Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - The University of TX, Permian Basin Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! This blog has officially crossed the 18,000 page views mark in only four months of operation. I am loving all the excitement around this, and especially enjoy learning about all the great twirlers we have in our State. I hope you are too! As we all head into play-offs, let’s keep this enthusiasm going..

For today's Collegiate Twirler Spotlight, we head west as we visit with a brand new marching band and twirling program to meet the three trailblazers from the University of Texas, Permian Basin – Cristina Sanchez, Kaden Ellison, and Emily-Ann Brito.

The UTPB Falcon Twirlers, Coached by Marlene Torres, are a part of an inaugural year for the school. 2016 marks the first ever season for the Falcon Football Team and the Falcon Marching Band. These twirlers get to pave the way for all future UTPB twirlers and help start a legacy of Collegiate Twirlers in West Texas.

In order to become the first UTPB twirlers, they had to audition using one, two, and three baton. Even though they all three came from very different twirling backgrounds, they have done a great job performing together. They also had the chance to twirl fire at the homecoming bonfire. In their coach’s words “The student body went ballistic!” As a part of the new Falcon Band, each twirler received a brand new Show-Off costume and a $250 fall semester scholarship, a number that the program hopes to see increase each year.

One of the most interesting things about the UTPB Twirler program is the Endowment Fund being set up by Coach Marlene. This Endowment Fund, once fully funded, will guarantee the UTPB Twirler tradition continues throughout the years regardless of potential future change in the program’s directorship. To make this happen, we need the help of all the Texas Twirling Fans! Currently the Fund has only had about $1.5K contributed, and they need at least $10k in order to officially create the fund. Do you have a little extra you could contribute to making the Falcon Twirlers a staple of the UTPB Marching Band? Please check out the UTPB Twirler Endowment Fund Pledge Form for more information on how to help. These donations are tax deductible (with certain limitations) for those looking for a good location to find legitimate last minute end of year donation opportunities!

If you are a High School twirler interested in being a part of the UTPB twirling program, but are concerned since there are already three freshman twirlers, do not let that detour you from seeking more information. The band director is so excited about the twirling program, he has not set a limit to the number of twirlers he will allow. Add to that when the Endowment Fund is in effect, there is no telling what this program can achieve! Tryout dates and facility bookings are currently being set for the spring and we will make sure to post them once they are available. In the meantime, you can contact the UTPB Twirling Coach, Marlene Torres, at babeswithbatons@aim.com or visit the Falcon Marching Band website.

Now let’s take a moment to meet the three lovely ladies in the orange and black…

Cristina Sanchez, Freshman
Cristina is from Crane, TX, and is majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Biology. She has been twirling for 5 years with Coach Marlene Torres. Cristina’s favorite field trick is her 3 baton pendulums. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her older sister who also twirled. After Cristina graduates from college she wants to become a physical therapist.

Kaden Ellison, Freshman, Competition Level: Beginner
Kaden is from Odessa, TX, and is majoring in psychology. She has been twirling for 6 years with Coach Marlene Torres. Kaden’s favorite competition trick is her toss reverse illusion, and her favorite field trick is her toss hop catch blind. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by Texas Tech Twirler, Tiera Johnson. Outside of marching band, Kaden is also a member of the sorority Theta Eta. After Kaden graduates from college she wants to become a counselor for children.

Emily-Ann Brito, Freshman, Competition Level: Intermediate
Emily-Ann is from Odessa, TX, and is majoring in mechanical engineering. She has been twirling for 15 years with Coach Marlene Torres. Emily-Ann’s favorite competition trick is her monster roll, and her favorite field trick is her toss illusion. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former TCU Feature Twirler, Sawyer Powers. Outside of marching band, Emily-Ann is also a part of the Psych Club. After Emily-Ann graduates from college she wants to become a mechanical engineer for an oilfield company.









Fun Facts!
Color = Pink (Cristina & Emily-Ann), Maroon (Kaden)
Movie = Clueless (Cristina), Disney’s Original Fantasia (Kaden), Never Back Down, Million Dollar Baby, and 8 Seconds (Emily-Ann)
Music = Justin Timberlake (Cristina), Country (Emily-Ann)

When they are not twirling they love to…

• Cristina = play volleyball
• Kaden = read & listen to music
• Emily-Ann = go to Starbucks

Something people might not know about them is…

• Cristina = “My first and middle name are a combination of all of my aunts’ names”
• Kaden = “I am left handed”

Favorite Quote/Life Motto…

• Cristina = “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• Kaden = “Let it be your will, not mine” – The Passion of Christ

Most memorable tip from their coach…

• Cristina = Always respect your caregivers because they have been there from the beginning and they will never stop caring for you.
• Kaden = “If it hits your hand, you should have caught it”
• Emily-Ann = “Red tape bureaucracy is not the best, but we have to make it work for us”

Favorite moment of twirling…

• Cristina = “`Twirling at my first collegiate football game”
• Kaden = “performing at football games”
• Emily-Ann = “It was Regionals one year in Rockwall, TX, and this little girl who was struggling on her one turn asked me to help her. I was able to help her catch the trick and it was very rewarding.

