Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Friday Night Lights Feature - Whitehouse High School

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

What a great weekend of Texas twirlers on both the high school and collegiate fields. We just love seeing those smiling faces where they belong. So much joy and so many sparkles! We also loved following this week’s Friday Night Lights Feature group as they took over the Instastory, and we are excited to learn more about them! 

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 Friday Night Lights Feature is the Whitehouse High School Twirlers!


Whitehouse High School, located in Whitehouse, Texas, is the home of the Wildcats and a pretty well known name from football game days. No, we are not talking about THE Super Bowl winning quarterback, Patrick Mahomes (although he did attend Whitehouse HS where he played football and baseball). We are talking about the awesome Whitehouse High School Twirlers! This year the WHS Twirlers include Seniors Addison Gray & Captain Heidi Jensen; Juniors Jamie Braswell, Kyla Roberts, & Makenzie Tucker; Sophomores Gracie Hatchett, Baylee Mata, & Kimberlynn Underwood; and Freshman Makynzie Cliborn, Trinity Sanchez, & Makenzie Tucker!

Led by WHS Twirling Coach & Band Director, BreiAnn Gee, a fun fact about the Whitehouse Twirlers is that they are all in band! “Our band is a military marching band so we also march as majorettes.” How did they earn their positions? “Our audition process is in three parts. First, we do fundamental tricks. Then we do a routine in groups of around 4 after learning it either that morning or that week. Then we perform a solo with our choice of music and choreography that we learn on our own or with a private coach.”


Earning one of these positions adds a level of spirit to their twirling, and they love to be a part of it. “Our school is super spirited. Everyone dresses up for the themes and attends the football games. Also, the student section is called The Jungle!” In addition to the school spirit, WHS has a lot of spirit within their band. “The band is like a family!”

It isn’t all about games and themes though for the WHS Twirlers. One of their favorite things about going to WHS is the opportunities the school provides. “We have lots of opportunities for shadowing people in whatever field we plan on working in when we graduate. And there are a lot of certifications you are able to get from those pathways, all provided by the school!”

With all that school spirit and support, we had to know what the best traditions are at WHS, and they gave us a whole list! From the student section at football games, performing a routine with one of their parents during the Pink Out game 4th quarter, the Homecoming bonfire where the twirlers all twirl fire, and decorating the school for homecoming, to doing a combined routine with our Junior High Majorettes and the inside jokes within the band, these twirlers are enjoying life at WHS!


You know we all love a good band inside joke, so we had to hear more about that. “The upperclassmen will tell freshman band students that there are boy and girl shakos and tell them they picked the wrong one! They also freak the freshmen out during the UIL marching comp saying that select freshmen are called back to do the drill by themselves. Everyone gets a good laugh!” Even the twirlers have their own little traditions. “Before every half time performance the majorettes pray together, do 10 jumps, and a spin to get the nerves out!”

Finally, we asked what they were most looking forward to this season, and it was for sure their HOMECOMING week, and of course Senior Night to celebrate their seniors!

Now that we have learned more about twirling at WHS, let’s learn more about the twirlers!


Heidi Jensen, Senior Captain
Heidi has been twirling for 7 years. The competition placements she is the proudest of earning was qualifying for state solo and ensemble. Her favorite twirling trick is elbow roll variations , and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her friend Ruby. “She doesn’t twirl, but she’s inspiring.” After High School, she plans to go on a mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. “My relationship with Christ has helped me get through so many hard moments, so I want to help others learn of Him and be able to experience that too!”



Favorites!
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Pride and Prejudice

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
Luke 12:27-28

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Watch movies and sleep!”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I always have seasoning in my bag so I don’t have to eat bland food. I was also on the UIL literacy criticism team that won the 2026 State Championship.”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… 
“I’ve learned how to keep pushing, even when you’re discouraged and in pain from all the times you’ve not caught a trick! Resilience!”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“Think of marching drills like a routine!”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Listen to your band directors and coaches, they know what they’re doing, or at least mine do! So don’t be stubborn and get it done!”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler… 
“When Jamie was doing her 4th quarter pass offs and slipped and fell at the very beginning of her routine.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“The energy when you do good on a routine, then good on your marching drill, drink a Dr. Pepper during 3rd quarter, and then get up in the stands for the 4th quarter and have lots of fun as a team. That’s hard to beat!”



Addison Gray, Senior
Addie has been twirling for 5 years. The competition placement she is the proudest of was  qualifying for State Solo and Ensemble. Her favorite twirling trick is doing different toss jumps, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her Mom. After High School, she hopes to go to college and play college Tennis and major in Marine Biology.”






