Friday Night Lights Feature - Frenship High School Feature Twirler

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Happy Friday Night Lights everyone! That first weekend in October is always the best with the changes in weather, and the football season really kicking in to high gear. It was great to follow along Friday with this twirler during her Instastory Takeover, even if her game did get rained out. We do hope to check back in with her later this season to allow her to finish her takeover, but for now, we can’t wait to learn more about her!

This week’s Friday Night Lights Feature is the Frenship High School Feature Twirler!

Frenship High School, located in Wolfforth, Texas, is the home of the Tigers, and today’s Featured Twirler, Taylor Tubbs! We asked Taylor what she had to do to earn her position and she told us about the audition process. “My school holds auditions for both the varsity and junior varsity lines on the same day. We showcase basic twirling fundamentals that are best suited for the line we are trying to make. After the fundamental portion is over, we perform our own choreographed routine. Once varsity and junior varsity lines are set in place, we hold feature twirler auditions on a football field where we perform a longer choreographed routine and answer a few questions about why we are interested in the position.”

Taylor is very happy to be able to be the Feature Twirler for her Senior year, especially after her Junior year wasn’t what it could have been. “Last year was my junior year of high school, which was a struggle in itself, but it was also difficult recovering from the pandemic. After schools shut down it was hard to adapt to a life that only happened in my house. I was fortunate enough to get a job and go to in person school in the fall of 2020, but it was a struggle to balance everything and adapt to new rules. I learned patience, how to learn quickly, and how to deal with the unexpected.”

Let’s take a few minutes and learn more about this super Senior and her twirling experiences!

Taylor Tubbs, Senior

Competition Level: Beginner Solo/Intermediate X-Strut
Taylor has been twirling for 8 years and currently works with her private coach, Brittany Ashcraft, and her school line coach, Amanda Tolley. The competition title she is the proudest of was when she won her Show Twirl. Her favorite field trick is “anything rolls or two baton!” In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by “Caroline Carothers, Adaline Bebo, Michael Lopez, Cody Carter, Holly Glasgow, and many others.” After High School she would love to twirl at a University and eventually become a nurse practitioner. 

Fun Facts!
Favorite Color – Pink
Favorite Movie – “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
Favorite Music – Indie Pop/Alternative. “My current favorite artist is the Artic Moneys.”

When she is not twirling she loves to…
“Spend time with friends and family, listen to music, and read.”

Something people might not know about her is…
“I’ve played piano since the 2nd grade.”

The #1 Non-Twirling Life Skill she has learned from baton twirling is…
“Be patient and refuse to let bad days get to you.”

The Most Memorable Advice from her Coach…
“To forget about any past drops or mess ups and to move on and live in the moment.”

Advice To Future Twirlers…
“Progress doesn’t happen overnight. If you keep a good practice schedule and a positive attitude you will start to feel progress happening! It’s the best feeling!”

Favorite memory as a baton twirler…
“My first performance as the feature twirler in the halftime show was a moment I will never forget. Hearing my name announced at the beginning of the show made me feel so accomplished in all of my hard work as a twirler both on the school line and competitively.”

Funniest memory as a baton twirler…
“One of my friends on the varsity line with me and I made a silly routine during rehearsal one day and could not stop laughing.”

 Best School Tradition…
“The Senior painted parking spots! I was so excited to get to paint my own parking spot this year!”

Best Band Tradition… 
“I love our annual band Olympics at the end of summer band as a member of the percussion section (when I’m not twirling)!”

Favorite thing about marching season…
“I love the energy of Friday night football games and how much of a family we have become because of it.”

What will you miss most when marching season is over…
“I will miss getting to twirl with the band every day at rehearsals and during football games.”
 
We experienced a very unprecedented year last year. We asked Taylor how she stayed motivated and ready for this year. “I was learning new routines during quarantine, and I would practice them in my driveway as much as I could. I competed at a few of the local contests once it was deemed safe to do so in the late winter and early spring.”
 
With all the changes over the last year, we asked Taylor what is different this year, and what she is most looking forward to. “Last year we started the football season very late and our whole band wasn’t able to go to every away game. We weren’t able to use uniforms or costumes and we couldn’t compete at State UIL because it was canceled. This year, we have new uniforms, a beautiful marching show, an entire football season full of our old traditions, and an overall normal year. After overcoming many hardships last year, I am extremely excited to be the feature twirler for my marching band this year!”

That is so exciting, and we are so happy to see Taylor performing on the field doing what she loves. We wish Taylor and the Frenship Marching Band a great rest of their season. Go Tigers!

