Hello Texas Twirl Fans!
What a great weekend of College Football. Many great moments, including some awesome field twirling. We loved getting to follow along with these Twirlers as they took over our Instastory on Saturday, and now we are excited to have them as this week’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight.
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 on the Kansas State University Feature Twirlers!
Kansas State University, located in Manhattan, Kansas, is the home of the K-State Wildcats, and the nation's first operational land-grant university! K-State is also known for its strong school spirit and the close-knit community in Manhattan, which is often called the “Little Apple.” Additionally, on Game Days in Manhattan you can find three amazing twirlers! “Each twirler is given a title that relates back to a long-time tradition within the twirling program as well as colors the twirler wears specific to their title!” For the 2026-27 Season the Kansas State Twirlers include Wildcat Twirler, Allie Phillips; Feature Twirler Kaylee Brungardt; and K State Twirler, Abigail Marquisse!
With the support from their twirling coordinator that they say, “helps us with everything we need”, these twirlers had to work hard to earn their spots. “The K-State Feature Twirler audition is a competitive process where twirlers showcase their skills, tricks, choreography, and ability to perform. The audition focuses not only on technical ability but also on performance quality, confidence, showmanship, and how well the twirler represents the spirit and pride of K-State. Auditions go through a series of group routines as well as individual routines and an interview.”
With the support from their twirling coordinator that they say, “helps us with everything we need”, these twirlers had to work hard to earn their spots. “The K-State Feature Twirler audition is a competitive process where twirlers showcase their skills, tricks, choreography, and ability to perform. The audition focuses not only on technical ability but also on performance quality, confidence, showmanship, and how well the twirler represents the spirit and pride of K-State. Auditions go through a series of group routines as well as individual routines and an interview.”
With a competition audition process to get through, we wanted to know what it was about K-State that made them choose to come to Manhattan. As Allie tells us, “I chose K-State because being a collegiate twirler had always been a dream of mine, and I knew I wanted to be part of the Big 12. Big 12 football is amazing, and I wanted the opportunity to experience that atmosphere while continuing to twirl at the collegiate level. The first time I toured K-State, I immediately fell in love with the campus and the sense of community. Game days here are truly like no other, and there is something so special about being able to perform in front of the K-State crowd. It really is “Manhappiness.” Academically, K-State was also a great fit for all of us with amazing programs that offered us a path to pursue our dreams academically
as well.”
as well.”
Being from Colorado, and a #TeamTexas transplant, choosing K-State meant going out of state again! We asked Allie how she made this decision. “I wanted to experience something new and challenge myself by going out of state for college. K-State gave me the perfect opportunity to have new experiences, meet new people, and become more independent while still being close enough to Colorado that I could drive home when I wanted to. It gave me the best of both worlds being able to experience life somewhere new while still having home within driving distance.”
Now that Allie has been at K-State a couple years, we wanted to know what her favorite part of attending the university was, and she told us that “I love the K-State campus! The architecture makes it feel almost like a castle, which makes campus so beautiful and unique. More than anything, though, I love how close knit the K-State community is. Even though K-State is a large university, it has a small-school feel where people genuinely care about one another. That sense of community is one of the things that made K-State feel like home.”
With such great spirit and so many traditions, we wanted to know which one Allie enjoyed the most. “The Wabash Cannonball is definitely my favorite tradition. The entire stadium gets involved, and it creates such an incredible game-day atmosphere. Being on the field and seeing thousands of K-State fans participate together is something that never gets old. It really shows how much school spirit and pride there is at K-State.”
There is also a lot of pride to be found as a member of the K-State Pride of Wildcat Land Band! “One of my favorite band traditions is King of the Hill. The drum majors and twirlers march through the band and do a funny six-count while trying to keep a completely straight face. Meanwhile, the entire band tries to make you laugh or break character. It is always hilarious and is one of those traditions that brings the whole band together.”