Favorites!
Favorite Color –Light Purple
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Meg Movies and Gilmore Girls

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“The comeback is greater than the setback.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Play Tennis.”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I was supposed to be a triplet.”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Multi tasking.”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“You can do it! Just throw the baton.”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Be confident, don't be scared to throw the trick.”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“When Jamie fell during 4th quarter pass offs.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Performing!”



Jamie Braswell, Junior
Jamie competes at the Novice level for NBTA and Ruby for TPU. She has been twirling for 5 years, and is a member of Twirl Revolutions where she is coached by Jeri Coke and Rachel Cheatham. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was earning 1st place in multi baton dance twirl 3 times at TPU! Her favorite twirling trick is a toss leap, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her parents. “They are always there to support me!” After High School, she hopes to attend college and get certified to become an occupational therapist, “and maybe be a feature twirler!”


Favorites!
Favorite Color –Pink
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – The Greatest Showman

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“‘Trust the process’ - Progress doesn’t always happen as quickly as you want, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t improving.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Listen to my favorite music groups, Facetime my friends and play games!”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I listen to Kpop!”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… 
“Learning discipline and time management! Twirling has taught me how to stay committed to something even when I’m tired, frustrated, or don’t get it right the first time.”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“Even though the sport may hurt you at times, It’s your ability to have confidence that makes you stronger and it helps you push through to become the best twirler you can be.”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Enjoy every moment because it goes by SO fast. Don't be afraid to make mistakes! One of your best memories will come from the moments that don’t go perfectly. Support your teammates, work hard, and remember why you started twirling in the first place!”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Me and my best friend Kyla stayed up all night during SFA twirling camp to learn footloose just for us to forget it in the morning!”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“I will miss the football games where we all just get to dance and have fun making the most of our time here. It’s truly just a big family and I couldn’t be more happy to spend my high school days with these girls twirling and living the best life during football season!”



Kyla Roberts, Junior
Kyla competes at the Beginner level for NBTA and Ruby for TPU. She has been twirling for 5 years, and is a member of Twirl Revolutions, where she is coached by Jeri Coke. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was winning the 2026 TPU Circle of Champions Junior Top Twirler Grand Champion. Her favorite twirling tricks are angel Rolls and 3 baton stacks, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Mrs. Coke. “She’s such an icon!” After High School, she hopes to attend college and twirl.



Favorites!
Favorite Color –all of them!
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Outer Banks

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Attitude is everything.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Play piano or hang out with friends.”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I have 2 different colored eyes.”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Working well with people I may not get along with.”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“Fix your face.”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Ask for help if needed and practice!”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“I got a bloody nose during pre game on the field from whacking myself in the face during a horizontal spin and had to keep performing! And Kimber Poppins.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“Football games and twirling on the field with my team.”



Makenzie Tucker, Junior
Makenzie is an Emerald (TPU) level twirler that has been twirling for 3 years. She is coached by Abby Staffod. Her favorite twirling trick is a toss catch in an illusion, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Abby Staffod. “She is an amazing twirler and is always supportive and kind!” After High School, she hopes to hopefully attend Texas A&M University and pursue a degree in Nursing.





Favorites!
Favorite Color –Pink
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Dance Moms

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
Matthew 6:34 CSB “Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Swim, Golf, study, doomscroll, or volunteer for clubs.”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I have scoliosis.”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… 
“Do not give up when things get hard!”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Take lessons early!”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Having to wear old uniforms for pictures because our new ones weren’t in yet. They didn’t fit anyone so we had to scrunch them up in the back with hair ties.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“Being on the field!”



Gracie Hatchett, Sophomore
Gracie is an Emerald (TPU) level twirler that has been twirling for 7 years. She is a member of Twirl Revolutions and she is coached by Jeri Coke and Ainsley McDonald. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was qualifying as a 2026 TPU Top Twirler. Her favorite twirling trick is a toss front walkover, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Ainsley McDonald. After High School, she hopes to continue to teach twirling and own a coffee shop.




Favorites!
Favorite Color –Dark Green
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Tangled

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Your next move matters more than your last mistake.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Go running.”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I have freckles in the whites of my eyes.”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… 
“Learning to be patient.”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“Don’t be ashamed of your mistakes, just be proud you tried.”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Don’t overstress yourself! Just practice!”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“The memes the team makes from the bad FNL pictures.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“Twirling with my close friends.”