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 HS twirlers on Fridays throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights during the week. We will also be having many of our HS 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!

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - Texas Christian University Feature Twirlers

 Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

The last couple days of September are here, and we are ready for “Band-Tober” and all the fun that comes with a month full of marching band, football, and watching those collegiate twirlers rock it on Saturdays. We know today's featured twirlers did just that this past weekend and we loved following their Game Day experience on the Instastory Takeover. 

This week’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is the Texas Christian University Feature Twirlers!

Texas Christian University (also known as TCU), located in Fort Worth, Texas, is the home of the Horned Frogs, and a long history of amazing twirlers repping the purple and white. This includes the awesome Fall 2021 Feature Twirlers: KK Tunnell, Stephanie McBurnett, and Haylee Chiariello!

We asked these ladies what brought them to TCU, and for all of them it was a mix of the culture and academics. KK told us she loved the atmosphere. “It feels like everyone here is a family and the university really supports and cares for its students.” Haylee had a similar feeling, and felt it was a place she could continue to grow. “The campus is so beautiful, and I was offered incredible academic scholarships. When I visited, I knew I would have a unique perspective and role on campus.” 

While Stephanie also agreed with the campus being a very welcoming place, she also had a family connection that made her look further into whether the school would also be right for her, and it was! “I have loved TCU ever since my sister went here. When I got older and started to plan for my future, I realized they have one of the top business schools in the US, so that was also a major draw for me to come here.”

All three of these twirlers had an unusual experience being selected for their positions because their auditions were all in the middle of COVID shutdowns in spring 2020. Stephanie tells us the process was done virtually. “We submitted a video of uncut performances, an academic resume, twirling resume, and headshot & full body picture along with a cover letter expressing interest and why they should choose you.” It ended up working out for them because their videos were enough to earn them their spots as Feature Twirlers, a position that they get to hold for all four years.

Being a Feature Twirler and attending a Power 5 University is a great opportunity, and these twirlers definitely appreciate the experience. As Haylee tells us, being at TCU has been “such an exciting experience! I have loved getting to share my diverse perspective and represent my people in this sport!”

Now that we have learned more about what brought these three to TCU, let’s learn more about them!

KK Tunnell
KK is a sophomore from Rockwall, Texas, and is majoring in Movement Science and minoring in Religion. At TCU, in addition to being a Feature Twirler, she is in the PAC (a Bible study and discipleship group), on the Greet Team at Christ Chapel College, and a sister of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. “I also go to Bingo every Thursday which is a lot of fun!” She has been twirling for 11 years with the Texas Touch of Class and is coached by Shirley Payne and Sheila Payne Rigelsky. The title she is the proudest of earning is the 2021 College Miss Majorette of the Southwest. Her favorite competition tricks are rolls, “especially back necks!”, and her favorite field trick is back neck rolls or toss walkovers. “The crowd gets excited by those tricks, and it is fun to see!” In baton twirling she has been most inspired by former UT Feature Twirler, Erica Kuntz. After college, KK plans to attend Chiropractic School and become a chiropractor. 

Stephanie McBurnett
Stephanie is a sophomore from San Antonio, Texas, and is Double Majoring in Finance and Accounting. At TCU, in addition to being a Feature Twirler, she is a sister of the Phi Mu sorority, a member of the Tau Beta Sigma Band Service Sorority, and in the John V. Roach Honors College. She has been twirling for 8 years and is currently a member of the Mickey’s Majorettes, where she is coached by Patti Mickey and Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. She is additionally coached by Tori Mays. The competition title she is the proudest of earning is the 2021 Senior Miss Majorette of the Southwest. Her favorite competition skills are “anything from my Collegiate Halftime routine,” and her favorite field trick is a toss leap into a floor roll. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by Rachel White who is a former Smithson Valley High School Twirler and former member of the Texas Tech Twirling line. After college, Stephanie wants to work her way up in the financial sector of business and, “hopefully one day be a CFO of a large corporation.”

Haylee Chiariello
Haylee is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is majoring in Native America Expression & Dance. At TCU, in addition to being a Feature Twirler, she is also a Native American Advisory Circle Student Representative, Race and Reconciliation Initiative Student Representative, Native and Indigenous Student Association Executive Secretary, on the Native & Indigenous People’s Day Committee, a Land Acknowledgment Presenter, member of the Pre-Law Society, and a sister in the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She has been twirling for 17 years and is coached by Vicki Ray. The title she is the proudest of earning was when she was named Miss Mustang 2021 and went on the place in the Top 10 at Miss Oklahoma 2021. Her favorite competition skills are her rolls, “my roll section is my favorite!”, and her favorite field tricks are tumbling and rolls on the ground. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by many twirlers including DaNae Couch, Megan McGeary, Sarah Harris, Jennifer Horn, and Kelli Masters. After graduation, she plans to continue her education and earn a JD with an emphasis in Indigenous Peoples Law while also utilizing her dance education. “As Native people face many pressing health challenges, I understand the great importance of fitness and health and wellness programming in the Native community. I plan to incorporate dance and other artistic expressions (including twirling!) to promote wellness in Native populations.”