We had to know what brought these three freshman to UTPB. Cristina says “I chose UTPB because although it is a small school, the environment and the quality of education I am receiving is great. I also chose UTPB because I was able to continue twirling at a collegiate level”. Kaden and Emily-Ann also loved that it was close to home but still had a great, and affordable, education to offer.

While they are getting to start a lot of new traditions, this being the first year in the school’s history with a football team and marching band, they still say the school has started some great activities. Cristina tells us that her favorite tradition at the school is when “the swim team will go to most of the basketball, volleyball, and soccer games in their swimsuits to distract the opposing team”. Yikes! We bet that is quite the sight!

The marching band also has created a fun way to end their practices. Cristina tells us that “our school mascot is a falcon so when our band is over with rehearsal our band director will say “hashtag” and the rest of the band will saw “caw caw”. We even had #cawcaw put on one of our band shirts”. Emily-Ann also mentions that her favorite inside joke as part of the Marching Band is “Dangit Todd”. There has to be a good story behind that one!

The girls have also already formed lasting bonds. Both Cristina & Kaden say that learning to work with others have been the best life skill they have learned from this experience. Emily-Ann agrees, but also says that “I learned that in order to succeed at anything, one must work hard”. In learning to work together, they have had a couple funny moments of their own. Kaden says they always get a good laugh when they are getting ready together with how much “we each struggle with our tights”. Don’t we all know that feeling!

We asked the girls what advice they have for future collegiate twirlers, especially those wanting to attend UTPB. Christina says “be persistent and practice hard because if you have the drive and never give up you can accomplish much more than you could have ever imagined”. She also says that future UTPB twirlers should “always strive to make the program here at UTPB better and to never settle for less than what you are capable of”.

Kaden advises future twirlers to make sure to stretch every chance you get, and also “be friends along with teammates”. Emily has some practical advice to add. She says “practice being in step! For me, it was harder than it looked to twirl and march”. She also wants to say that “I would tell future UTPB twirlers to make sure they make friends in the band, don’t seclude yourself! Everything becomes more fun when you know a lot more people”.

We wish these three twirlers and the UTPB Marching Band a big congratulations on a great first year, and we cannot wait to see the amazing places this program will go. Here is to many, many more years of Falcon Twirlers and the start of something new! #cawcaw

We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Collegiate Spotlight. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com with their name and email address so that we can reach out to them!

Friday Night Lights Feature - Smithson Valley High School Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! Welcome to the final week of regular season football games here in Texas. Next week we start the always exciting play-offs. How is your team doing? We know the twirlers from today’s school are play-off bound with their football team’s 7-2 season.

This week we travel to Spring Branch, Texas, just north of San Antonio, to visit with the Feature Twirlers from Smithson Valley High School, Camryn Shows and Sophie Gilbert!

In order to become a Smithson Valley Feature Twirler, at the end of each year they participate in auditions where they must prepare a routine demonstrating their skills with one, two, and three baton.  They are judged by the school’s band director, dance coach, and cheer coach.

As the Ranger Twirlers, these two have become fully involved with the band program. In fact, in the spring, Sophie even plays the trumpet. They have had so many amazing moments with the band including the first time they were able to perform during halftime, and their annual appearance in the Comal County Fair parade. We asked what the best moment they have had as a part of the band. Sophie says that one time “the entire band spent the night at the band hall because of a late football game the night before an early morning football game”.

Being a Junior and Senior, these two are in the countdown of their final performances with SVHS. We asked them what they will miss the most about being in the Ranger Band. Camryn says she will miss the “Friday night football games and having fun with the band and Colorguard”.  Sophie has similar feelings and says she will most miss “being a part of my 300 member band family”.

Through their experiences, they have learned comparable lessons to pass on to other twirlers. They both say that the best life skill they have learned from field twirling is confidence. Camryn says “Twirling has taught me a lot about self confidence and doing what you love regardless of what others think”. They also have similar advice for future field twirlers…. SMILE!!!  Sophie also says “never forget to have fun!”

