Hello Texas Twirl Fans!
That time of the year is here, and we are at our FINAL Collegiate Twirler Spotlight of the season! Don’t worry, we will still have takeovers as we go through Playoff and Bowl Season, but this will be our last Spotlight Interview. We have so enjoyed getting to know the many High School and College Twirlers we have been able to feature this season, and we can’t wait to follow everyone through to competition season!
Our final Collegiate Twirler Spotlight of the season is on the Northwestern State Feature Twirlers!
Northwestern State University, located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, is the home of the Demons, and some great twirlers! This year, NSU has two twirlers rocking the Purple & White (and orange!) on Game Days…Feature Twirler- Daynie Edwards and Demon Twirler- Ainslee Goutreaux!
To earn their positions, they went through the audition process. “We just messaged the head band director, Dr. Anthony Pursell, once we got accepted, and he set up an audition from there.” They do have a unique situation in that they do not have a coach or sponsor. “We actually write all of our own choreography!”
In selecting a school, NSU ended up being a great choice for both twirlers. As Daynie tells us, “I fell in love with the beautiful campus, amazing band, and the funniest alumni.” The decision to go to NSU meant an out of state move for this Texas girl, but it turned out to be a second home for her. “I was simply born to be a demon. Plus, the scholarships NSU had to offer helped.”
We wanted to know what their favorite parts of attending NSU were, and they said they love the Louisiana culture and diversity. This culture also helps feed the NSU traditions. There are lots of great moments to look forward to as a Demon, but Daynie told us her favorite traditions are all associated with her time with the band. “My favorite is when we get to sing the Alma Mater with the band after each Friday rehearsal”.
We wanted to know what their favorite parts of attending NSU were, and they said they love the Louisiana culture and diversity. This culture also helps feed the NSU traditions. There are lots of great moments to look forward to as a Demon, but Daynie told us her favorite traditions are all associated with her time with the band. “My favorite is when we get to sing the Alma Mater with the band after each Friday rehearsal”.
They also get a laugh out of boo-ing the drumline. “For some reason, we boo the drumline as they enter the field for pre-game. I’m not sure why we do this, but I find it funny that no one else knows why this happens either.”
Finally with all the culture and tradition that comes with NSU, we wanted to know what event they were most excited for, and they are so excited for the Classic on the Cane. “We love watching all of the bands compete. Plus, we really enjoy getting to perform for other bands.”
Now that we have learned more about NSU let’s learn more about the twirlers!
Daynie Edwards, Sophomore
Competition Level: NBTA Advanced/Collegiate
Daynie has been twirling for 15 years and is coached by Janice Jackson Seamands. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was when she was named the 2024 Collegiate Miss Majorette of Louisiana. Her favorite field trick is her signature leg pop trick, but when it comes to competition tricks, “I am obsessed with any and all rolls!” After College she would love to be a high school twirl sponsor.
Ainslee Goutreaux, Freshman
Competition Level: USTA Beginner
Ainslee has been twirling for 14 years. She is a member of Evolution Twirls and is coached by Ashley Roberson and Charlie Giddens with additional instruction from Amanda Guidroz. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was when she was named the 2024 USTA Senior Beginner Athlete of The Year. Her favorite competition trick is a one spin illusion, and her favorite field trick is a leap cartwheel.
Finally with all the culture and tradition that comes with NSU, we wanted to know what event they were most excited for, and they are so excited for the Classic on the Cane. “We love watching all of the bands compete. Plus, we really enjoy getting to perform for other bands.”
Now that we have learned more about NSU let’s learn more about the twirlers!
Competition Level: NBTA Advanced/Collegiate
Daynie has been twirling for 15 years and is coached by Janice Jackson Seamands. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was when she was named the 2024 Collegiate Miss Majorette of Louisiana. Her favorite field trick is her signature leg pop trick, but when it comes to competition tricks, “I am obsessed with any and all rolls!” After College she would love to be a high school twirl sponsor.
Competition Level: USTA Beginner
Ainslee has been twirling for 14 years. She is a member of Evolution Twirls and is coached by Ashley Roberson and Charlie Giddens with additional instruction from Amanda Guidroz. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was when she was named the 2024 USTA Senior Beginner Athlete of The Year. Her favorite competition trick is a one spin illusion, and her favorite field trick is a leap cartwheel.
Fun Facts
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink…
Favorite Quote or Life Motto…
When they are not twirling, they love to…
Something people might not know about them…
The best non-twirling life skill they have gained from baton twirling is…
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
Funniest memory as a baton twirler…
Favorite thing about marching season…
What will you miss most when marching season is over…
- Favorite Color – PURPLE (Daynie), Yellow (Ainslee)
- Favorite TV Show or Movie – “Any and all musicals” (Daynie), FRIENDS (Ainslee)
- Favorite Book – “Shadow and Bone” (Daynie)
Must have Game Day Snack/Drink…
- Daynie - “Unsweet Tea and Chicken Nuggets.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto…
- Daynie - “I am inimitable, I am an original.”
- Ainslee - “Everything happens for a reason.”
When they are not twirling, they love to…
- Daynie - “Read, hang out with my friends, go shopping.”
- Daynie - “I was a camp counselor and golf instructor over the summer.”
The best non-twirling life skill they have gained from baton twirling is…
- Daynie - “Leadership. When people look up to you and depend on you, you learn to be a reliable and hard worker.”
- Daynie - “Find your balance! Hard work and fun are hard to achieve without each other.”
- Ainslee - “Don’t stress about the small things because you can always handle something for a short period of time. Always remember to have fun.”
Funniest memory as a baton twirler…
- Daynie - “Every time my colorguard friends and I practice together, I always love getting to learn to twirl each other's equipment.”
- Daynie - “Going to rehearsals and getting to know the band.”
What will you miss most when marching season is over…
- Daynie - “Rehearsals 100%!”
We want to thank Daynie for doing a great job with their Game Day takeover, and we wish her and Ainslee a great remainder of their football season. Fork Em Demons!
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.
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