Hello Texas Twirl Fans!
The weather is finally beginning to change (sometimes!), and it is starting to almost feel like Fall here in Texas! We love this part of the season, and we are once again excited to feature another set of our wonderful Texas Twirlers. We really enjoyed following these twirlers during their Instastory Takeover this past weekend, and we are happy to share more about these amazing representatives of our sport.
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 Texas Tech University Twirlers!
Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas, is the home of the Red Raiders, and the currently #8 ranked College Football Team in the country! Also being the home of the Masked Rider, known as the #1 best Live College Mascot and #4 Best Overall Mascot, there is a lot of pride and tradition that comes out of Raider Country. This legacy also includes a history of amazing baton twirling with the Texas Tech University Twirlers! The 2026-2027 Texas Tech Twirlers include Feature Twirler - Anna Lilie, Head Twirler - Lauren Feltner, Addison Lee, Sommer Wermes, Kaelyn Wood, Kiana Schraufnagel, and Lauren Fernihough!
We wanted to know how they earned these positions, and social media manager, Addison Lee, told us about the audition process. “First, you submit an application with a resume and an essay on why you want to twirl at Texas Tech. Then we have our in-person audition. At the audition, you will learn a routine that you will do in groups as well as your prepared individual routine. Lastly, there is an interview with a panel of judges.”
Once they earn their spot at a Tech Twirler, led by Coach Bethany Tolley, they become a mainstay within the TTU Community. Between game days, pep rallies, and community performances, they are a big part of the Raider Spirit and the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. Their practices are even an actual university course that they participate in alongside the band members.
There are many reasons someone chooses to attend a school, and each of these twirlers had their own, but the amazing twirling program was definitely a common thread. Feature Twirler Anna Lilie told us, “I loved the environment and the support around the twirling program”, and Sommer said “I wanted a school with an established twirling line and TTU had that!” Head Twirler Lauren Feltner loved the team environment. “I wanted to be far from home and be able to twirl with a team as that is how I grew up.”
Family ties were also a contributing factor. For Addison Lee she had “multiple members of my family attended Tech, so I grew up knowing I would attend Tech.” Being a Lubbock native, Tech was an easy choice for Lauren Fernihough. “I grew up in Lubbock and Texas Tech has played a big part in my family.” Of course the academics were quite the draw. As Kaelyn Wood told us, "Originally, I was majoring in architecture, and Tech was one of the highest ranked schools to get a job right out of college for architecture.” Kiki Schraufnagel said scholarships and the weather were a bonus for her. “The scholarships were a huge factor in my decision, and I’ve always dreamed of attending college somewhere warm and sunny in the South!”
While Anna, Addison, and Lauren Fernihough are all Texas girls, the rest of the Tech Line are all from out of State! Kaelyn, being from Oklahoma, said “I chose to go out of state for personal growth. I’m far enough from home to not go back every weekend, but close enough to go back if necessary.” Sommer and Kiki are both from Wisconsin, and the change of environment and southern hospitality were key. As Kiki told us, “Growing up in Wisconsin, I wanted to experience warmer weather while challenging myself to become more independent. Moving away gave me the opportunity to prove to myself that I could be responsible and prepare for life beyond college.” Sommer loved the friendliness. “While I was still a senior in high school, past twirlers here offered to talk with me and take me around. After hanging out with them for a day I fell in love with the school and the team! I also love that Tech is a four season campus so far in the south!” Finally, Lauren Feltner just wanted to get somewhere warm! “Truthfully, Nebraska gets cold and I hate the cold!”
With so much to love about attending Tech, we had to know what the best part of attending TTU was, and Addie, Lauren, and Lauren all agreed that the traditions and school spirit were all at the top! Anna agreed and said “I love all of the traditions that our school has with the wrapping of Will Rodger’s and Soap Suds and the Bell Circle with the saddle tramps to start pre-game!” In addition to the spirit, the people are what make it even more special. As Kaelyn tells us, “My favorite thing about Tech is the people you meet and the friendships you make!” and Kiki says “The beautiful campus architecture, the incredible student life, and the unmatched school spirit that brings everyone together!”