Fun Facts!

• Favorite Color – “Purple, of course!” (KK & Stephanie)
• Favorite Movie – Any Hallmark Christmas Movie (KK), “Anastasia” and “When Harry Met Sally” (Stephanie)
• Favorite Animal – Monkeys (KK)
• Favorite Things – “My faith is very important to me: I love Jesus and I am so grateful for His blessings! (And Diet Dr. Pepper is a must-have for me)!” (Haylee)

Favorite Quote… 

• KK – “Never let anyone dull your sparkle!”
• Stephanie – “Dream Big!”
• Haylee – “The secret of our success is that we never, never give up!”, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Principal Chief Wilma P. Mankiller

When they are not twirling, they love to…

• KK – “Hang out with my niece, Aspen. She is about to turn two and is the cutest thing ever! Also, I love hanging out with my friends and going to bingo!”
• Stephanie – “Watch NCIS or Criminal Minds because I love shows where they solve cases. I also love my academics, so I am usually doing schoolwork when not twirling.”
• Haylee – “Go for outdoor walks and work out in the gym!”

Something people might not know about them is…

• KK – “I have a niece, Aspen, who is almost 2 and a nephew, Grey, who is 4 months. They are adorable, so fun, and bring us so much joy!”
• Haylee – “I speak Cherokee!”

Best memory as a baton twirler…

• KK – “I love getting to meet and talk to sweet little girls on game days. They love asking questions and seeing the sparkly costumes and I love sharing baton twirling with them!  I also loved going to Peru! It was such an amazing experience and I got to meet so many wonderful people!”
• Stephanie – “When I placed 2nd at AYOP for the Senior Intermediate Pageant after having only been cleared from wrist surgery three weeks before the event!”
• Haylee – “Incorporating Native dance into my Miss Oklahoma talent routine as a Top Ten finalist was so exciting and an incredible honor. Also, hearing my name announced for the first time during pregame on the field was thrilling!”

Funniest memory as a baton twirler…

• KK – “When I was in high school my shoe came off during halftime. I was embarrassed at the time but think it’s funny now! I also love just the little things that happen at band practice like trying new tricks and epically failing or running away from bees that fly near us.”
• Stephanie – “HAHA! At one of our games this season, I was warming up on the sidelines and my hands were super sweaty, and I made the mistake of practicing my swing section from my routine... My baton went flying and hit a cameraman's camera (THANKFULLY NO DAMAGE WAS DONE!!) but I was so scared for my life, and he was so nice about it and just laughed it off saying thankfully it was a baton and not one of the football players that hit him!”

 Most Memorable Advice from their Coaches…

• KK – “It’s okay to be nervous because that means you care, but don’t let your nerves get the best of you.”
• Stephanie – “The field is your time to have fun and show people how much you love baton!”
• Haylee – “Vicki and I both have a dance background and she always tells me I have the look!”

The #1 non-twirling life skill they have learned from baton twirling…

• KK – “I learned the value of hard work and determination. Twirling has taught me to always reach for my goals even when things get hard.”
• Stephanie – “How to hold myself with confidence and be able to speak intelligently. This is especially useful I have found with interviews for organizations, internships, and various opportunities in college.”
• Haylee – “Presentation skills! In any setting, I feel confident in my ability to connect with anyone because of the skills developed in twirling.”

Advice for future twirlers…

• KK – “Don’t give up!! Twirling is a difficult sport. There may be days nothing is working and that’s okay. Push through those days and keep working hard to accomplish your dreams.”
• Stephanie – “Time management is everything! Trust me, finding time to practice when you're living on your own in college is HARD! So, it's especially important to plan ahead and work it into your schedule and keep to your schedule you set for yourself. This is also true for your school work and finding times to study.”
• Haylee – “I always tell my younger brother, Zane-Micah, when he competes that I am so proud of you and all you have done. Train and perform like an athlete.”

