining on the field at TDECU stadium! This year we are excited that there will be two amazing twirlers continuing the tradition. 

The 2024-2025 University of Houston Feature Twirlers are Paige Carruthers & Alexis Tanner!

New to the field this season will be Paige Carruthers! Paige is from Oviedo, Florida, where she is coached by Candy and Karina from the Brite Stars Twirlers. She is a multiple time gold medal winner from the AAU Junior Olympics and is the Florida State Fair Intermediate Twirl-Off Winner. At UH she will be doing General Studies. She tells us "Being a Feature at UH is an amazing opportunity and I can't wait for the year to start!"

We asked Paige why she chose to leave Florida and attend Houston, and she told us, "I decided to go to UH because of the wide range of course available, and I travel to Houston often for family and other events going on in the area." She also can't wait for football season. "I am most excited to twirl on the football field for the first time, and I am also looking forward to meeting new people."

Returning to the field for her final season is our very own 2024 College Miss Majorette of the Southwest and Southwest Regional Collegiate Downfield Champion, Alexis Tanner! Alexis is from Corpus Christi, Texas, and has been a Feature at the University of Houston for two seasons, following her years as the Feature Twirler at UTSA. She is coached by Patti Mickey and Kayli Mickey-McIntosh of the Mickey's Majorettes. Alexis is currently earning her master's in mathematics, and hopes to "make the absolute most of my last year at UH with all of my friends!"

As she wraps up her time at UH, we asked her what originally brought her to Houston and she said, "The twirling program at UH is what interested me initially, but what keeps me coming back is the amazing sense of community at UH! You never meet a stranger. Everyone is so welcome and supportive!" She also shared with us two super fun facts about life at UH! "UH has a live mascot at the Houston Zoo that you can go visit, and it was the first University in Texas to have food robots."

We can't wait to see Paige and Alexis together this fall, and we know they be a fantastic pair! Go Coogs!

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.

2024 Fall Twirler Announcements - University of Texas, San Antonio

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

It is that exciting time of year where twirlers are auditioning for twirling spots for the Fall. This blog hopes to help spread the excitement by announcing the selections for the lovely twirlers we will see on the field very soon in Texas,and representing out of State. If you have an announcement for new twirler selections for 2024-25, please email texastwirlcontact@gmail.com so that we can help spread the word!

Today we are announcing the 2024-25 University of Texas - San Antonio Twirlers!

The University of Texas - San Antonio, also known as UTSA, is located in San Antonio, TX, and is the home of the "Spirit of San Antonio" - the Roadrunner Marching Band. Annually, the SOSA Auxiliary, coordinated by sponsor Mary Ann Srulowitz Pozzi, selects twirlers to serve in either feature or line positions. Auditions were held last month selecting one new Feature Twirler, and six line twirlers!

Premiering in the Alamadome this season will be Feature Twirler Elisabeth Kubena! Elisabeth is from Needville, Texas, where she was a Twirler at Needville High School.  

Joining Elisabeth on the field will be the UTSA Twirling Line which includes returning members, Maddie Brown (Captain), Kyra Bevill (Captain), Stephanie Garza, KayLynn Rieger, and Lauren Gluck, as well as new member Katy McClain! This Line will be working together this season to entertain and share twirling with the Roadrunner Fans. 

Maddie Brown is returning for her fourth season as a 2024 Captain. She is from New Braunfels, Texas. 

Kyra Bevill is returning for her second season as a 2024 Captain, and she is from Buda, Texas.

Stephanie Garza is returning for her fourth season, and she is from Corpus Christi, Texas.

KayLynn Reiger is returning for her second season, and she is from Needville, Texas.

Lauren Gluck is returning for her second season, and she is from Jacksonville, Texas.

Katy McClain is joining for her first season, and she is from New Braunfels, Texas. 

Make sure to follow these fantastic twirlers on their Instagram page @utsatwirlers or on Facebook at UTSA Twirlers. We look forward to seeing them together as they show off their SOSA Pride this Fall. Congrats Elisabeth, Maddi, Kyra, Stephanie, KayLynn, Lauren, and Katy! Go Roadrunners!

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. 

2024 Fall Twirler Announcements - Abilene Christian University

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

It is that exciting time of year where twirlers are auditioning for twirling spots for the Fall. This blog hopes to help spread the excitement by announcing the selections for the lovely twirlers we will see on the field very soon in Texas or representing out of State. If you have an announcement for new twirler selections for 2024-25, please email texastwirlcontact@gmail.com so that we can help spread the word!