Now let’s meet these two lovely twirlers that sport the red, white, and navy on the field each Friday…

Camryn Shows, Senior, Competition Level: Beginner
Camryn has been twirling for 5 years with Coach Pat Montgomery. Her favorite competition trick is her roll section, and her favorite field trick is three baton juggling. Growing up she has been most inspired by former College Miss Majorette of America, Karissa Wimberly. “I have always been inspired by how crazy talented she is!” After she graduates from High School, Camryn plans to attend college at Texas State University.

Sophie Gilbert, Junior, Competition Level: Beginner
Sophie has been twirling for 6 years with Coach Heather Harmer Hayden of the Texas Gems.  The competition twirling title she is the most proud of earning is Beginner Junior Miss Majorette of the Southwest. Sophie’s favorite competition trick is her two spin blind, and her favorite field trick is a toss cartwheel. Growing up she has been most inspired by Texas Tech Twirler Rachel White. “I was at a high school football game when I saw her twirling at it inspired me to try something new”. After she graduates from High School, Sophie hopes to go to college to major in environmental science and minor in German.


 Fun Facts!
Favorite Color = Burgundy (Camryn), Blue (Sophie)
Favorite Movie = “Love, Rosie” (Camryn)
Favorite Band = Of Monsters and Men (Sophie)

When they are not twirling they love to…
    *Camryn = “Watch Netflix and spend time with friends and family”
    *Sophie = “Go bike riding and spend time outdoors”

Favorite Quote/Life Motto…
    *Camryn = “As the wise Dory once said, ‘Just keep swimming’”
    *Sophie = “Only one who attempts the absurd can achieve the impossible"

Most Memorable Tip/Advice from your Coach…
    *Camryn = “Even if you drop your batons, don't lose your smile”
    *Sophie = “Always smile and have fun!”

Favorite Individual Twirling Moment…
    *Camryn = “Performing at halftime”
    *Sophie = “I love being able to twirl in the Comal County parade! It’s a great event that many people in my community love to go to every year”.

Funniest Twirl Moment…
    *Sophie = “We had a football game on Halloween my freshman year. The band for that week was playing thriller, so at one point in the song the dance team all screamed at once.  It scared me so much I dropped my baton!”

We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Friday Night Lights Feature. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com with their name and email address so that we can reach out to them!

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - The Feature Twirlers from The University of Houston

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! Who else is loving this collegiate football season? There have been some real nail biters at some universities with some amazing twirlers… and today’s collegiate spotlight takes us to visit the twirlers from one of them.

Today we are in Houston, Texas for the fourth edition of our weekly Collegiate Twirler Spotlight. Here we get to meet the three Twirling Coogs from the University of Houston – Morgan Bull, Rebekah Gonzales, and Jassandra Holbert!

While the University of Houston football team is killing it during the game, these lovely ladies, under the instruction of Coach Jennifer Zuber-Garrison, are killing it during pre-game and halftime. The 2016 football season is the first twirling season at U of H for all three of these twirlers, and it has been an experience they will never forget.

This made us wonder, what made these twirlers choose University of Houston? Morgan says she chose it because of the campus and atmosphere. “Everyone here is extremely supportive of the University. The academics here are also very good, which is another aspect of my choice to attend University of Houston”. Rebekah chose U of H for similar reasons. She says “It has an excellent Kinesiology program, beautiful campus, and the school spirit is amazing”.  Jassandra not only loved the campus, the location, and the reputation of the Communication’s school, she loves the spirit as well! “Every single student here has great pride for this university. From every home game to the classroom, Cougar pride is real”.

These girls are starting to really immerse themselves in the school’s traditions. Morgan and Jassandra love the tradition of Cougar Red Fridays. “Every single Friday is Cougar Red Fridays, meaning everyone wears a red shirt to show their love and support to the Cougars.” While Rebekah still wears her red, her favorite tradition is rubbing the cougar paw for good luck! “There is a cougar statue on campus and its good luck to rub under the paw. On test days you can find many students lined up to get some good luck!”

The band, of course, has its own awesome traditions. Rebekah says “After every Spirit of Houston practice, the whole Spirit of Houston gets together and we sing the Alma Mater. It creates a sense of family. I still get chills every time we sing together”. Jassandra really enjoys being a part of the “Spinning H”. “I love seeing the band, students and fans scream out the letters to spells COUGARS while the band magically forms an “H” out of nowhere.  I think it is just the coolest thing”. Morgan even tells us the twirlers are starting to develop a few traditions of their own. “Before we go on the field at every game Bekah, Jassandra, and I put up our Cougar paw and say 'Shasta sugar, Cougar kiss' for good luck”.