Best School Tradition…

• KK – “Frog Walk! The football team arrives to the stadium on buses. The band plays while the Showgirls, cheerleaders, and football team walks into the stadium.”
• Stephanie – “I love the Christmas tree lighting they do every year for Christmas. It brings the whole Fort Worth and TCU community together to share in the festivities. 
• Haylee – “The Riff Ram Bah Zoo chant!”

Best Band Tradition or Inside Joke…

• KK – “I can’t tell y’all the inside jokes or they wouldn’t be inside jokes…”
• Stephanie – “My favorite band tradition/ inside joke is the 3rd quarter dirty dogs (hot dogs) we get! After performing all of pregame and halftime, we are so hungry, so a good old fashioned concession stand hot dog hits the spot.”

What advice would they give to a twirler about to go into college auditions… 

• KK – “Have an open mind. It can be a stressful process but having an open mind will help take away some of the stress. You will end up where your supposed to be and fall in love with your school!”
• Stephanie – “When you audition, all you can do is try your best and put it all out there when you perform. Once you do your job, it is out of your hands, and you should be proud of yourself for going out there and auditioning for a collegiate position. Also, have fun while you're doing all of this. It's so incredibly stressful that many girls forget to have fun!”
• Haylee - "Just be you!"

 
We experienced a very unprecedented year last year. We asked them how they stayed motivated and prepared for this year even with the challenges, and Stephanie found that her most important tool was her coaches. “It was very hard to stay motivated, I will admit that. Luckily, I had coaches who were very encouraging and understanding, so we would do at least one zoom lesson a week, just so I would keep twirling. As I said before, time management is everything, and I really had to learn how to keep to the schedule I set for myself.” Haylee told us she used her future plans as her motivation. “As a Miss America local titleholder, I had specific goals for my preparation for Miss Oklahoma. Having a strong team supporting me was so encouraging! I learned the importance of flexibility and being able to adapt in any situation. Dates and locations may change, but I am always ready!”

KK also leaned on her support system to keep her going, and learned a lot about herself in the process. “I stayed motivated by practicing with friends and set fun goals for myself. It’s important to remember that’s twirling is supposed to be fun so challenge yourself, set goals, and come up with crazy and fun tricks. Going through freshman year in a pandemic taught me a lot and challenged me as well. However, through it I realized how important community is. My friends hold me accountable and love on me when I need it. I also learned that it’s the little things that are important. All the little things from last year became my favorite memories, and the little things turned into the big things like eating cookie dough with your roommate and going on Monday night walks with your friends.”

These twirlers were originally selected for the Fall 2020 season, but that season was not quite what they hoped it would be due to COVID. Stephanie told us about the adjustments made last year. “Last season, we were not allowed to perform pregame or halftime on the field. The band stayed in the stands with masks on and luckily, we were at least able to have one twirler at each game down on the sideline for pregame only." Thankfully, as KK told us, "this year everything is back to normal and I’m so grateful for it! I love getting to twirl on the field with the band and Stephanie and Haylee!”

Haylee shares in their excitement and is happy to be on the field just doing what she loves. “As features, we each have individual performances and individual costumes. We get to take the field with the band this year and it is so exciting to see it all come together! I can’t wait for all the Big XII games!”

We want to thank KK, Stephanie, and Haylee for sharing their Game Day and their experiences with us. We wish them an amazing rest of the season, and we know they will shine bright on that field. Go Frogs! 

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 HS twirlers on Fridays throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights during the week. We will also be having many of our HS 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!

Friday Night Lights Feature - New Braunfels High School

 
Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Another great weekend of twirling all over Texas, and we could not love it more! That also means it is time for another Friday Night Lights Feature Interview with one of our fabulous Texas High School twirlers. 

This Weekend’s FNL Feature is the New Braunfels High School Feature Twirler!

New Braunfels High School, located in New Braunfels, Texas, is the home of the Unicorns. Yes, we said Unicorns! How fun is that for a mascot? Another fun thing about NBHS is their Feature Twirler, Katy McLain! Katy loves being a part of the Unicorn marching band and the NBHS Community. 

We asked her what her favorite part about marching season, and she said of course it was performing on the field, and when the season is over, the part she will miss the most is performing for the crowds. 

Despite the not so normal year she had last year due to COVID, Katy is really looking forward to I am looking forward to “going to fair day and marching in the parade.” We also asked what she did to stay focused throughout the challenges, and she told us, “I practiced in the house and worked on my muscle memory.” 

Now that we have learned about the school with the coolest mascot ever, let’s learn more about Katy!

