Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - Sam Houston State University Feature Twirlers

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. 

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 the Sam Houston State University Feature Twirlers!

Sam Houston State University (also known as SHSU), located in Huntsville, Texas, is the home of the Bearkats, and the awesome SHSU Feature Twirlers, Lynsey Threadgill, Jeannie Pruett, and Keira Slone. These twirlers, led by SHSU Twirling Sponsor, Kelly McCormick, shine bright on the field as they represent their Bearkats at Elliot T. Bowers Stadium. 

This past Saturday during their takeover, we got to see one of the SHSU Twirler’s favorite games of the year. “Every year, we twirl at a SHSU game that is held at the NRG stadium! Between that game and our Alumni Day, it is definitely a toss-up for which one we look forward to the most. Both events are unforgettable in their own ways and hold a special place in our hearts.”

In addition to these fantastic Game Day experiences, SHSU is rich with traditions celebrated amongst the entire student body, especially Homecoming! “SHSU’s Homecoming week is filled with events like the Homecoming Parade, tailgating, and the Bearkat football game, celebrating school spirit and alumni.”

As well as school traditions, the twirlers and the band program have many of their own, but none of them beats Alumni Day! “Each year, we host High School Twirler and Alumni Day, where twirlers get the chance to perform at Bowers Stadium in front of thousands. One of our favorite memories is from last year when alumni from the 70s returned to perform their pregame routine. It was amazing to see their skills and how they still know how to dazzle the crowd!”

In order to take part in these traditions, the SHSU Twirlers had to go through a specific audition process. “Each year the returning twirlers audition in person, along with an interview. If our band directors choose to open auditions to new twirlers, the candidates must submit an audition video. For those selected, they are asked to perform an in-person three-minute routine and participate in an interview. Traditionally, Sam prefers to have between 1-3 Feature Twirlers.”

Picking Sam Houston to be their new home away from home was an easy choice for all three twirlers. As Jeannie tells us, “I fell in love with SHSU because of its gorgeous scenery and the warm, welcoming community of Huntsville. I stayed at SHSU because of the strong bonds that have been formed between the twirlers, they are like my sisters, and I can’t imagine performing without them.”

Now that we have learned more about Sam Houston, let’s learn more about the twirlers! 

Lynsey Threadgill, Senior
Lynsey has been twirling since she was seven years old and is currently coached by Lori Perkins. The competition placements she is the proudest of earning was winning AAA Team National Champions at USTA Nationals last year with Dixie Diamonds. Lynsey’s favorite competition and field trick is a toss walkover. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Baylor Feature Twirler, Adaline Bebo. After college, Lynsey hopes to make a difference in the world of social services. 

Jeannie Pruett, Junior

Jeannie has been twirling for around 8 years. She is a member of Twirl ATX and is coached by Whitney Coons. The competition she is the proudest of attending was when she got to represent Sam Houston at the 2023 NBTA Nationals. “The experience of competing at such a prestigious event and representing my school was truly unforgettable. It was a moment where all the hard work and dedication paid off, and it stands out as a highlight of my journey.” Her favorite competition routine is definitely her x-strut, but her favorite competition skill is any illusion trick, and her favorite field trick is any two-baton variation. In baton twirling, Jeannie has been most inspired by her coach. “Whitney has been a remarkable influence on me in countless ways. Her immense talent and dedication to twirling are truly inspiring, but it’s her kindness and the life lessons she’s shared that have left the biggest impact. Whitney has taught me so much about professionalism, grace, and perseverance, and her guidance extends far beyond the twirling field. I’m deeply grateful for her mentorship and the positive mark she’s made on my life, which I’ll carry with me always.” After college, she hopes to secure a career in sales and move back to Central Texas. 

Keira Slone, Sophomore
Keira has been twirling for 14 years. Her favorite competition trick is anything with three baton and her favorite field trick is a toss kick illusion. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by forever Miss Texas, Caroline Carothers Reed, and her past high school coach, LeaAnn Brown. After college she hopes to become an agronomist. 

Fun Facts!