What amazing experiences these girls are having, and what a great football and band program to be a part of. Are you interested in one day being a Cougar Twirler? These ladies have some sage words of advice. Morgan says “Start running before band camp because our pregame routines take a lot of stamina!” Oh I bet they do! Rebekah wants to make sure you know the level of awesome-ness you are walking in to. “Prepare yourself for the crazy school spirit! From Cougar red Fridays to the non-stop chanting of “Go Coogs!” it’s truly something you have to experience for yourself”. Jassandra has been swept into this Cougar Spirit. She says “be confident, and enjoy every moment.  I have only been here a short amount of time but I have loved every moment performing in TDECU Stadium.  Go out there with the biggest smile, perform for every little girl there, and never, I repeat never stop loving the Cougars!  Go Coogs!”

To follow the U of H Twirling program via email, or get more information about future auditions, please visit http://uhtwirlers.weebly.com/.

Now, let’s take some time to learn more about these Lady Coogs and their take on twirling and life!

Morgan Bull, Sophomore, Competition Level: Advanced/Collegiate
Morgan is from Houston, Texas and is currently a sophomore Education Major. She has been twirling for 12 years with Coaches Vicki Michelle and Patti Mickey. The competition twirling title she is the most proud of is the Senior Intermediate Miss Majorette of Texas. Morgan’s favorite competition trick is her toss one turn illusion, and her favorite field trick is a toss illusion. While growing up, Morgan was most inspired to twirl by former SMU Feature Twirler, Kayli Mickey. Her favorite moment during her twirling career was when she was competing at State in 2015 and both her and her sister won their respective pageant titles. When she graduates from U of H, Morgan wants to be a high school math teacher.

Rebekah Gonzales, Freshman, Competition Level: Advanced/Collegiate
Rebekah is from San Antonio, Texas and is currently a freshman Kinesiology Major. She has been twirling for 9 years with Coach Pat Montgomery. The competition twirling title she is the most proud of is winning the Beginner 31+ National Duet Champion with duet partner Abby Morgan at AYOP 2016. Rebekah’s favorite competition trick is anything with three batons, and her favorite field trick is her toss double illusion. While growing up, Rebekah was most inspired to twirl by former University of Arkansas Feature Twirler, Stephanie Lampman. Her favorite moment so far during her twirling career was walking off the field from pre-game at her first college football game. “It was an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment because it has always been my dream to be a collegiate feature twirler”. When Rebekah graduates, she wants to become a physical therapist.

Jassandra Holbert, Freshman, Competition Level: Intermediate
Jassandra is from Vista, California and is currently a freshman Broadcast Journalism Major. She has been twirling for 11 years with Coach Juli Gage. The competition twirling title she is the most proud of winning is the Senior Intermediate All-West Regional Solo Champion. Jassandra’s favorite competition trick is her horizontal illusion and her favorite field trick is her toss double leap. Growing up, Jassandra was most inspired by former Purdue Golden Girl, Merribeth Cox. “The way she performed just captivated an audience and I never wanted to take my eyes off of her”. Her favorite moment so far in her twirling career was her first pregame performance in NRG Stadium. “It was a childhood dream come to run out onto that 50-yard line with my “paw” up in front of 70 thousand screaming fans! I knew in that moment that all of my hard work was worth it!” When Jassandra graduates she would like to “become a producer for a news station or a broadcast journalist traveling the world and reporting stories that have affected people’s lives”.

Fun Facts!
Favorite Color = Purple (Morgan), Yellow (Rebekah), Pink (Jassandra)
Favorite Food = Chinese (Rebekah), Any type of bread (Jassandra)
Favorite Music = alternative pop (Morgan), “jamming out to late ‘90s music” (Jassandra)
Favorite Movie = “Gone With The Wind” (Morgan), “The Little Mermaid” (Rebekah), “Footloose” (Jassandra)

Involved in any Non-Twirling/Band School Organizations?

• Morgan = “I participate in an on campus bible study.”
• Rebekah = “Not yet. Twirling consumes a lot of my time and I am a commuter student”
• Jassandra = Hall Council for her dorm and a member of Cru.

When they are not twirling they love to…

• Morgan = “Go camping, fighting, painting, bike riding, and watch movies”
• Rebekah = “Read and spend time with friends and family”
• Jassandra = “Spend quality time with my friends and family, layout on the beach, and get involve in school as much as possible. 

Something people might now know about them is…

• Morgan = “I am very good at fixing and putting things together”
• Rebekah = “I know sign language, I played trombone for 5 years, and I was involved in my high school colorguard/winterguard for 4 years. 
• Jassandra = “I enjoy being super busy! I was very involved in my high school and my community. Throughout my 4 years I planned everything from pep rallies to prom.  I loved every moment of it and am trying to find a way to be as involved here at UH.”