Katy McLain, Sophomore
Competition Level: Intermediate
Katy has been twirling for 7 years and works with coaches Tori Mays and Catherine Watters. The competition title she is the proudest of was when she won her Show Twirl at AYOP. Her favorite field trick is a high toss ground roll. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by Savannah Miller. After High School she hopes to go to college and twirl, and then she wants to train to become a pilot. 

Fun Facts!
Favorite Color – Any Blue
Favorite Movie – “Grown Ups”
Favorite Music – R&B
Favorite Book – The Chicken Soup for the Soul books

Favorite Quote…
"Forget the risk and take the fall. If it is what you want, then it is worth it all!"

When she is not twirling, she loves to…
 “Hang out with my friends, dance and be with my animals.”

Something most people might not know about her... 
“I was born in Russia.”

The #1 non-twirling life skill she has learned from baton twirling is…
“If you want it you have to work for it, because nothing is given or handed to you.”

Most Memorable Advice from your Coach… 
"Don’t be stupid."

Advice to Future Twirlers…
“Practice, smile, showmanship, and just have fun!”

Favorite thing to do as a Baton Twirler…
“I love meeting new people in competitions and also meeting new twirlers from different schools.”

Funniest moment as a Baton Twirler…
 “Last year the other twirler and I did this thing with the band where we run on the field and then pose, but one time when we posed, she slipped on the turf and fell on her face. When she got up, we were both dying laughing.”

Best School Tradition…
“Wurst Bowl.”

Best Band Tradition or Inside Joke…
“Hey band!”

We want to give a big thank you to Katy for doing our Instastory Takeover and showing us a little about her Game Day. We wish Katy the best of luck the rest of this season, and GO UNICORNS!

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 HS twirlers on Fridays throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights during the week. We will also be having many of our High School and Collegiate twirlers take over our Social Media Story for their Game Days, and we may even have some special Live moments! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx or at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx so you don't miss a thing!

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - Stephen F. Austin Feature Twirler

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

What a great weekend of College Football. Many great moments, including some awesome field twirling. We loved getting to follow along with this Lumberjack Feature Twirler as she took over our Instastory on Saturday, and now we are excited to have her as this week’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight.

 
This week’s Spotlight is the Stephen F Austin State University Feature Twirler, Julie Horchler!

Stephen F Austin State University, or SFA, which is located in Nacogdoches, Texas, is the home of the Lumberjacks, and a long history of great twirling. The school has a fantastic majorette line called the Twirl-O-Jacks, but each year they also audition for a Feature Twirler. This position twirls separate of the Twirl-O-Jacks, but they work as a cohesive visual unit. Twirler Julie Horchler is returning to SFA this season for her second year as the Lumberjack Feature Twirler.

Being a part of the Lumberjack band program has been an amazing experience, and part of what brought Julie to SFA. “I chose SFA because I knew it had a great reputation for creating future teachers. Since SFA was originally a school of education, I knew it was the right choice for me. I also wanted to continue my twirling career and I knew SFA had a well-established line as well as a Feature Twirler position for the Lumberjack Marching Band.”

We also wanted to know what she had to do to earn the position, and she told us about the audition process. “It consists of a video submission by which, if selected, you will receive an invitation to a live audition. At the live audition, there is an interview before the candidates present their solo (this can be to your own music within the time guidelines). After the solos we are then given a random song chosen by the band directors that morning, and about an hour to come up with a new routine. After the improv routines we finish the rest of the twirling line auditions and the new Feature Twirler is announced at the end as well as the line.”

Now that we have learned a little more about the Feature position, let’s meet Julie!

Julie Horchler
Julie is a Junior Elementary Major from Whitehouse, Texas. She has been twirling for ten years with coaches Reinetta Gingles and Jeri Coke. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was the 2021 Twirling Productions Unlimited Collegiate Grand Champion. Her favorite competition trick is four baton juggles and her favorite field trick is anything with multiple batons or cartwheels, “the crowd loves that stuff!” In baton twirling she has been most inspired by Former University of South Carolina Feature Twirler, and current CCMOA, Sabrina Smith. “She is just so graceful and talented. I love getting to watch her perform!” At SFA she is a member of the Sigma Kappa Omega sorority, and after college she would like to teach second grade.

 

Fun Facts!
Favorite Color – Blues of any kind
Favorite Movies – The Notebook, Little Women, or any of the Harry Potter series
Favorite Music – Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, 5 Seconds of Summer

Favorite Quote…
"If you're happy doing what you're doing, then nobody can tell you you're not successful."

Personal Life Motto…
“Treat People with Kindness.”

When she is not twirling, she loves to…
“Read. I like to read in my down time from school or twirling.”