With so much to love about attending Tech, we had to know what the best part of attending TTU was, and Addie, Lauren, and Lauren all agreed that the traditions and school spirit were all at the top! Anna agreed and said “I love all of the traditions that our school has with the wrapping of Will Rodger’s and Soap Suds and the Bell Circle with the saddle tramps to start pre-game!” In addition to the spirit, the people are what make it even more special. As Kaelyn tells us, “My favorite thing about Tech is the people you meet and the friendships you make!” and Kiki says “The beautiful campus architecture, the incredible student life, and the unmatched school spirit that brings everyone together!”
These traditions are what make the Red Raider community together, even if they no longer are allowed. As Kiki tells us, “The tortilla toss at kickoff! Although it is currently not allowed, it remains one of the most memorable and talked-about Texas Tech traditions.” Kaelyn agrees that the tortilla toss was her favorite tradition, but says the school has plenty of other great ones. “I would have to say some of the best traditions at Tech would be the spirit squads, saddle tramps, and of course the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. It’s so magical every time we get to come together to set the pregame atmosphere!” Addie and Anna both agree that the saddle tramps wrapping the statue is one of their favorites, and both Lauren’s love when the Masked Rides comes out on the field during pregame. Additionally, Sommer enjoys the way the school celebrates the holidays. “My favorite school tradition is the carol of the lights! The campus always looks so pretty and reminds me of a gingerbread village when it is lit up.”
Another great part of being a Tech Twirler is being a part of the Goin’ Band! This fun group of musicians brings the noise on Game Day and always are filled with spirit. As Anna tells us, “I love after our stadium rehearsals and march back to the School of Music, the leadership team plays the matador song (school song), and after the band directors start a little chant that we end every rehearsal and game day with!” Addie also enjoys the post game Matador song, saying it brings the Game Day full circle and Lauren Feltner enjoys getting to watch the band do their Tech Step while going out for pregame. Don’t worry though! It isn’t always serious and sentimental with the Goin’ Band. Sommer says we cannot forget “how much attention Dr. Allen’s calves get”, while Kaelyn gets a laugh out of the fake itinerary.
Finally, we wanted to know what they are most looking forward to this season, and while the Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally are a big hit (twirling FIRE always is!), and the Halloween Show is always a favorite, they all agree that the post season is what they are the most excited for. As Kiki tells us, “Hopefully we get to attend another Big 12 Championship game! Otherwise, I’m excited about the possibility of earning a bowl game invitation and getting to travel with the team to support the Red Raiders!” Addie adds in, maybe even a CFP appearance? Who knows! The Tech Football team is crushing it this season, and there is definitely travel in their future!
Now that we have learned more about twirling at Tech, lets learn more about the twirlers!
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Anna is a third year Kinesiology Major and General Business Minor from Liberty Hill, Texas. She is an advanced competitor that has been twirling for 13 years, and is a member of Twirl ATX where she is coached by Whitney Coons as well as Ashley Wood and Jassandra Sadler, with additional coaching from Bethany Tolley. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was 2026 College Miss Majorette Of The Southwest. Her favorite twirling tricks are toss walkovers and doubles, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by all the past Texas Tech Feature Twirlers. After college, she hopes to attend chiropractic school.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – pink
Favorite TV Show – “The Office”
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – bloom energy drink and gold fish
Favorite Color – pink
Favorite TV Show – “The Office”
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – bloom energy drink and gold fish
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Have fun and find the good in everything!”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Hang out with friends and go to local events around Lubbock.”
“Hang out with friends and go to local events around Lubbock.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Perseverance and resilience in any situation.”
“Perseverance and resilience in any situation.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“To just have fun, because at the end of the day that’s all that matters.”
“To just have fun, because at the end of the day that’s all that matters.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
“Trust the process! Everything happens for a reason, even if it’s not what you wanted, it always works out in the end!”
“Trust the process! Everything happens for a reason, even if it’s not what you wanted, it always works out in the end!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“I would have to say the 2026 Nationals where I started a mini mic series and did a video everyday and had the best time with my teammates running around filming them!”
