2025 Fall Twirler Announcements - University of Houston

 Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

It is that exciting time of year where twirlers are auditioning for twirling spots for the Fall. This blog hopes to help spread the excitement by announcing the selections for the lovely twirlers we will see on the field very soon in Texas or representing out of State. If you have an announcement for new twirler selections for 2025-26, please email texastwirlcontact@gmail.com so that we can help spread the word!

Today's we announce the new 2025-2026 University of Houston Feature Twirlers!

UH, located in Houston, Texas, is the home of the Cougars and the Spirit of Houston Marching Band. Coordinated by Coach Kayli Mickey-McIntosh, UH has a great history of twirlers shining on the field at TDECU stadium! This year we are excited that there will be three amazing twirlers continuing the tradition. Your 2025-26 University of Houston Feature Twirlers are Paige Carruthers, Kaelin Estepp, and Kiera George!

New to the UH field, and new to Texas this season, will be Kaelin Estepp! Kaelin is from New Market Maryland, where she twirled at her High School for special events such as Homecoming and Pep Rallies. She is a member of the Wheaton Dance Twirl Team, where she is coached by Annie Marie Kennedy and Kacy Dovich. You might have heard her name at AYOP as she is a five-time Team USA member and has won a various number of Maryland State, Mid Atlantic Regional and National titles.

We asked this Maryland native what made her decide to leave the cold northern winters in exchange for our Texas temperatures, and she said it was the feeling she got on campus. "I was most interested in Houston by the atmosphere of the school, as all of the people I met were so nice and so welcoming. I visited a basketball game, and the atmosphere and school spirit drew me in instantly. I cannot wait to be a part of the Spirit of Houston next year!"

Also new to TDECU Stadium, but definitely not new to the Lonestar State, will be Texas Twirler Keira George! Keira is from Tatum, Texas, where she twirled in her school's line all throughout high school, serving as the Lieutenant her junior year and Captain this year. She was also allowed premier performances as the Feature Twirler! She is a member of the Mickey's Majorettes where she is coached by Patti Mickey and Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. Keira has many Texas State and Southwest Regional titles including the 2023 Junior Texas State Intermediate Pageant Winner and the 2024 Intermediate Texas State 2 Baton & X-Strut Winner. 

We asked this small-town girl what made her ready to take on the big city, and she said it was knowing that she has the Spirit of Houston behind her. "The spirit at U of H drew me in the most. The love that the students and alumni have for the Cougars through and through is so evident, and I am so ready to join the Spirit of Houston! It's Coogs House!"

Returning to the field for her second season is Paige Carruthers! Paige is from Oviedo, Florida, where she is coached by Candy and Karina from the Brite Stars Twirlers. She is a multiple time gold medal winner from the AAU Junior Olympics and is the Florida State Fair Intermediate Twirl-Off Winner. We loved watching her last season and can't wait to see what she brings to the field this season.

Congrats & Welcome to Kaelin, Keira, and Welcome Back to Paige. We know this trio is going to bring some fierce twirling to TDECU Stadium, and we know they will all three be amazing representatives for U of H. Whose House? Coog's House! 

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.

2025 Fall Twirler Announcements - University of Texas

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

It is that exciting time of year where twirlers are auditioning for twirling spots for the Fall. This blog hopes to help spread the excitement by announcing the selections for the lovely twirlers we will see on the field very soon in Texas or representing out of State. If you have an announcement for new twirler selections for 2025-26, please email texastwirlcontact@gmail.com so that we can help spread the word!

Today we announce the new 2025-2026 University of Texas Feature Twirler!

We are excited to share the selection of the new 2025-26 University of Texas Feature Twirler, Gracie Williams! The University of Texas (UT), located in the live music capital of Texas, is the home of one of Texas' most prestigious twirling positions. The UT Feature Twirler is a highlight of the "Showband of the Southwest" bringing the flash and the fire to the field each week (literally!). This position has been held by some outstanding twirlers, and the newest addition to this legacy will be the perfect fit! 

Gracie is new to #TeamTexas, coming to the ATX from her home in Pendleton, South Carolina, where she is a member of the Carolina Superstars and coached by Hazel Cartee and Ansley Minor. While she holds many titles, Gracie is the proudest of earning a Gold Medal for Level A X-Strut in Liverpool at the 2023 IBTF Nations Cup, where she also competed in the World's Junior Artistic Twirl division. In addition to competition twirling, Gracie was also the Feature Twirler for Gardner-Webb University throughout High School.

With so many things to look forward to at UT, Gracie is beyond excited for Longhorn Game Days. We asked her what interested her in coming to Texas, and she told us "I was introduced to UT through Mrs. Whitney, and I fell in love with the campus, the atmosphere, and the environment of the band!" 

We know Gracie will be a wonderful representative of UT, and we cannot wait to see her in action this season rocking the Burnt Orange and White. Welcome to #TeamTexas Gracie, and Hook Em! 

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.