Best moment as a baton twirler…
“Either having a no-drop first halftime performance of the year or when I was announced as the Lumberjack Marching Band Feature Twirler!”

Funniest moments as a baton twirler…
“During my first halftime we had somebody else place my batons on the front line for me, but they actually placed them on the opposite 40. At the time, it wasn't very funny, but we laugh about it now. It ended up being a no drop game! Also, I try to interact with the band as much as I can during shows. I think it's fun to flip around one of them or have a dance break. This year I have a small section with our color guard. Let's just say I have way more appreciation for their talent. It's hard to catch those rifles and position your hands just the right way! In twirling we have a little more flexibility with how we catch and release, so it was definitely a learning experience.”

Most memorable advice from her coach…
“Focus on one trick at a time and make it your best.”

#1 Non-Twirling Life Skill she has learned from being a baton twirler…
“I think what I’ve learned the most is dedication, patience, and practice. Nobody is going to do this for you, so if you want something you have to work for it. I think it has also taught me how to study better in a way. If I want to reach a goal academically, I have to put a lot of time into making sure I know the information. Just like with twirling, if I want something I have to work hard and practice for it.”
 
Advice to future baton twirlers…
“If you want something, work hard and make it yours. It will make it that much more meaningful once you've achieved it.”

Best school tradition…
“Before each game the Lumberjack Marching Band and I perform a pregame routine, and at the end we play our fight song as we move into a tunnel formation. Our football team runs down the hill from their locker rooms, through the tunnel and one of the players runs ahead to swing an axe into a huge purple stump. As soon as the axe is in the stump, the rest of the team runs through with purple smoke as we play the fight song. It's my favorite part of the game! The crowd always goes wild, and it just brings such a fun energy to the game.”

Best band tradition/inside joke…
“Either ‘God loves the LMB’ or ‘Yay cloud!’”

Advice to twirlers auditioning for college twirling positions…
“Don't stress about where to go. Go where it feels right to you and practice to work for your goals! I would also recommend conditioning yourself outside. Spend time on walks or take a job in the afternoons. A lot of bands have their camps and practice out on hot parking lots so it's important to prepare yourself.”

We asked Julie how things have gone for her the last year, and what she learned from the challenges, and she told us, “As far as this past year, it was honestly hard to stay motivated. All of my classes moved online, and it seemed like I wouldn't even get to see the field my first year as Feature Twirler. It really bummed me out, but I just had to remember to be thankful for the short amount of performances we did have and to practice for this year, and I'm glad I did because the Lumberjack Marching Band is off to a great start!”

Finally, we wanted to know how being the SFA Feature Twirler has affected her and her time at SFA, and she said it just meant everything to her. “Being selected as the Feature Twirler for the Lumberjack Marching band has been the best experience for me. We have practice every day and the band is so supportive of me, I've loved getting to know everyone. Between the band and the directors, it feels like a big family every day and I'm incredibly thankful to have such a strong support system here at Stephen F. Austin.”

We want to thank Julie for taking time to interview with us, and we wish her and the Lumberjack Marching Band a fantastic rest of their season. Axe ‘Em Jacks!

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 HS twirlers on Fridays throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights during the week. We will also be having many of our High School and Collegiate twirlers take over our Social Media Story for their Game Days, and we may even have some special Live moments! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx or at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx so you don't miss a thing!

Friday Night Lights Feature - Veterans Memorial 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 their smiling faces back where they belong. So much joy and so many sparkles. We also loved following this weekend’s Friday Night Lights Feature this past Thursday as she took over the Instastory, and we are excited to learn more about her. 

This Weekend’s FNL Feature is the Veterans Memorial High School Feature Twirler!

Veterans Memorial High School is located in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is the home of the Eagles, and their talented Feature Twirler, Megan Garcia! This is Megan’s first year at VMHS, and she says it is an amazing opportunity to be able to twirl there. There had not been a twirler at VMHS for a couple years, so when Megan knew she was transferring she reached out to the band directors and was ecstatic to hear that they would love to have her twirl. “I was unsure what would happen but look at me now as the VMHS Feature Twirler!”

With this new opportunity, we asked Megan what she is most looking forward to now that she gets the chance to twirl at VMHS, and she told us, “I am looking forward to all the pep rallies and twirling in front of big crowds.”

We are so glad it worked out for her and that VMHS once again has a twirler representing the Eagles each week. Now, let’s take some time to learn more about Megan!