“I would have to say the 2026 Nationals where I started a mini mic series and did a video everyday and had the best time with my teammates running around filming them!”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“The environment and getting to meet fans after halftime and on the field after the game.”
Lauren Feltner, Head Twirler
Lauren is a third year Biology Pre-PA Major and Health Science Minor from Omaha, Nebraska. She is an advanced competitor that has been twirling for 11 years and is a member of the Sue’s Stepper-ettes, where she is coached by Jami Baustert. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was College Miss Majorette of Nebraska in 2025/2026. Her favorite twirling tricks are anything with 2 batons, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by “the passion my fellow teammates have for this sport.” After college, she hopes to attend PA school!
“The environment and getting to meet fans after halftime and on the field after the game.”
Lauren is a third year Biology Pre-PA Major and Health Science Minor from Omaha, Nebraska. She is an advanced competitor that has been twirling for 11 years and is a member of the Sue’s Stepper-ettes, where she is coached by Jami Baustert. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was College Miss Majorette of Nebraska in 2025/2026. Her favorite twirling tricks are anything with 2 batons, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by “the passion my fellow teammates have for this sport.” After college, she hopes to attend PA school!
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Blue
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Alani and M&Ms
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“The sun will always come up tomorrow.”
“The sun will always come up tomorrow.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Volunteer at local charities and animal shelters.”
“Volunteer at local charities and animal shelters.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I had double jaw surgery and because of that I had to take almost a year off twirling.”
“I had double jaw surgery and because of that I had to take almost a year off twirling.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Confidence.”
“Confidence.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Do what you can do and don’t compare yourself to others!”
“Do what you can do and don’t compare yourself to others!”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
“Take time to enjoy the audition process even if it is stressful!”
“Take time to enjoy the audition process even if it is stressful!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Having to wear a green wig while competing at the World Championships in the Netherlands.”
“Having to wear a green wig while competing at the World Championships in the Netherlands.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Seeing my team everyday!”
Addison Lee
Addison is a third year Marketing Major from Goldthwaite, Texas. She is an advanced competitor that has been twirling for 11 years, and is a member of Twirl ATX, where she is coached by Ashley Wood as well as Whitney Coons. Her favorite twirling tricks are any type of rolls. After college, she hopes to find a job in either marketing or sales.
“Seeing my team everyday!”
Addison is a third year Marketing Major from Goldthwaite, Texas. She is an advanced competitor that has been twirling for 11 years, and is a member of Twirl ATX, where she is coached by Ashley Wood as well as Whitney Coons. Her favorite twirling tricks are any type of rolls. After college, she hopes to find a job in either marketing or sales.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – green
Favorite Book Series - “Throne of Glass”
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink - Mini muffins
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Read!”
“Read!”
Something people might not know about her…
“I play intramural softball.”
“I play intramural softball.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Interview skills.”
“Interview skills.”
Best advice from her coach is…
“Have confidence in your abilities!”
“Have confidence in your abilities!”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
“Remember to have fun and live in the moment because time moves so fast!”
“Remember to have fun and live in the moment because time moves so fast!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“When we were performing at band extravaganza, my freshman year, my toss went into the band. When I picked it up they were doing a follow the leader and I was trapped inside the circle, so I had to run in between them. Come to find out this year I actually hit a band member with that toss.”
“When we were performing at band extravaganza, my freshman year, my toss went into the band. When I picked it up they were doing a follow the leader and I was trapped inside the circle, so I had to run in between them. Come to find out this year I actually hit a band member with that toss.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Spending game days with all my teammates!”
Sommer Wermes
Sommer is a third year Biochemistry Major and Biology and Spanish Minor, from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She has been twirling for 17 years and is a member of Julie’s Touch of Silver where she was coached by Julie Secker Anderson. Her favorite twirling tricks are anything with three batons, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her JTS teammates and “how hard they all worked!” After college, she hopes to get her doctorate in pharmacy!
“Spending game days with all my teammates!”