Today's we announce the new 2024-2025 Abilene Christian University Feature Twirler!

ACU, located in Abilene, TX, is the home of the "Big Purple Marching Band". While they have a rich history of educating great musicians, their program has just returned to having twirlers over the past few years, and we are excited to say that this will continue into the new school year. 

For Fall 2024 ACU will be welcoming to the field their new Feature Twirler, Briley Harrell!

Briley is from Grady, Texas, where she was the Feature Twirler for Grady High School. She is coached by Marlene Torres, and at ACU she will be majoring in nursing. 

We asked Briley what interested her in ACU, and she said she just knew when she stepped on campus. "I went on a college visit and loved the campus size and atmosphere." Not the mention that some very notable country stars also walked the campus in their college days. As Briley tells us, "Both Aaron Watson & Ronnie Dunn are both graduates from ACU!"

Finally, we wanted to know what Briley is looking forward to the most, and she said she can't wait for Game Day! "I am super excited to take the field with the Big Purple Band at halftime. This will be the first time that I will perform with a band!"

We are so happy to see Briley have this opportunity, and we know she will do an amazing job! Go Wildcats!

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.

2024 Southwest Regional Pageant Winners - Intermediate Pageant

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! 

Happy Twirlies Week! Before we all head to San Antonio, lets continue meeting our Regional Winners

To celebrate our new Regional Pageant title holders, over the next few weeks, we will be recognizing them here on the blog. Congrats to all of these talented twirlers on their success at Regionals. 

Today we will be recognizing the 2024 Southwest Regional Intermediate Pageant Winners!

Senior Intermediate Pageant Winner 

Bridgy McCollum

Bridgy is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where she is currently the Feature Twirler at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. She is a member of the Vick's Chicks where she is coached by Vicki Ray for NBTA Events. She also gets additional instruction from Lynn Dell Harrell for USTA Events. Her favorite memory from Regionals was having her friend Sophie crown her and having her friends, Careum and Karianne, celebrating with her on the podium. This summer she is most looking forward to representing the Southwest Region! "I am also looking forward to experiencing annual traditions with family and friends including dinner with the Vick's Chicks at Tippecanoe, praying at the grotto at Notre Dame, and spending time at nearby Silver Beach. Also, I can't wait to go back to Fiddler's Hearth, an Irish pub and restaurant in South Bend, that has authentic Irish food and live music!"

Junior Intermediate Pageant Winner 

Corin Salamon

Corin is from Rosenberg, Texas. She is a member of the Mickey's Majorettes and is coached by Patti Mickey & Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. Her favorite memory from Regionals was that most of her family was able to attend, "making the entire weekend extra special!" This summer she is mostly looking forward to experiencing the traditions with her teammates, coaches, and her mother. "Additionally, I love meeting twirlers from other states, walking the Notre Dame campus, and enjoying the annual Starbuck's twirler drink!"

Pre-Teen Intermediate Pageant Winner 

Abigail Gorring

Abigail is from Conroe, Texas, and this fall she will be the twirler for Knox Junior High. She is a member of the Mickey's Majorettes and is coached by Patti Mickey & Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. Her favorite memory from Regionals was that during her downtime she had a lot of fun playing Game Pidgeon with her bestie. This summer she looks forward to "competing again at the national level... but mostly the pretzels!"

Juvenile Intermediate Pageant Winner 

Evelyn Winter

Evelyn is from Fort Worth, Texas. She is a coached by Vicki Ray of the Vick's Chicks, as well as Tori Mays Elyea, and is also a member of the Cowtown Strutters. Her favorite memory was having a no drop routine with her team and winning! This summer she is most looking forward to seeing all the friends she has made from across the US at Nationals!

CONGRATS TO ALL OUR REGIONAL INTERMEDIATE PAGEANT WINNERS!

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. 

2024 Fall Twirler Announcements - Kansas State University

 Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

It is that exciting time of year where twirlers are auditioning for twirling spots for the Fall. This blog hopes to help spread the excitement by announcing the selections for the lovely twirlers we will see on the field very soon in Texas or representing out of State. If you have an announcement for new twirler selections for 2024-25, please email texastwirlcontact@gmail.com so that we can help spread the word!

Today's we announce the new 2024-2025 Kansas State University K-State Twirler!

Kansas State University, also known as K-State, is located in Manhattan, Kansas, and is the home of the Wildcats. This coming fall it will also be the home of Texas Twirler turned Colorado Resident, Allie Phillips!