Finally, we wanted to know what Allie was most looking forward to this season, and she told us she is happy to be a part of the future of K-State. “I am most looking forward to being part of a new era. There is a lot of exciting change happening with our football team and new additions to K-State, which makes this season especially exciting. I can't wait to watch everything come together and have the opportunity to support what I truly believe is the best football team!”
Now that we have learned more about twirling at K State, let’s learn about the twirlers!
Allie is a Junior from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and is majoring in Athletic Training and Rehabilitation Sciences — Pre-Physical Therapy, with a Kinesiology Minor. She has been twirling for 14 years and is a member of the Texas Touch of Class where she is coached by Sheila Payne Rigelsky. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was when she was named the Senior Miss Majorette of Colorado in 2024. Her favorite twirling tricks include any multiple-baton tricks, but she especially loves four-baton with variety catches! In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Purdue Golden Girl, Amanda Coy. After college, she hopes to attend physical therapy school and become a sports physical therapist.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Navy
Favorite Color – Navy
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Grey's Anatomy
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink…
“An Alani and Skittles.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto…
“Your normal day is someone's dream, so be thankful every day.”
“Your normal day is someone's dream, so be thankful every day.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to...
“Hang out with friends, go to the gym, or grab a coffee.”
“Hang out with friends, go to the gym, or grab a coffee.”
Something people might not know about her...
“She competed at Miss Teen Volunteer America, representing Colorado.”
“She competed at Miss Teen Volunteer America, representing Colorado.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is...
“Learning how to manage my time and prioritize what is most important. Balancing school, twirling, and everything else has taught me how to stay organized and make the most of my time.”
“Learning how to manage my time and prioritize what is most important. Balancing school, twirling, and everything else has taught me how to stay organized and make the most of my time.”
The most memorable advice from her coach...
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.”
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers...
“Enjoy every second of it. Collegiate twirling is such a unique opportunity, and it goes by much faster than you think. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. Focus on enjoying performing, making memories, and representing your school with pride. Also, don't be afraid
to put yourself out there and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.”
“Enjoy every second of it. Collegiate twirling is such a unique opportunity, and it goes by much faster than you think. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. Focus on enjoying performing, making memories, and representing your school with pride. Also, don't be afraid
to put yourself out there and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler...
“Last year's final game of the season is definitely one I can laugh about now. It was so cold, and there was so much wind and snow. I remember thinking, ‘This is crazy!’ But at the same time, it was so much fun. There was really nothing we could do except laugh while the snow and freezing wind were blowing directly in our faces. It was definitely one of those moments that was miserable in the moment but became such a fun memory afterward.”
“Last year's final game of the season is definitely one I can laugh about now. It was so cold, and there was so much wind and snow. I remember thinking, ‘This is crazy!’ But at the same time, it was so much fun. There was really nothing we could do except laugh while the snow and freezing wind were blowing directly in our faces. It was definitely one of those moments that was miserable in the moment but became such a fun memory afterward.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Performing in front of the K-State crowd and the energy of game days. I will also miss spending so much time with the band and the other twirlers. There is something really special about being on the field, hearing the crowd, and knowing that you are representing K-State. Those game day moments and the memories we make together are something I will miss the most.”
Kaylee Brungardt, Feature Twirler
Kaylee is a 5th year student from Lenexa, Kansas, who is majoring in Chemical Engineering and seeking a Master of Business Administration. She has been twirling for 15 years, and the competition title she is the proudest of earning was being a Gold Medalist in the Adult A X-Strut representing Team USA in Italy in the Summer of 2025. Her favorite twirling tricks include toss illusion walkovers and anything two-baton. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Douglas Daniels. After college, she hopes to work full time as a process engineer and earn her judging license for baton twirling.
“Performing in front of the K-State crowd and the energy of game days. I will also miss spending so much time with the band and the other twirlers. There is something really special about being on the field, hearing the crowd, and knowing that you are representing K-State. Those game day moments and the memories we make together are something I will miss the most.”
