Friday Night Lights Feature - Glen Rose High School

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Those Friday Night Lights are back and in full swing. We know a good portion of our Texas Twirling Community is either getting ready or on their way to a game right now! So exciting to see all the pics of our Texas Twirlers rocking it on those football fields. If you post a pic on social media of yourself or your feature twirler doing what they do at football games and pep rallies, please tag us and we will share the pics with our community. You can tag the Twirling is Catching TX Edition FB Page or on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx. Don't forget to use the hashtag #twirlingiscatchingtx as well!

To kick off our feature twirler coverage we are re-starting our Friday Night Lights Feature with a twirler that is brand new to high school twirling. Coming from Glen Rose, Texas, let's learn more about the new freshman Glen Rose Feature Twirler, Laney Whitefield!

Coached by Vicki Ray from Fort Worth, Laney started twirling when she was in 1st grade. Keeping true with her Coach's Advice to "Never Say I Can't", this young lady does a little bit of everything while still showing off her twirling skills to the Glen Rose community. Lane attributes her ability to be involved in many activities to the lessons she has taken from baton twirling. "I have learned to work very hard and that practice at anything takes commitment and time to get better. Also, I believe that twirlers are very versatile and learn to juggle not only batons, but many hats as well".

In order to earn her spot, Laney had to audition in front of the High School Band Director and the Glen Rose Colorguard. While this was a big moment for her, she was prepared after her many years of competition, and nailed it at her first appearance as the GRHS Feature Twirler. Performing at the first Pep Rally of the season, "Meet the Tigers", was an extra special opportunity for her because GRHS takes their Pep Rallies and their football seriously! "Nearly the entire town attends pep rallies and football games in Glen Rose, and we have the best pep rallies with the best fans! Our town is full of Tiger Pride!"

Laney Whitefield, Freshman, Competition Level: Beginner
Laney has been twirling for 9 years. She is the most proud of winning her Sportsmanship Award. Her favorite competition trick is the long arm roll and her favorite field trick is a high toss cart wheel. After High School, Laney wants to twirl for a Major University as well as study to become a Doctor.











Who is she most inspired by? "I currently love watching Ansley Cartee, who is the Clemson Feature Twirler. I also admire the SMU Feature Twirler, Alex Bridges, because she is always so sweet and takes time out to visit with the younger twirlers at Competitions. When I was little, I loved watching former Texas Tech Feature Twirler, Amanda Tolley, because she made it look so easy".

Fun Facts! 
Color: "I like a lot of colors!"
Movie: Mamma Mia, "I love Musicals"
Musician: Arcade Fire, "I really like their music"
Favorite Quote: "You have got to kick fear to the side because the payoff is huge"
Best GRHS Band Tradition: "Doing the drum cadences"

What does she do when she isn't twirling? "I love being on the GRHS Tennis Team, swimming on the Granbury Seals Swim Team, going to gymnastics, drawing, and hanging out with my friends". Wow! SO many hobbies and teams! Busy girl!

Something you may not know about her: "I love airport security and hotel stays... but I hate getting my feet dirty (which is silly considering I live in jazz shoes)." Ugh! Jazz Shoes and dirty feet! So true!

Funniest Twirl Moment: "I had a costume strap come undone at a pep rally, and had to grab my top during an illusion." Yikes! Glad you caught the strap and the baton!

Favorite Individual Twirling Moment: "Moving up out of novice, and winning at Oklahoma's State competition this year. I hope to move out of Beginner soon too. It is always great to move up!"

Advice for future HS Twirlers: "There will always be people (kids and adults) that do not believe in you or what you do, but always keep your head up high and continue to practice and work toward your goals."

Such great advice from this freshman twirler. We wish Laney an amazing first year representing our sport in the Glen Rose Community. We know she will do a great job and we can't wait to see all that she will accomplish from here. Go Tigers!

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