Allie Phillips, who originally established her place on #TeamTexas when she lived in the Dallas area, is now located in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and is the current Feature Twirler for Mountain Vista High School. Coached by Sheila Payne Rigelsky, and a member of Texas Touch of Class, Allie's twirling resume includes titles such as 2024 Teenage Miss Majorette of Colorado, Colorado State Solo & X-Strut Champion, and Miss Colorado's Teen Overall Talent Winner!

We asked Allie what interested her in K-State, and she told us that the community and school spirit around K-State is like no other! "I had the amazing opportunity of experiencing a game with the K-State Twirlers last fall. I had an amazing time and was in awe of everything K-State. There are so many school traditions that involve the band like the Wabash Cannonball that is played numerous times at games and involves the whole stadium moving back and forth! I am thrilled to be a part of this in the upcoming season!"

Why is Wabash Cannonball so special? Allie told us about a fun fact regarding this song. "There was actually a fire in the band hall in 1968 and the only piece of music saved was the Wabash Cannonball, making it one of the most played songs during game days!"

While Allie is at K-State she will be majoring in Kinesiology on track to become an Athletic Trainer. In addition to her studies, we asked what Allie is most excited for next year, and she told us that she cannot wait for Game Days! "I'm most excited for Game Day traditions like the bar crawls the night before when the band performs and gets fans excited for the games, as well as twirling for pregame and getting my name announced for the whole stadium!"

We know that we cannot wait to hear Allie's name called out and we know that she will be an amazing addition to the K-State twirlers. Congrats Allie and Go Wildcats!

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.

2024 Southwest Regional Pageant Winners - Beginner Pageant

 Hello Texas Twirl Fans! 

With just a little over a week until the Twirlies, it is time to continue our look at our Regional Winners

To celebrate our new Regional Pageant title holders, over the next few weeks, we will be recognizing them here on the blog. Congrats to all of these talented twirlers on their success at Regionals. 

Today we will be recognizing the 2024 Southwest Regional Beginner Pageant Winners!

Senior Beginner Pageant Winner 

Avery Bryan

Avery is from Henderson, Texas, where she is currently the Feature Twirler at Henderson High School, but this fall she will be attending Stephen F Austin State University and performing as a Twirl-O-Jack. She is a member of Precision Twirl and is coached by Paige Keitt, with additional instruction from Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. Her favorite memory from Regionals was getting to cheer on her current High School teammates as well as her future Twirl-O-Jack teammates! This summer she is excited to have the opportunity to perform at Notre Dame as it is her first time getting to attend NBTA Nationals!

Junior Beginner Pageant Winner 

Ava Gourley

Ava is from San Antonio, Texas. She is a member of the Twirling Sweet Sensations and is coached by Michele Pangrac. Her favorite memory from Regionals was getting to celebrate her win with her best friend Corin, who also won her pageant! Ava is looking forward to her first appearance at NBTA Nationals this summer and can't wait to meet twirlers from all over the USA!

Pre-Teen Beginner Pageant Winner 

Marissa Mason

Marissa is from Dallas, Texas, and this fall she will be the twirler for Cain Middle School. She is a member of the Texas Touch of Class and is coached by Sheila Rigelsky. Her favorite memory from Regionals was spending time with friends and cheering them on at the competition. For this summer she is looking forward to everything about NBTA Nationals. "I am just excited that I have the opportunity to compete!"

Juvenile Beginner Pageant Winner 

Madeleine Kay White

Madeleine Kay, also known as MK, is from The Woodlands, TX. She is a member of the Mickey's Majorettes and is coached by Patti Mickey and Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. Her favorite memory from Regionals was finding out she placed first in all three Beginner Pageant events! For NBTA Nationals, she is looking forward to seeing the many twirlers from all over the country.

Little Miss Beginner Pageant Winner 

Caroline Gee

Caroline is from Jacksonville, Texas. She is a member of the Mickey's Majorettes and is coached by Kayli Mickey-McIntosh and Patti Mickey. Her favorite memory from Regionals was sitting on the floor with the Mickeys Majorettes and saying 'MM4M" as loud as they could. "I was also so excited to be crowned by my teammate Alexis Tanner, the College Miss Majorette of the Southwest!" This summer she is looking forward to going to Nationals for the FIRST time and seeing all of the amazing twirlers!

CONGRATS TO ALL OUR REGIONAL BEGINNER PAGEANT WINNERS!

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.