Kaylee is a 5th year student from Lenexa, Kansas, who is majoring in Chemical Engineering and seeking a Master of Business Administration. She has been twirling for 15 years, and the competition title she is the proudest of earning was being a Gold Medalist in the Adult A X-Strut representing Team USA in Italy in the Summer of 2025. Her favorite twirling tricks include toss illusion walkovers and anything two-baton. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Douglas Daniels. After college, she hopes to work full time as a process engineer and earn her judging license for baton twirling.
Favorites!
Favorite Color - Light blue
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book - The Midnight Library
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book - The Midnight Library
Must-Have Game Day Snack and/or Drink…
“Fruit snacks and Cheez-Its.”
“Fruit snacks and Cheez-Its.”
Favorite Quote or Life Motto…
“‘You’ve got this.’ I say this to myself every time I take the floor or perform.”
“‘You’ve got this.’ I say this to myself every time I take the floor or perform.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Run, read, and wakeboard.”
“Run, read, and wakeboard.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I enjoy running with friends and hope to complete a half marathon.”
“I enjoy running with friends and hope to complete a half marathon.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Learning how to stay disciplined both physically and mentally while balancing a busy schedule and staying organized.”
“Learning how to stay disciplined both physically and mentally while balancing a busy schedule and staying organized.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Trust your training.”
“Trust your training.”
Advice to future collegiate twirlers…
“Enjoy every performance and take advantage of every opportunity. The seasons go by faster than you think!”
“Enjoy every performance and take advantage of every opportunity. The seasons go by faster than you think!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Breaking her arm a few days before a state competition and still competing her solo with her non-dominant hand.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Performing in front of a packed stadium on game days and getting to be part of all the gameday traditions that make K-State football so special.”
Abby Marquissee, K-State Twirler
Abby is a Freshman from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, who is majoring in Kinesiology. She has been twirling for 15 years and is a member of Julie’s Touch of Silver where she is coached by Julie Seckar-Anderson, Lacey Sleik, and Whittney Wara.” The competition title she is the proudest of earning was the 2023 Gold medal in Parade Corps and Silver medal in twirling corps at Worlds. Her favorite twirling tricks include 4 spins and toss front walkovers. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by all collegiate twirlers! After college, she hopes to travel to new places.
“Performing in front of a packed stadium on game days and getting to be part of all the gameday traditions that make K-State football so special.”
Abby is a Freshman from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, who is majoring in Kinesiology. She has been twirling for 15 years and is a member of Julie’s Touch of Silver where she is coached by Julie Seckar-Anderson, Lacey Sleik, and Whittney Wara.” The competition title she is the proudest of earning was the 2023 Gold medal in Parade Corps and Silver medal in twirling corps at Worlds. Her favorite twirling tricks include 4 spins and toss front walkovers. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by all collegiate twirlers! After college, she hopes to travel to new places.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink…
“Strawberry Açaí and plain bagel with cream cheese from Starbucks.”
“Strawberry Açaí and plain bagel with cream cheese from Starbucks.”
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“Everything happens for a reason.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to...
“Hang out with her friends and find new places to visit!”
“Hang out with her friends and find new places to visit!”
Something people might not know about her...
“I love to cook and bake!”
“I love to cook and bake!”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is...
“Teamwork and communication.”
“Teamwork and communication.”
The most memorable advice from her coach...
“Always push yourself to be better in any aspect of your life and work to be the best version of yourself.”
“Always push yourself to be better in any aspect of your life and work to be the best version of yourself.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers...
“Be yourself in every performance and take every moment in!”
“Be yourself in every performance and take every moment in!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler...
“I once made up a word in a modeling interview, and it became a joke to use it in sentences with my team!”
“I once made up a word in a modeling interview, and it became a joke to use it in sentences with my team!”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Getting to see my new family almost every day!”
We really enjoyed following these Kansas State Twirlers on their Game Day adventure, and we wish Allie, Kaylee, and Abby a wonderful rest of their football season. EMAW!
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.
“Getting to see my new family almost every day!”
We really enjoyed following these Kansas State Twirlers on their Game Day adventure, and we wish Allie, Kaylee, and Abby a wonderful rest of their football season. EMAW!
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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