Sommer is a third year Biochemistry Major and Biology and Spanish Minor, from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She has been twirling for 17 years and is a member of Julie’s Touch of Silver where she was coached by Julie Secker Anderson. Her favorite twirling tricks are anything with three batons, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her JTS teammates and “how hard they all worked!” After college, she hopes to get her doctorate in pharmacy!
Favorites
Favorite Color – PINK
Favorite Movie – “Flipped”
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – mini muffins
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”
“Choose to be optimistic, it feels better.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Craft, bake, and spend time with friends.”
“Craft, bake, and spend time with friends.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I know how to roll sushi!”
“I know how to roll sushi!”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“A strong work ethic and the ability to persist when things get difficult.”
“A strong work ethic and the ability to persist when things get difficult.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“To put in a ton of effort and work before any performance so when you are there you can enjoy it.”
“To put in a ton of effort and work before any performance so when you are there you can enjoy it.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
“Try talking to all the new people around you in the shows! It makes practice more fun!”
“Try talking to all the new people around you in the shows! It makes practice more fun!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Getting hit with a tortilla my freshman year.”
“Getting hit with a tortilla my freshman year.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Having a scheduled time to see all my teammates everyday.”
Kaelyn Wood
Kaelyn is a third year Accounting Major and Architecture Minor from Piedmont, Oklahoma. She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 15 years and is a member of Vick’s Chicks, where she is coached by Vicki Ray. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was College Miss Majorette of Oklahoma. Her favorite twirling tricks are anything 2-baton, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by so many people! “It’s hard to choose just one because each person has offered me a new perspective.” After college, she hopes to land a job in accounting.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – pink
Favorite TV Show, Movie, or Book – “I don’t really watch or read that much, but I do enjoy a good Disney movie or a romcom.”
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink - “Lots of water! And, I love when I get mini muffins or animal cookies from the band!”
Favorites!
Favorite Colors - Teal and turquoise
Favorite TV Show/Movie - “Gossip Girl” and “Clueless”
Must-Have Game Day Snack/Drink - BUBBL’R with Goldfish or Drizzilicious!
Lauren Fernihough
Lauren is a first year Finance Major from Lubbock, Texas. She has been twirling for 8 years. Her favorite twirling trick is a high toss cartwheel, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by the TTU Twirlers. “I watched them growing up at games!” After college, she hopes to go into banking.”
“Having a scheduled time to see all my teammates everyday.”
Kaelyn is a third year Accounting Major and Architecture Minor from Piedmont, Oklahoma. She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 15 years and is a member of Vick’s Chicks, where she is coached by Vicki Ray. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was College Miss Majorette of Oklahoma. Her favorite twirling tricks are anything 2-baton, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by so many people! “It’s hard to choose just one because each person has offered me a new perspective.” After college, she hopes to land a job in accounting.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – pink
Favorite TV Show, Movie, or Book – “I don’t really watch or read that much, but I do enjoy a good Disney movie or a romcom.”
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink - “Lots of water! And, I love when I get mini muffins or animal cookies from the band!”
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Hard work pays off!”
“Hard work pays off!”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Bake, play pickleball, and hangout!”
“Bake, play pickleball, and hangout!”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Learning how to work hard and stay disciplined even when things get hard.”
“Learning how to work hard and stay disciplined even when things get hard.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Every elbow has a foot!”
“Every elbow has a foot!”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
“Everything works out the way it is supposed to! Trust the process, enjoy every moment, and don’t take the opportunity for granted.”
“Everything works out the way it is supposed to! Trust the process, enjoy every moment, and don’t take the opportunity for granted.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“One of my funniest memories would have to be when I was trying to record my double illusion for my coach. I had gotten so close to catching it, so I set up my phone “just in case.” Instead of capturing a catch, I captured a plop to the ground after getting knocked out from the baton.”
“One of my funniest memories would have to be when I was trying to record my double illusion for my coach. I had gotten so close to catching it, so I set up my phone “just in case.” Instead of capturing a catch, I captured a plop to the ground after getting knocked out from the baton.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“I will miss twirling everyday with my teammates!”
