Hello Texas Twirl Fans!
Another week of those Friday Night Lights has come and gone, and we are already to the UIL Marching Contest part of the season! We want to wish good luck to all our Texas Twirlers performing with their marching bands over the coming weeks, whether you are playing an instrument, spinning with the guard, or twirling your baton. We know this week’s featured High School twirlers will be shining on the field as they continue to represent their school!
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 Needville High School Twirlers!
Another week of those Friday Night Lights has come and gone, and we are already to the UIL Marching Contest part of the season! We want to wish good luck to all our Texas Twirlers performing with their marching bands over the coming weeks, whether you are playing an instrument, spinning with the guard, or twirling your baton. We know this week’s featured High School twirlers will be shining on the field as they continue to represent their school!
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 Needville High School Twirlers!
Needville High School, located in Needville, Texas, is the home of the Bluejays and the first consolidated district in the southwest Houston suburbs. “The Needville High School district started in 1946 by merging ten small local schools, including Guy, Big Creek, and Long Point.” It is also the home of a wonderful legacy of baton twirlers! This year, the 2026-27 Needville High School Twirlers include Emma Sablatura (Captain), Estrella Mejia, Nayeli Perales, Kinsley Aldrich, Makayla Baranowski, and Aubree Walker!
Led by coach Patti Jan, we wanted to know what the NHS Twirlers had to do to earn their position on the Line. “The High School line candidates are taught a routine to be performed together. This helps to see how fast you can pick up and memorize a routine, plus if you can count and hear the music to stay together as a team. We are also judged on fundamentals and an individual routine.”
Once on the Line, the Needville Twirlers are a big part of the NHS Band program. “Our twirlers are actually a part of the UIL halftime show! Additionally, we perform at pep rallies, sidelines at football games, and UIL Marching contests. Also, we have all twirled together outside of school.”
Being such a visible part of Game Days, we wanted to know what their favorite thing about being at NHS is, and they all agree it is the School Spirit! While they love wearing the blue and white for any occasion, they did tell us that their favorite tradition is getting to ring the “Victory Bell” when they win a football game.
Between the long days at practice together with the band, they have all become a second family for each other. So much so that they even call their band director, Mr. Finley, “Papa Finley”!
Finally, we wanted to know what these twirlers were most excited for this season, and they said they cannot wait for the Area and State Marching Contests!
Now that we have learned about twirling at Needville, let’s learn more about the twirlers!
Emma is an Intermediate twirler that has been twirling for 13 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny, Patti Jan, and Hope DeLeon, with additional coaching from Lori Perkins. Her favorite twirling trick is any under the leg catch, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former University of Texas Feature Twirler, Aidyn Mentry. After High School, she hopes to attend Texas A&M for nursing.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite TV Show, Movie, or Book – You, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Cheez-its’ and Dr. Pepper
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Be the Light!”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Hang out with friends and family.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I am left handed.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Leadership.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Don’t stress and have fun!”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Collect all the memories you can!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Being silly with the other twirlers before the games.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Having the sister-like bond between the girls and all the halftime performances.”
Nayeli Perales, Senior
Nayeli is a Beginner level twirler that has been twirling for 9 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny, Patti Jan, and Hope DeLeon. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Illusion, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Baylor University Golden Girl, Adaline Bebo. After High School, she hopes to go to college to become an Ultrasound Tech.
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite TV Show, Movie, or Book – You, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Cheez-its’ and Dr. Pepper
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Be the Light!”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Hang out with friends and family.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I am left handed.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Leadership.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Don’t stress and have fun!”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Collect all the memories you can!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Being silly with the other twirlers before the games.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Having the sister-like bond between the girls and all the halftime performances.”
Nayeli is a Beginner level twirler that has been twirling for 9 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny, Patti Jan, and Hope DeLeon. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Illusion, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Baylor University Golden Girl, Adaline Bebo. After High School, she hopes to go to college to become an Ultrasound Tech.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Purple
Favorite TV Show – Gilmore Girls
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Lays
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Take time to relax and get things done.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I love to draw and am pretty good at it.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Determination.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“You are able to do anything you set your mind to.”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Enjoy your time!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Just all of us together having a good time and joking around with each other.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“The adrenaline.”
Estrella Mejia, Junior
Estrella is an Intermediate twirler that has been twirling for 8 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny, Patti Jan, and HopeDeLeon. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Illusion, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Baylor University Golden Girl, Adaline Bebo. After High School, she hopes to be successful in Real Estate.
Favorite Color – Purple
Favorite TV Show – Gilmore Girls
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Lays
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Take time to relax and get things done.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I love to draw and am pretty good at it.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Determination.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“You are able to do anything you set your mind to.”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Enjoy your time!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Just all of us together having a good time and joking around with each other.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“The adrenaline.”
Estrella is an Intermediate twirler that has been twirling for 8 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny, Patti Jan, and HopeDeLeon. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Illusion, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Baylor University Golden Girl, Adaline Bebo. After High School, she hopes to be successful in Real Estate.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Purple
Favorite Movie, and/or Podcast – Fast & Furious, Bryce Crawford Podcast
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Goldfish
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Play soccer!”
Something people might not know about her..
