We are BACK and SOOO ready for Football Season. We hope everyone has had a great break since AYOP (or has survived being crazy busy with band camp like I have!). Tonight those Friday Night Lights turn back on in stadiums all over Texas, and with that comes the sights and sounds of football teams, marching bands, and our favorite, lots of sparkly baton twirlers!
Each season this blog likes to get to know some of these awesome twirlers a little better by learning about them, their experiences, and their advice for future Feature twirlers. We will be meeting a new High School twirler each Friday through the season with the Friday Night Lights Features, and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights during the week.
To kick of the season we are starting with a super talented twirler that is a current regional title holder. Today we get to travel up in to the panhandle to meet the Lubbock Coronado Feature Twirler, Kirby Stanek!
Living in Lubbock, Kirby was influenced early by the twirlers from Texas Tech University, which lead to her getting in to baton twirling. "I have wanted to be the Texas Tech Feature Twirler since I was 5 years old!" Kirby has been working hard to meet that goal in competition which paid off this season when she won the title of 2018 Junior Miss Majorette of the Southwest!
What advice does Kirby have for those striving to one day be a Feature Twirler or win a major Regional title? "Always listen to your coach. She is always right!" We know Kirby's coach, Bethany Tolley, is nodding in agreement right now. In fact, all the coaches reading this probably are as well. Wise words Kirby! Now let's get to know a little more about Kirby's twirling career so far and some Fun Facts about her life.
Kirby Stanek, Sophomore
Competition Level: Advanced
Kirby has been twirling for ten years with the BT Performers and Coach Bethany Tolley. She is the most proud of winning the National Solo Title when she was nine. Her favorite competition trick is a 4 Spin Catch Backhand and her favorite field trick is a Toss Cartwheel. After High School she hopes to stick around Lubbock and try her hand as a Red Raider.
Fun Facts!
Favorite Quote: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phil. 4:13
Most Inspired By: Former Texas Tech Feature Twirler, Sydney Webster
What does she do when she isn't twirling? "I love the play volleyball with my high school team."
Something you may not know about her: "I love to do CrossFit and lift heavy weights."
Best Advice from her Coach: "Never have grabby hands."
Favorite Twirling First: "The first time twirling in front of a packed stadium!"
Best Life Skill she has learned from Baton Twirling: "Going outside of your comfort zone."
Most Fun Twirling Moment: "Anytime I travel with the Texas Tech Twirlers! They are hilarious!"
As a Feature Twirler at Lubbock Coronado High School, Kirby has been able to be a part of a lot of fun traditions and experiences. Her favorite school tradition is when she gets to high five all of the players after the game. Her favorite moment as a Feature Twirler though was when she got the chance to twirl at Abilene Christian University during the football playoffs last year.
We asked Kirby what she will miss the most when this marching season is over and she told us "I will miss those loud drums, but that means competition season is here!" We totally get that!
Thank you so much for being our first interview of the season Kirby! We wish you the best of luck tonight and this season as you rock it on the Lubbock Coronado field. It's a great day to be a Mustang twirler!
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 to them!