Kiana Schraufnagel
Kiana is a Junior/Senior Psychology Major and Health Professions Minor from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 16 years and a proud member of Julie’s Touch of Silver, where she is coached by Whitney, Lacey, and Julie Seckar-Anderson. “They have helped shape my journey as a twirler and dancer!” The competition placement she is most proud of winning was a gold and silver medal at the World Championships in Liverpool for Parade and Twirling Corps. Individually, she is most proud of winning 1st Place in the United States Open X-Strut Overall, in the Age 15 division. Her favorite twirling tricks are walkover tricks, and one of her biggest inspirations in baton twirling is Katie Schleis. After college, she hopes to earn her master’s degree and become a mental health therapist.
“I will miss twirling everyday with my teammates!”
Kiana is a Junior/Senior Psychology Major and Health Professions Minor from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She is an advanced level competitor that has been twirling for 16 years and a proud member of Julie’s Touch of Silver, where she is coached by Whitney, Lacey, and Julie Seckar-Anderson. “They have helped shape my journey as a twirler and dancer!” The competition placement she is most proud of winning was a gold and silver medal at the World Championships in Liverpool for Parade and Twirling Corps. Individually, she is most proud of winning 1st Place in the United States Open X-Strut Overall, in the Age 15 division. Her favorite twirling tricks are walkover tricks, and one of her biggest inspirations in baton twirling is Katie Schleis. After college, she hopes to earn her master’s degree and become a mental health therapist.
Favorites!
Favorite Colors - Teal and turquoise
Favorite TV Show/Movie - “Gossip Girl” and “Clueless”
Must-Have Game Day Snack/Drink - BUBBL’R with Goldfish or Drizzilicious!
Favorite Quote/Life Motto…
“Never stop believing in yourself.”
“Never stop believing in yourself.”
When she is not twirling, I love to…
“Volunteer, work out, spend time with friends, and make TikToks!”
“Volunteer, work out, spend time with friends, and make TikToks!”
Something people might not know about her…
“I’m a fourth-generation dancer!”
“I’m a fourth-generation dancer!”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Confidence in myself and my abilities. Twirling has taught me to believe in myself, trust my training, and step outside my comfort zone.”
“Confidence in myself and my abilities. Twirling has taught me to believe in myself, trust my training, and step outside my comfort zone.”
The most memorable advice from her coach is…
“Pressure is a good thing because it can challenge you, help you grow, and build you into a stronger person.”
“Pressure is a good thing because it can challenge you, help you grow, and build you into a stronger person.”
Advice to future collegiate twirlers…
“Take a chance! You never know what opportunities might come your way or where they could lead you. Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone can turn into one of the best decisions you ever make.”
“Take a chance! You never know what opportunities might come your way or where they could lead you. Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone can turn into one of the best decisions you ever make.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“The countless times I’ve wiped out or gotten injured! Somehow, every year seems to end with a trip to the hospital during band camp or right before the first football game.”
“The countless times I’ve wiped out or gotten injured! Somehow, every year seems to end with a trip to the hospital during band camp or right before the first football game.”
Lauren is a first year Finance Major from Lubbock, Texas. She has been twirling for 8 years. Her favorite twirling trick is a high toss cartwheel, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by the TTU Twirlers. “I watched them growing up at games!” After college, she hopes to go into banking.”
Favorites!
Favorite Color – pink
Favorite TV Show – “Friends”
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Dr Pepper
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Do crafts or hang out with friends.”
“Do crafts or hang out with friends.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I like to sing!”
“I like to sing!”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Perseverance.”
“Perseverance.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“She would always tell me she believed in me.”
“She would always tell me she believed in me.”
Advice to future Collegiate twirlers…
“No matter how hard it may get, keep pushing because it will be worth it in the end.”
“No matter how hard it may get, keep pushing because it will be worth it in the end.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“During our first team dinner it was just the team asking me questions the whole time.”
“During our first team dinner it was just the team asking me questions the whole time.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“I will miss getting to see my team.”
“I will miss getting to see my team.”
We want to thank the Tech Twirlers for sharing their Game Day with us, and we will be rooting the Twirlers and the Tech Football Team on an amazing rest of their season! Wreck 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.
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