Megan Garcia, Junior
Competition Level: Advanced
Megan has been twirling for 13 years with coaches Keely Wild Davis and Kim Berger. Her favorite competition title was the 2015 Pre-Teen Intermediate Southwest Regional Pageant Winner, and her favorite field trick is a toss walkover or cartwheel. In baton twirling she has been inspired by her cousin Lauren Castellanos. After High School she hopes to go to UT and get in to med school. 

Fun Facts!
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Movie: “Bride Wars”
Favorite Music: all genres

Favorite Quote…
“This is your world You’re the creator Find freedom on this canvas. Believe, that you can do it, ‘Cuz you can do it. You can do it.” ~ Bob Ross

When she is not twirling, she loves to...
“Bake (I make the best cheesecake) or make Tik Toks.”

Something most people might not know about her is...
“I broke my arm one time and had to perform team at a competition with a pink stoned cast.”

What is the #1 non-twirling life skill you all have learned from baton twirling…
“Twirling has taught me how to be confident in who I am and be comfortable in my own skin.” 

Most Memorable Advice from her Coach…
“Do it no matter what because if you don’t you’ll never know what you’re capable of.”

Advice for Future School Twirlers…
“Don’t let the crowd scare you even if it’s all your friends. They will think you’re amazing no matter what. After all, this is field twirling and it should be fun, so don’t stress over it.”

Favorite Twirling Moment…
“Pre-game pep talks.”

Funniest Twirling Moment…
“At this last game I was twirling to the fight song and my baton got caught in my skirt, so my baton went flying behind me almost hitting the camera man.”

Best Band Tradition or Inside Joke…

“At the end of every rehearsal we have a last rep. So, the band director says last rep on the mic and the whole band yells it back. Nothing too big but very cool to me.”

Favorite thing about marching season…
“Getting close with the band and making new friends.”

What will she miss most when marching season is over..
“The bus rides to games singing Party In The USA at the top of our lungs.”

As many twirlers were last year, Megan was affected by the COVID pandemic and missed out on a lot of opportunities her sophomore year. We asked her how she kept herself motivated for this year with everything going on, and she told us, “My motivation was wanting to be ready to get out on the field and be able to twirl in front of a crowd again.”

Megan faced many challenges, but also felt she got a lot out of the experience. “This past year has left me with so much, I have learned to not take anything for granted and live in the moment.”

We want to say Thank You to Megan for being this week's Feature, and we wish her and the VMHS Band an amazing rest of their season. Go Eagles!

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 HS twirlers on Fridays throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights during the week. We will also be having many of our High School and Collegiate twirlers take over our Social Media Story for their Game Days, and we may even have some special Live moments! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx or at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx so you don't miss a thing!

Friday Night Lights Feature - Troup High School

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

It is GAME DAY and we are ready for those Friday Night Lights! We hope you have enjoyed following our Instastory last Friday night, and we can’t wait to further introduce you to this great group of twirlers. 

Today’s Friday Night Lights Feature is the Troup High School Majorettes!

Troup High School, located in Troup, Texas, is the home of the Tigers, and a great tradition of awesome twirling under those stadium lights. Led by coach, Paige Keitt, and band director, Bobby Castillo, each year the Troup Marching Band puts together a great majorette line to entertain the crowds. For the 2021 year, this includes Feature Twirler Jaycee Berryhill, and Majorettes Cali Mendonca, Hannah Massey, Reagan Rogers, Ellie Lewis, Faith Garrett, Cadence Tippett, Jacey Benge, Lindsey Lowry, & Natalie Godejohn.

 
We asked the twirlers how they were selected, and they told us that each Spring they hold auditions. For the auditions they must learn a group routine and also perform a solo. They are then ranked to determine who is the Feature and who makes the line. Cadence said that the process can be nerve wracking, but Reagan told us that everyone is very supportive. 

Now that we have learned a little about how they became Troup twirlers, lets learn about them!

Jaycee Berryhill, Senior

FEATURE TWIRLER
Jaycee has been twirling for 7 years with Paige Keitt, and is the 2021 Beginner Senior Texas State X-Strut Winner. Her favorite trick is a toss illusion. In baton twirling she has been inspired by Paige Keitt. After high school she hopes to go to college and twirl. 

Cali Mendonca, Senior

Cali has been twirling for 6 years with Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is a toss walkover. After high school she hopes to go to College and play softball to become a math teacher and softball coach. 

Hannah Massey, Junior
Hannah has been twirling for six years with Paige Keitt and Jordan Jenkins of Precision Twirl. In baton twirling she has been inspired by Elizabeth Maddox. After high school she plans to go to Texas A&M and study Animal Science.  

