Friday Night Lights Feature - Henderson High School

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Happy November! October has come and gone, which means we are coming to the end of this football season! How sad is that? We still have a few more opportunities left, so what better way to start the new month’s features than with one of the biggest twirling lines in the State of Texas! Wow!

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

Henderson High School, located in Henderson, Texas, is the home of the Lions, and a great tradition of baton twirling! We all love any chance to see one twirler on the field, so seeing EIGHTEEN is just amazing! We just had to learn more about this awesome group! Led by Coach Paige Keitt, the Henderson Twirlers include Feature Twirler Avery Bryan, and Line Twirlers Jakayla Alexander, Rory Richardson, Kaemyn Booker, Sophia Robinson, Bailey Coleman, Haley Butler, Jazlyn Cardenas, Hope Salas, Kara Dobbs, Michaela Rawlinson, Ne'Yaunah Leatch, Noeli Sanchez, Tessa Haynes, Melinda Cooley, Alexis Byrd, Anora Rigsby, and Trinity Mapps!

With so many twirlers, there has to be a whole process to decide who makes the field. We asked Feature Twirler, Avery Bryan, what the process was, and she filled us in. “For twirling auditions at our school, we practice a group routine a few weeks prior to tryouts, and perform in small groups. We also perform our multi baton solos.” 

Having a large group of twirlers must mean there is so much school spirit within this organization and the school, which turns out to be their favorite thing about attending HHS. “Our favorite thing about our school is how we all cheer each other on. The band and twirlers cheer on the cheerleaders and the cheerleaders cheer on the band and twirlers.” Love that! Their band is also definitely one worth cheering for, as they were the 2021 State Silver Medalists, and one of the very few east texas schools to still have a feature twirler!

We had to know what their favorite tradition was, and while each twirler has their own favs, one that they all love is the “Pass the Torch” pep rally. “We do this at the end of the year, and it is a pep rally where the seniors pass their “torch” down to a junior or sophomore in their organization.” What a neat tradition!

Now that we have learned more about life at HHS, let’s learn more about these twirlers!

Avery Bryan, Senior

Feature Twirler

Avery had been twirling for 10 years. She is coached by Paige Keitt at Precision Twirl, with additional support from Kayli Mickey-Mcintosh. Her favorite trick is a toss double illusion. After high school she hopes to be a feature twirler in college!

• Favorite Quote… “Somewhere behind the athlete you've become, the hours of practice, and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the sport and never looked back. Perform for her.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Read, spend time with my friends, and swim!”
• Something people might not know about her… “I am currently valedictorian of my senior class!”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Don't take any moment for granted. High school goes by SO fast and then all of a sudden you’re a senior and you have to walk off the field for the last time. Enjoy it!!”

Kaemyn Booker, Senior

Kaemyn has been twirling for 12 years with Coach Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is doing fishtails with a leg hold. After high school, she hopes to, “Go to the University of Arkansas and major in Nursing to become an L&D nurse.”

• Favorite Quote… “Before asking God for anything, first thank Him for everything.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Hangout with my friends.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I signed up for The Voice, but then chickened out before my audition.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Take it all in and soak up the sweet moments you have with each other. It only lasts so long and it will be over before you know it.”

Alexis Byrd, Junior

Alexis has been twirling for at least 7 years. She is going by Mrs. Paige & Mr. Haynie. Her favorite trick is a back catch. After high school she hopes to graduate with passing grades. 

• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Read and listen to music.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I have a lazy eye and I love to sleep.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “It’s gonna be hard but don’t give up! Make lots of friends and keep on smiling. You will always have a shoulder to lean on and twirlers support each other!!! Don’t get frustrated and try to just roll with it!”

Bailey Coleman, Junior

Bailey has been twirling for 12 years with Coach Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is a Toss Front Walkover. After high school she plans to attend college. 

• Favorite Quote… “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Be in my church youth group.”
• Something people might not know about her… “Making and giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Remember to soak in all in and enjoy every moment.”

Kara Dobbs, Junior

Kara has been twirling for 7 years with Coach Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is 2 baton juggles. After high school she hopes to go to UT Tyler and major in accounting. 

• Favorite Quote… “A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Spend time with friends and family.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I am a waitress at Yamatos.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Don’t let your other extracurricular activities get in the way of you being able to excel in twirling.”

Jakayla Alexander, Junior

Jakayla has been twirling for 7 years with Coach Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is anything high-low. After high school, she hopes to attend Texas A&M or UT Austin.

• Favorite Quote… “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Read or hang out with friends.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I have a Shih-Tzu named Chewy!”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Enjoy every part while it lasts.”

Michaela Rawlinson, Junior

Michaela has been twirling for 6 years with Mrs. Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is a sling pass catch under your leg. After high school, her dream is to become a pediatrician specialist.

• Favorite Quote… “Smallest things take up the most room in your heart” - Winnie the Pooh,
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Sleep or spend time with friends and family.” 
• Something people might not know about her… “That I drive a huge red truck!”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Never give up on that one skill! You’ll get the hang of it, and never stop smiling.”