Baylee Mata, Sophomore
Baylee has been twirling for 4 years and she is coached by Chloe Rothrock and Mrs. Rachel.
Her favorite twirling trick is little joe flips, “fast and easy!” In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Chloe Rothrock. After High School, she hopes to go to medical school and get a masters degree to become a nurse practitioner.





Favorites!
Favorite Color –Pink
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Spiderman

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto...
“Everything happens for a reason.” & “Trust the process.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Do marching or schoolwork.”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I am really good at drawing.”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… 
“How to be immune to pain.”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“Don’t say you can’t do it; believe in yourself!”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Don’t slack off!”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Finding the funniest photos of each other on Jim Jackson’s page.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“The nice cool crisp weather and that adrenaline rush from performing.”



Kimberlynn Underwood, Sophomore
Kimber has been twirling for 4 years. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Bow, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Avery McGraw. “She is a fantastic twirler!” After High School, she hopes to go to college to be a labor and delivery nurse.”







Favorites!
Favorite Color –Green
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – The Sandlot

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
Corinthians 16:14 “Let all you do be done in love”

When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Play Softball.”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I was born on Mother’s Day!”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“Get out of your head” & “Stop thinking so much”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Self confidence is huge! One mistake won’t ruin your entire future.”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Painting pumpkins at our Halloween party.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“Friday Night Lights!”



Makynzie Cliborn, Freshman
Makynzie has been twirling for 4 years and she is coached by Hannah Coin. Her favorite twirling trick is a two turn, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Abigail Stafford, Avery McGraw, and Callie Simmons. After High School, she hopes to attend college. “Maybe A&M. I’m still looking at all my options right now.”






Favorites!
Favorite Color –Purple
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Hamilton, Once Upon a Time, & Catching Fire.

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Whether you think you can, or you can’t; You’re right.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Read, sleep, drink coffee, watch tv, talk to my sister, do human geography homework, or write.”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I’m in the church choir!”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… 
“You’re gonna get hit. It’s going to hurt. But you have to keep trying and can’t be scared of something bad happening again.”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“You need to work hard to get where you want to be.”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Take it seriously, listen to Mrs. Gee! Don’t forget that you are on the team because you love to twirl! Go out on the field, twirl, and enjoy it!”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Before my first junior high game I dropped the baton on my eye and I started bleeding. The high school captain, Avery McGraw, held a napkin to my face to stop the blood and simply said we were bonding. 7th grade me was miserable, but now it’s funny.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“Marching and performing every Friday night! It’s like getting rid of an adrenaline rush.”



Trinity Sanchez, Freshman
Trinity is an Emerald (TPU) level twirler that has been twirling for two years. She is a member of Twirl Revolutions and she is coached by Jeri Coke and Ainsley Castillo. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was when both her groups and solo made it to the circle of champions for TPU. Her favorite twirling trick is a toss angel, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her coach, Mrs. Coke. After High School, she hopes to go to Baylor so I can be a psychiatric therapist or trauma surgeon. 



Favorites!
Favorite Color –Pink
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Gilmore Girls and Scream

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“The one who falls and gets back up is much stronger than the one who never fell.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Hang out with friends.”

Something people might not know about her… 
“Spotify is my most used app.”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… 
“Leadership and teamwork.”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“Smile!”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Just keep going and don’t overthink!”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler… 
“Mornings when we are all so tired and just doing random stuff. One time we were pretending to be car dealership blowup guys during band practice.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“Twirling!”



Callie Simmons, Freshman
Callie has been twirling for four years and is coached by Renetta Gingles. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss double leap, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Julie Horcheler and Renetta Gingles. After High School, she hopes to go to college to become a lawyer.







Favorites!
Favorite Color –navy
Favorite TV Show, Movie, and/or Book – Dance Moms

Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous: do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you may go.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 
“Play my French Horn or read.”

Something people might not know about her… 
“I’m a middle child.”

The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is… 
“A good work ethic & discipline.”

The most memorable advice from her coach… 
“Look where you want to go, and you’ll get there.”

Advice to future high school twirlers… 
“Twirling is MORE than just spinning a stick, and if anyone says otherwise, don’t listen to them!”

Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Taking team pictures at the Rose Garden.”

What will she miss the most when football/field season ends? 
“Marching in the band.”


Thank you to the Whitehouse twirlers for sharing their game day with us. We wish them the very best rest of their season, and we know they will continue to make great memories together.. Go Cats Go!



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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