• Favorite Color - Pink (Lynsey & Jeannie), Green (Keira)
• Favorite Movie - “The Princess & The Frog” (Lynsey), “The ‘Walking Dead’ or ‘Master Chef’” (Jeannie), “Gilmore Girls” (Keira)
• Favorite Book - “Anything Harry Potter” (Lynsey), “I love so many but at the moment, ‘The Housemaid’ by Freida McFadden” (Jeannie), “The ‘I Am Number Four’ series” (Keira)

Must have Game Day snack/drink…

• Lynsey - “Cheez-Its.”
• Jeannie - “A good ole Celsius paired with a banana chocolate Kind bar.”
• Keira - “Arizona Tea and Cheez-Its.”

Favorite Quote…

• Jeannie - “You’re only as young as you are right now, so enjoy it!”
• Keira - “Prove yourself to yourself not others.”

When they are not twirling, they love to…

• Lynsey - “I love to crochet or spend time with my cats.”
• Jeannie - “Get involved with my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega! I enjoy helping to host philanthropy events and attending sisterhood events with my sisters.”
• Keira - “Go fishing or camping, spend lots of time with nature.”

Something people might not know about them is…

• Lynsey - “I am graduating a semester early.”
• Jeannie - “I have a 2-year-old boxer named Sugar and she’s such a light in my life.”
• Keira - “I want to travel and be a wildlife photographer when I retire.”

The best non twirling life skill they have learned from twirling is…

• Lynsey - “The ability to put on a brave face even when I am not feeling my strongest.”
• Jeannie - “Mastering professionalism and class through activities like modeling interviews for competitions has been invaluable. These experiences have taught me to think quickly and seek out the most unbiased yet genuine perspectives. I’m confident that these skills will greatly enhance my sales career, helping me navigate conversations with clarity and authenticity.”
• Keira - “Communication and presentation.”

Best advice from their coach…

• Lynsey - “It isn’t the hardest tricks that matter, it’s your attitude and the show you put on for the crowd.”
• Jeannie - “When we prioritize having fun while performing, we open ourselves up to a richer, more rewarding experience. We become more resilient, more creative, and more engaged. Our passion shines through when we’re not solely focused on the end result, and that passion is what truly sets us apart.”

Best advice for future College twirlers…

• Lynsey - “I advise that they really work on the practice/homework/life balance.”
• Jeannie - “Remember to take every opportunity and cherish every moment as it comes. Fully commit and push yourself to the limit, so you never look back with regrets”
• Keira - “It’s okay to feel like you are behind as long as you push to catch up and be better.”

Funniest/Most Fun memory as a twirler…

• Lynsey - “Our nationals trip with my team last year to Ohio.”
• Jeannie - “Every night, I come home and show my roommates the new bruises from practice like I’m unveiling my latest art installation. I swear they’ve started to believe I’m training for a role as a stunt double.”
• Keira - “Falling multiple times during practice and performances.”

Favorite thing about marching season…

• Lynsey - “Getting to perform in the football stadium to fun music.”
• Jeannie - “My favorite thing about marching season is definitely the pre-game ritual with the twirlers. We gather together to do each other’s hair and makeup, turning her room into our own little glam squad. Between the hairspray and rhinestones, we crack jokes, make funny TikToks, and create memories that are just as special as the performances themselves. It’s these moments of laughter and camaraderie that make the long practices and late nights all worth it. The bond we share while getting ready together is what truly makes the marching season unforgettable.
• Keira - “Learning new drills and choreography every week!”

What are they going to miss the most once marching season is over…

• Lynsey - “I will miss getting to put on my orange and white costumes and have fun in Bower’s stadium after I graduate.”
• Jeannie - “When marching season wraps up, I know I’ll miss so many things. I’ll miss the pre-game ritual of getting ready with the girls, turning it into a mini celebration of its own. I’ll miss performing under the big stadium lights, where every routine feels like a moment of magic. I’ll miss dancing in the stands, feeling the energy and excitement of the crowd. I’ll even miss our post-game Cane’s runs as a team, where we gather to relive the highs and laugh about the day. And, of course, I’ll miss the rhythm of doing it all again the next week. These moments have made this season cherished.
• Keira - “Getting to perform at Bowers stadium.”

We want to thank Lynsey, Jeannie, and Keira for sharing their Game Day with us. We just love seeing their smiling faces on the field representing Sam, and we wish them a great season. Eat 'em up Kats!

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.