“I have a great sense of humor.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“You can control the good and the bad.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“To do anything to catch the baton.”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Enjoy every second because it goes by fast.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“When I popped 2 people at camp the same day (my 2 captains).”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“All the memories, tears, and sweat!”
Kinsley Aldrich, Sophomore
Kinsley is an intermediate level twirler that has been twirling for 10 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny and Patti Jan, with additional coaching from Emily Hathorn and Lori Perkins. The competition title she is the proudest of earning with the Middle School Classic Winner at the Spotlight Twirling Festival. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Cartwheel, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Baylor University Golden Girl, Adaline Bebo. After High School, she hopes to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Favorite Color – Purple
Favorite Movie, and/or Podcast – Fast & Furious, Bryce Crawford Podcast
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Goldfish
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Play soccer!”
Something people might not know about her..
“I have a great sense of humor.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“You can control the good and the bad.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“To do anything to catch the baton.”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Enjoy every second because it goes by fast.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“When I popped 2 people at camp the same day (my 2 captains).”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“All the memories, tears, and sweat!”
Kinsley is an intermediate level twirler that has been twirling for 10 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny and Patti Jan, with additional coaching from Emily Hathorn and Lori Perkins. The competition title she is the proudest of earning with the Middle School Classic Winner at the Spotlight Twirling Festival. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Cartwheel, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Baylor University Golden Girl, Adaline Bebo. After High School, she hopes to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite TV Show – Gilmore Girls
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Blue Gatorade and Airhead Strips
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Reading and hanging out with friends.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I am a powerlifter.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Being able to get along with others.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Do the thumb toss correctly or you are going to the wall.”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Have fun!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“My mom catching the blood from my best friend's nose after getting hit by the baton.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“I will miss performing the show and having fun with the twirlers on the sidelines.”
Aubree Walker, Freshman
Aubrey is a Beginner level twirler that has been twirling for 12 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny, Patti Jan, and HopeDeLeon. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Cartwheel. After High School, she hopes to become a nurse.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite TV Show – Young Sheldon
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Dr. Pepper
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Never Give Up!”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Golf.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I don’t like to read.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Hard Work.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Give 100% Always!”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Never give up and always have a smile on your face…even if you mess up.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Going on the bus to Santa Fe.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Being with my team.”
Makayla Baranowski, Freshman
Makayla is an Intermediate twirler that has been twirling for 12 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny, Patti Jan, and HopeDeLeon. The competition event she is the proudest of winning was the MA Nationals Show Twirl. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Front Walkover, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Baylor University Golden Girl, Adaline Bebo. After High School, she hopes to twirl in College.
Favorite Color – Blue
Favorite TV Show – Gilmore Girls
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Blue Gatorade and Airhead Strips
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Reading and hanging out with friends.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I am a powerlifter.”
The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Being able to get along with others.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Do the thumb toss correctly or you are going to the wall.”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Have fun!”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“My mom catching the blood from my best friend's nose after getting hit by the baton.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“I will miss performing the show and having fun with the twirlers on the sidelines.”
Aubrey is a Beginner level twirler that has been twirling for 12 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny, Patti Jan, and HopeDeLeon. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Cartwheel. After High School, she hopes to become a nurse.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite TV Show – Young Sheldon
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Dr. Pepper
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“Never Give Up!”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Golf.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I don’t like to read.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Hard Work.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Give 100% Always!”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Never give up and always have a smile on your face…even if you mess up.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Going on the bus to Santa Fe.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“Being with my team.”
Makayla is an Intermediate twirler that has been twirling for 12 years. She is a member of KTPS and is coached by Tracey Sweeny, Patti Jan, and HopeDeLeon. The competition event she is the proudest of winning was the MA Nationals Show Twirl. Her favorite twirling trick is a Toss Front Walkover, and in baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Baylor University Golden Girl, Adaline Bebo. After High School, she hopes to twirl in College.
Favorites!
Favorite Color – Turquoise
Favorite TV Show, Movie, Book, and/or Podcast – Heartland, Walk, Ride, Rodeo
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Drizzalicious
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Ride horses.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I rodeo.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Determination.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Never give up.”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Trust the process.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Having to get my arm belted around my body to quit tossing so high and wrong.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“My teammates!”
We want to thank the Needville High School Twirlers for sharing their Game Day with us, and we wish them and the Bluejay Marching Band an amazing and successful season! #Codeblue!
Favorite Color – Turquoise
Favorite TV Show, Movie, Book, and/or Podcast – Heartland, Walk, Ride, Rodeo
Must have Game Day Snack and/or Drink – Drizzalicious
Favorite Quote or the Life Motto…
“It doesn’t matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing.”
When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Ride horses.”
Something people might not know about her…
“I rodeo.”
The best life skill she has gained from baton twirling is…
“Determination.”
The most memorable advice from her coach…
“Never give up.”
Advice to future high school twirlers…
“Trust the process.”
Her funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“Having to get my arm belted around my body to quit tossing so high and wrong.”
What will she miss the most when football/field season ends?
“My teammates!”
We want to thank the Needville High School Twirlers for sharing their Game Day with us, and we wish them and the Bluejay Marching Band an amazing and successful season! #Codeblue!
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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