Favorite Quote/Life Motto = 

• Morgan = “Always be yourself.”
• Rebekah = “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you’ve got protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re going to tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, got get it. Period.”- Will Smith (Pursuit of Happyness)
• Jassandra = “For the testing of your faith produces perseverance” James 1:2

Most Memorable Advice from their coaches = 

• Morgan = “Visualize your routines and watch every catch land in your hand every time before your take the field or floor.”
• Rebekah = “Win or lose, always have fun and hold your head up high”
• Jassandra = “Go out there and perform like you had a no drop all the way off the floor, even if you dropped every trick”

Funniest Twirling Moment (in competition or field twirling) = 

• Morgan = “I was working on my toss double illusion and on the second illusion my foot slipped out from under and I feel on the field we were all laughing a lot”.
• Rebekah = “Once at a contest, my jazz shoe flew off my foot right in the middle of my X-Strut and I had to finish the final 2 legs with 1 shoe”.
• Jassandra = “Once when the Band was practicing “Spell Out” and spinning the H, Bekah, Morgan, and I were spelling out COUGARS, and Bekah looked at me and did a roll that she caught between her legs and pointed at me during the 'U'”.

Last Weekend, on Saturday, October 29th, the University of Houston Feature Twirlers had the chance to host twirlers from all over Texas for the first ever Twirler Spirit Day! These twirlers were able to meet and work with Morgan, Rebekah, and Jassandra, as well as participate in a parade, pre-game, and half time. This is one of only TWO collegiate twirler days in the State of Texas. 

While this was the first year, the University of Houston hopes to make this an Annual Tradition! They would love to see even more twirlers out there next year, How do you make sure you don't miss it? Visit http://uhtwirlers.weebly.com/ and make sure to sign up for their email list. This way you will always be in the know about the amazing things happening for twirling in Houston, Go Coogs!!!

We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Collegiate Spotlight. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com with their name and email address so that we can reach out to them!

Friday Night Lights Feature - Columbia High School Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! Everyone is rounding out their regular season games, but don't worry! Our Features will keep going into playoffs. We just have too many amazing twirlers in Texas to stop just because football will be over soon. Besides, we know twirlers work hard ALL year, regardless of what other sports are going on.

For tonight's edition of the Friday Night Lights Feature we are in West Columbia, Texas, just a little outside of Lake Jackson, visiting with the Twirlers from Columbia High School: Feature Twirler Megan Lazrine (sophomore), and Twirlers Carrie Boling (freshman), & Dallas Kirkpatrick (senior).

The Columbia High School Roughneck Twirlers are lead by Coach Jana Reid of Jana's School of Dance. They get to enjoy a lot of time together on and off the field, but they say their favorite moment of twirling is always after marching onto the field and turning around to see the crowd in the stands. The school's reaction always keeps them motivated!

They also have a lot of great inside jokes and traditions. They said one of their funniest moments twirling together can be summed up with the line "There's numbers on the field?" Oh my! We can only imagine the situation that led to that conversation.

Their best tradition is a sweet one, and one they will always cherish. Each year they have "Daddy Twirl Night" where their dads get to join them for twirling on the field at halftime. They also say when they graduate they will most miss getting to wear the maroon and white on Friday nights.

Fun Facts!
Twirler they are most inspired by: Savannah Miller
Favorite thing to do when they are not twirling: Watch Netflix
Most memorable advice from their coach: Catch the baton at all costs!
Favorite trick to perform on the field:
      *Megan - horizontal leg pop off the shin
      *Dallas - two baton
      *Carrie - horizontal two spin

These girls have learned a lot about life from their time twirling for Columbia High School. When asked what they feel is the best lesson they have learned from baton twirling is, they said "that hard work pays off". So true! They also want to make sure to pass on to future high school twirlers to always remember to "Enjoy it! It goes by fast".

Thank you so much to these three lovely young ladies. We wish y'all a great rest of football season and a wonderful start to your competition seasons. We can't wait to see that maroon and white out on the field or the floor.

We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Friday Night Lights Feature. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com with their name and email address so that we can reach out to them!

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - Erica Kuntz of the University of Texas

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! Can you believe this blog is currently at 14,600+ page views in only 4 months? Wow! We just know that this week’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight will not only propel us well past that 15k mark, but it will also be a great read with tons of inspiration for twirlers and non-twirlers alike.

Today we head right to the capital city for the third edition of our weekly Collegiate Twirler Spotlight. Here we find an extremely dedicated longhorn, who we are also excited to say is the 2016-17 University of Texas Feature Twirler, Erica Kuntz!