Ne’Yaunah Leatch, Junior

Ne’Yaunah has been twirling since she was 6 years old and works with Coach Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is a double leg pass. After high school, she hopes to go to college and become a Dental Hygienist.

• Favorite Quote… “Keep your face always towards the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Spend time with family.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I am mixed.” 
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Pass your classes and never give up.”

Noeli Sanchez, Junior

Noeli has been twirling for five years with Mrs. Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is a toss illusion. After high school, she hopes to be a twirler for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

• Favorite Quote… “Don’t be jealous of people be inspired”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… ‘Watch movies.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I love goats.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Always keep a smile on your face even when you’ve made a mistake.”

Melinda Cooley, Junior

Melinda has been twirling for six years with Coach Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is an illusion catch in a hitch kick. After high school, she hopes to be a feature twirler in college. 

• Favorite Quote… "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." -Albert Einstein
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Listen to music and hang out with friends.”
• Something people might not know about her… “This summer I broke my arm and couldn't twirl for 6 weeks.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Always have fun, and not to get mad at your instructor or your fellow twirlers on the line.”

Rory Richardson, Sophomore

Rory has been twirling for 7 years with Coach Paige Keitt at Precision Twirl. Her favorite trick is a double illusion. After high school, she hopes to continue schooling to become a lawyer. 

• Favorite Quote… "If you want the rainbows, you have to put up with the rain."
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Read or watch Netflix.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I was gluten intolerant for seven years.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Just breathe, give 110%, and have fun!”

Sophia Robinson, Sophomore

Sophia has been twirling for 5 years with Coach Paige Keitt at Precision Twirl. Her favorite trick is an angel roll. After high school, she hopes to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree.

• Favorite Quote… “In this game, fire represents your life. When your fire’s gone, so are you.” - Jeff Probst
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Play with my golden retriever and pet rabbit.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I am a cancer survivor.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Fear is just another reason to try harder.”

Tessa Haynes, Sophomore

Tessa has been twirling for 9 years with Coach Paige Keitt at Precision Twirl. Her favorite trick is a toss illusion. After high school, she hopes to go to Med School. 

• Favorite Quote… “If it makes you happy, then it is not a waste of time.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Hangout with friends.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I like Mission work.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Always come prepared and give your best.” 

Anora Rigsby, Freshman

Anora has been twirling for 9 years with Coach Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is “the big trick”. After high school she hopes to go to college and become a pediatrician.

• Favorite Quote… “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let it go.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Shop and be with family.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I can’t walk in heels and I also don’t like to wear dresses.” 
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Keep your grades up and also get your pass offs done.”

Haley Butler, Freshman

Haley has been twirling for 8 years. She works with coaches Paige Keitt and Jordan Jenkins. Her favorite trick is a fishtail. After high school she wants to go to college and become either a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or a NICU Nurse.

• Favorite Quote… “Mine is actually a Bible verse and it’s Psalms 32:8 that says, “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.””
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Hang out with family and friends and ride four wheelers.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I love to read!”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Avoid drama because it’s not worth it in the end, and become friends with upperclassmen and not just people in your grade. The upperclassmen aren’t scary and they’re some of the best friends you can make!!”

Hope Salas, Freshman

Hope has been twirling for 8 years with Coach Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is a three turn. After high school, she hopes to attend and twirl at SFA!

• Favorite Quote… “Have no Fear of Perfection…you’ll never reach it.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Play volleyball!”
• Something people might not know about her… “I love pink!
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Practice, practice, practice, and never give up!”

Jazlyn Cardenas, Freshman

Jazlyn has been twirling for 3-4 years with Coach Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is a two turn. After high school, she hopes to go to college and twirl. 

• Favorite Quote… “Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Either be on my phone or relax in my house.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I did ballet/dancing when I was little.”
• Advice to future high school twirlers… “Just try your best in things because they will get a little hard sometimes. Don’t give up on things even if you get frustrated, and just keep doing your best!”

Trinity Mapps, Freshman

Trinity has been twirling for 10 years and works with Coaches Paige Keitt and Jordan Jenkins. Her favorite trick is “the big trick.” After high school, she hopes to go into law enforcement. 

• Favorite Quote… “No one can stop you but you.”
• When she is not twirling, she loves to… “Play sports.”
• Something people might not know about her… “I like doing puzzles.”

Favorite memory as a line…
“Our favorite memory on the twirling line is how every year our band director takes us out to eat after our UIL solo and ensemble contest and we all laugh and have a good time.”

Funniest memory as a line…
“Our funniest memory as a line is the day before the marching contest this year. We were wearing our marching uniforms at the football game and had to still perform pregame and we looked a little bit silly!”

Favorite tradition or inside joke within your band program…
“We have an old license plate and a toy Spiderman that come with us to every game and contest as our ‘good luck charms’” 

Something they are really looking forward to this year…
“We are all looking forward to our band trip to Washington DC at the end of the year!”

What they will miss the most when marching season is over…
“We will miss getting to perform every Friday night and how close the band and twirlers get during marching season!”

We want to thank this wonderful group of twirlers for sharing their game with us, and we wish them a wonderful rest of their season! It's a great day to be a Lion!

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.