Erica always knew she wanted to be a collegiate twirler, but more importantly knew she bled burnt orange. Even though the Feature spot at Texas was taken when Erica was a freshmen, she didn’t let that stop her from getting the education she had planned on. “I waited two years to audition for the spot of Feature Twirler, but I never gave up on my dream. Put school first, don’t lose sight of your dream, and know that hard work and patience always pays off. The great thing about baton twirling is that there are many other ways to stay involved in the sport if twirling for your college doesn’t work out.”

We love this answer, and we hope many of the soon-to-be collegiate twirlers out there take Erica’s advice. Loving the school first will make the twirling experience that much sweeter! Now let’s take some time to get to know the woman behind these wise words…

Erica Kuntz, Junior, Competition Level: Advanced/Collegiate
Erica is from Rockwall, Texas, and is currently a junior public relations major with a business minor. In a couple years, when she graduates from UT, she plans to attend law school “to pursue my love for politics and justice”.

She has been twirling since she was 5, so that makes 15 years, to which Erica says “Wow, I’m old!” Haha, yeah right! She is a member of the Texas Touch of Class twirling team coached by Sheila Rigelsky and Shirley Payne. Erica says these two ladies are some of the most influential people in her life. In fact, Erica says “Sheila and Shirley are constantly filling me with excellent advice. One moment of encouragement I carry with me from many years ago is when Shirley Payne told me to ‘never, never, never give up’. While it is very simple, it has been extremely influential and given me a spirit of determination and a hardworking attitude”.

Being so influenced by her coaches led to her winning the International Show Twirl Championship at AYOP 2015, which is the competition twirling title she is the most proud of achieving. “I performed a modified version of (my coach) Sheila Rigelsky’s “Devil Went Down to Georgia" routine from her twirling days exactly 20 years apart! I even used the same costume she wore. It was such an honor!” If you didn’t get a chance to see the routine, Erica’s version or Sheila’s, trust us… it was incredible!

When it comes to twirling inspiration, beside her coaches, Erica says “there are so many incredible talents and inspirations, it’s hard to pick just one! I have always admired former SMU feature twirler, Kelli Montgomery (Park). Her collegiate twirling was incredibly fun to watch and inspired me to twirl in college when I was just a young girl”. This inspiration has led Erica down a very successful path in competition and on the field. Erica says her favorite competition trick is anything x-strut related. “Right now, my favorite part of my strut is my second leg; it showcases all of my favorite leaps,” and while she has only been on the field a few months, she has found her biggest crowd pleaser is her high toss, grand jete, somersault, catch in a split. “The crowd loves (it)!”

With 15 years of twirling under her belt, we wanted to know what she considered the best non-twirling skill the sport has given her. Erica said “the interpersonal skills I’ve learned have been invaluable to my success and the self-discipline I’ve learned has carried over into many facets of my life. These skills have been personally rewarding on and off the competition floor/field”. She would also like to pass on some advice to future high school and collegiate twirlers… “Practice like you’re performing to the top of the stadium. The major keys to field twirling are making your movements larger-than-life and entertaining the crowd, so have fun!”

Fun Facts!
Favorite Movie Genres = Comedies and older musicals
Favorite Music Anytime = “I’m pretty easy going and like to listen to most kinds of music”
Favorite Music When Practicing = fun remixes of current songs
Favorite Quote/Life Motto = “Champions are comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Favorite Color = “Anything Pink! But now that I’m so actively involved with UT, burnt orange is easily my second favorite”

Any non-band school organizations = Active member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority “Shout out to all of my delta sisters out there!”

People might not know that I am… “bilingual; I’m fluent in Spanish and I’m currently learning my third language, Catalan”.

When I am not Twirling I Love to… “spend time with my friends and eat at local food trucks and enjoy the live music scene in Austin. After all, it’s the Live Music Capital of the World!”

So far Erica is having an amazing time as the University of Texas Feature twirler. Besides her recent opportunity to perform with the Longhorn Alumni Band alongside former UT Feature Twirling greats such as Dr. Coral Noonan-Terry, Alexa Bourdage, Ashley Dolan, and Lynn Dell Harrell, what has been her favorite moment twirling at UT so far? “My favorite moment was when I performed at my first game as The University of Texas Feature Twirler. Stepping on the field for the first time to perform was truly unforgettable”.

We can image that was quite nerve wracking, on top of being amazing. Do you have any game day ritiuals to help get ready to perform in the gigantic Darrell K Royal Stadium? “Drum Major Kevin Kwaku and I have a secret handshake we do before every game; it always lifts my spirits and gets me pumped for our performance!”

Erica is getting the chance to have so many exciting new experiences, including the amazing traditions she gets to be a part of. We asked what, so far, has been her favorite UT Tradition, and she said it had to be the mascot, Bevo. “My all-time favorite tradition is having Bevo on the field during the game. This year is even more special as we welcome baby Bevo, the 15th version of the iconic steer”.

With all that goes on at the UT Games, there has to have been a funny blooper moment, and she came back with one of every twirler’s performance fears – “I was performing at the start of the 4th quarter when the band plays “Wabash Cannonball” and my shoe came off in the middle of the routine. I had to adjust my routine and avoid kicks and illusions to avoid my jazz shoe flying into the student section!” Yikes!!!

Finally, we just have to know… Was it worth the wait? “Taking the field for the first time was truly indescribable.  The love I have for UT became much deeper, and my love for baton twirling became so evident. The opportunity to twirl for my university is one that I do not take for granted; I relish every moment— no matter the circumstance. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has been more than worth the wait. Hook ‘Em!”

Congrats to Erica on showing us all that you should never give up on your dreams, and congrats to the University of Texas for adding another amazing twirler to their roster. Hook ‘Em indeed!

We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Collegiate Twirler Spotlight. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com with their name and email address so that we can reach out to them! 

Friday Night Lights Feature - Gonzales High School Twirlers

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! Is it Friday night again? Have to love that Texas football!

For tonight’s edition of our Friday Night Lights Feature, we are traveling a little east of San Antonio to Gonzales, Texas, to meet the four lovely twirlers from Gonzales High School: Feature Twirler Paige Glass, and Line Twirlers Lilliana Ramirez, Samantha Kuntschik, & Alicia Ramirez.

The Gonzales Feature Twirler and Twirling Line, directed by Janice Glass, are an exciting part of the Apache band program. In order to become and Apache twirler, students must be a member of the band and sign up to try out.  For try outs, “they must then attend a mandatory meeting where expectations and tryout info are discussed.  On the day of tryouts the twirler is expected to perform a three minute routine of their choosing and a panel of judges makes the final decision”.

These girls get to have a lot of FUN together! In fact, their favorite advice they have received from their coach has been “Alrighty girls! Let’s go out there and have fun!” They named twirling in the third movement as the most fun part of their marching band show, and said they have a ton of fun when they get to twirl fire each year at the senior night football game.

A group that has this much fun must have some great traditions and inside jokes! According to the girls “Mambo” and “Just Keep Swimming” are two of the biggest ones they get to enjoy together. Don’t know what they mean, but we are sure they will bring band fond memories in the future. Speaking of the future, when they leave Gonzales High School they all say they will miss being a part of the Apache Band half time performances the most.

Don’t get the wrong idea though. The GHS Twirlers have their fun, but they also take our sport very seriously. They said the main life skill they have learned from baton twirling is time management. They also want to make sure future High School twirlers know that “One more time really means twenty more times”. Isn’t that the truth?

Now that we have learned a little about the Gonzales High School Twirlers and their experiences as part of the Apache Band, let’s meet each of the girls individually…

Feature Twirler: Paige Glass, Senior, Competition Level: Advanced
Paige has been twirling for seven years with Coaches Sheri Carter and Pat Montgomery. She said she is the most proud of winning the title of the 2014 Jr. Twirl Mania 3-baton Champion. Her favorite competition trick is her entire roll section, her favorite field trick is her back neck rolls, and her favorite twirling moment is when she gets to perform at halftime. When Paige graduates she plans to attend college to become a dermatologist.

Lilliana Ramirez, Junior
Lilliana has been twirling for six years with Coach Janice Glass. Her favorite field trick is juggling. She says her favorite individual twirling moment was the first time she got to perform with her sister in a half time show. After high school, Lilliana plans to go to college and become a respiratory therapist.

Samantha Kuntschik, Freshman, Competition Level: Novice
Samantha has been twirling for four years with Coach Pat Montgomery. She says she is most proud of winning her Open Solo at the Southwest Regional Championships. Her favorite competition trick is her rolls, and her favorite field trick is their group layback. One of her favorite twirling memories is when she went to the winter twirling camp and made a friend named Sophie. After high school, Samantha hopes to twirl in college.

Alicia Ramirez, Freshman
Alicia has been twirling for three years with Coach Janice Glass. Her favorite part of the marching band show is the third movement. Her favorite individual twirling moment was “hearing everyone get amazed when we all twirler fire”. After high school Alicia plans to go to college and become a psychologist.












Fun Facts!
Favorite Food: Matamores puffy quesadillas (Paige)
Favorite Drink: Coffee & Diet Coke (Paige)
Favorite Color: Red (Lilliana), Blue (Samantha), Purple (Alicia)
Favorite Music: Rap (Samantha), Any (Alicia)
Favorite TV Show: American Horror Story (Samantha)
Favorite Movie: The Breakfast Club (Alicia)

Twirlers they are most inspired by…
*Paige = Michael Lopez & Stephanie Lampman
*Lilliana & Alicia = Jesslyn Lamprecht
*Samantha = Destiny Pierpont

When they are not twirling they love to…
*Paige = Sleep
*Lilliana = Spend time with family and friends
*Samantha = Watch Netflix
*Alicia = Solve puzzles such as Rubix cubes, piece puzzles, etc

Something you might not know about them is…
*Paige = “I have a Morkie named Beau who thinks he is my child”
*Lilliana = “I also play softball (catcher)”
*Samantha = “I am a namesake of my Uncle Sam”
*Alicia = “I wear my favorite bracelet only on my left wrist”

Favorite Quotes:
*Paige = “She turned her can’ts into cans, and her dreams into plans”
*Lilliana = “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
*Samantha = “Life is like riding a bicycle. Keep your balance to keep moving”.
*Alicia = “Do not go where the path may lead instead go where there is no path and leave a trail for someone to follow”

We had so much FUN (didn’t see that coming did you) getting to know these four Apache twirlers, we are all worn out (just like them in this hilarious picture below). We wish them a great rest of the football season, and hope the tradition of fun at Gonzales HS continues (and we mean that times twenty!).

We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Friday Night Lights Feature. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com with their name and email address so that we can reach out to them! 

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - Kaitlen McNeill of Angelo State University

Hello Texas Twirl Fans! We are so excited about the reaction to our Collegiate Twirler Spotlight. Our last interview with Sydney Webster had over 1100 page views. Wow! Please continue to share this blog with your friends in the Texas twirling community so that we can give awareness to all our Collegiate twirlers.

Today we venture over to San Angelo, Texas for the second edition of our new weekly Collegiate Twirler Spotlight! Here we find one of the Angelo State University Twirlers, Kaitlen McNeill!

 
At Angelo State University, Kaitlen has to audition annually to maintain her Twirler position. She loves being a part of the Angelo State community and says her favorite school tradition is the “bonfire the night before homecoming”. She also enjoys being a part of the band and says that performing at Ram Jam (the school’s tailgate) is one of her favorite performance opportunities.

If you are interested in learning more about the Marching Ram Band, check out their website. They will be holding their 2017 Twirler auditions in April for those looking to try-out. Let's learn more about this Senior twirler and her experiences as a twirler.


Kaitlen McNeill, Senior, Competition Level: Collegiate
Kaitlen is from Lubbock, Texas, and is currently a Senior Early Education Major. Kaitlen is taught by Coach Vanessa Moffett of M & M Majorettes and has been twirling for 10 years.  She says she is the most proud of earning the title 2016 Intermediate Senior Southwest Regional Pageant Winner. Her favorite competition trick is a toss double fan jump catch blind, and her favorite field trick is a toss cartwheel.

She find her biggest twirling inspiration in her Coach, Vanessa Moffett. “Twirling duet with her inspired me to try harder tricks and increase my speed of the baton”. When asked what her moment in twirling was, she said it was attending her first AYOP (NBTA Nationals). She also says that the best life skill she has learned from baton twirling is “How to not give up! When things get tough, it makes it easier to keep going”.

As she is a Senior this year, we asked Kaitlen what she will miss the most. She says “The daily practices and my lessons with Coach Vanessa as well as twirling with the M&M majorettes”. After graduation, she has plans to get her Master’s in Education. “Hopefully by 2018 I will be teaching in the classroom”.

Fun Facts!
Color = Blue
Movie = “Tangled” (“Who doesn’t love Disney?”)
Music = Country
Quote = “You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger darling”.
When she isn’t twirling she loves to… “Spend time with family and friends”.
You may not know that she… “Loves to ski”.

Most Memorable Advice from her coach… “Calling me chicken and ‘bwocking’ at me when I didn’t want to try a trick or would toss the baton up and not do the trick under it.”

Kaitlen says the funniest moment she has had during her twirling career was one day at practice when she was trying new split tricks with her coach. “(we didn’t know if) we were going to be able to get up the next day!”

When asked what advice she would pass on to future Collegiate twirlers, she said “Don’t give up, even when you want to quit. Push through, because this sport will make you a stronger person”.

Thank you Kaitlen for giving us a little view into your world. We wish you a wonderful football season and a great senior year. Go Rams!



We hope you have enjoyed another edition of our Friday Night Lights Feature. Have a favorite High School or Collegiate Twirler that you would like to see interviewed? Please contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com with their name and email address so that we can reach out to them!