Reagan Rogers, Sophomore
Reagan has been twirling for 2 years with Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is a waist wrap. In baton twirling she has been inspired by Jaycee Berryhill. After high school she hopes to get accepted at SFA and become a forensic scientist. 

Ellie Lewis, Sophomore
Elli has been twirling for 5 years with Paige Keitt. Her favorite trick is high kicks. In baton twirling she has been inspired by Jaycee Berryhill. After high school she plans to attend college. 

Faith Garrett, Sophomore

Faith has been twirling for 2/5 years with Paige Keitt and Jordan Jenkins. Her favorite trick is doing fishtails. In baton twirling she has been inspired by Jaycee Berryhill and Cali Mendonca. After high school she hopes to becoming a zoo keeper. 

Cadence Tippett, Freshman
Cadence has been twirling for three years with Mrs. Jordan, Miss Kenny, and Mrs. Paige. Her favorite trick is a wrist twirl. In baton twirling she has been inspired by Natalie Godejohn. After high school she plans to go to college and then become a veterinarian. 

Jacey Benge, Freshman
Jacey has been twirling for three years with Jordan Jenkins. Her favorite trick is two baton stuff. In baton twirling she has been inspired by Jayla. After high school she plans to go to college. 

Lindsey Lowry, Freshman
Lindsey has been twirling for three years with Ms. Kenny, Mrs. Jordan, and Mrs. Paige. Her favorite tricks are anything with two baton. In baton twirling she has been inspired by Jaycee Berryhill. After high school she plans to go to college. 

Natalie Godejohn, Freshman
Natalie has been twirling for 7 years with Jordan Jenkins. Her favorite trick is a left-handed body wrap. In baton twirling she has been inspired by Jaycee Berryhill. After high school she hopes to become a lawyer. 

Fun Facts!

• Music – 70’s (Jaycee), K-Pop (Cadence), 80’s Rock (Hannah), Owl City (Natalie), Country (Lindsey & Faith)
• Color – Lavender (Jaycee), Blue (Hannah & Jacey), Silver (Natalie), Purple (Lindsey & Faith), Yellow (Reagan)
• Movie – “Hercules” (Jaycee), “The Help” (Hannah), “Legally Blonde” (Natalie), “Cars” (Lindsey), “Beauty & the Beast” (Reagan), "The Greatest Showman" (Faith)
• Book – A Sky Painted Gold (Jaycee) The Bible (Hannah), Throne of Glass (Natalie)

Favorite Quote...

• Jaycee – “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it” ~ Ferris Bueller
• Cali – “Try not to suck.”
• Hannah – “You can accomplish anything through hard work and determination.”
• Reagan – “You only get what you work for.”
• Ellie – “Do what makes you happy.”
• Faith - "Hakuna Matata!"
• Cadence – “You were born to be real, not perfect” ~ BTS
• Jacey – “People at the top of the mountain don’t just fall there.”
• Lindsey – “I am who they are trying to be.”
• Natalie – “Fake people have an image to maintain. Real people don’t care.”

When they are not twirling, they love to…

• Jaycee – “Read and listen to music.”
• Cali – “Play softball or be with my friends.”
• Hannah – “Play my trumpet.”
• Reagan – “Hang out with my friends.”
• Ellie – “Be with friends.”
• Faith - "Play with my dog and eat Chick-fil-a."
• Cadence – “Read or watch music videos.”
• Jacey – “Sleep.”
• Lindsey – “Show pigs.”
• Natalie – “Read.”

Something people might not know about them is…

• Jaycee – “When there is music playing, I am always dancing and singing along.”
• Hannah – “I like to weld.”
• Reagan – “I have always wanted a pet snake.”
• Faith - "I have had glasses since I was 2."
• Cadence – “I love stuffed animals.”
• Natalie – “I am not a Christian.”
• Jacey – “I don’t like poodles.”
• Lindsey – “I used to play softball.”

#1 Non-Twirling life skill they have learned from twirling...

• Jaycee – “Keep pushing and never give up.”
• Cali – “You can never say the word can’t if you didn’t try.”
• Hannah – “How to work hard.”
• Reagan – “Be patient.”
• Ellie – “Some things don’t matter.”
• Faith - "Patience."
• Cadence – “Don’t be afraid to get hit.”
• Jacey – “Trust one another.”
• Natalie – “That the team is family.”

Most memorable advice from her coach…

• Jaycee – “Always think positive!”
• Cali – “It’s not rocket science.”
• Hannah – “Stay on your toes!” 
• Reagan – “You wont get everything on the first try.”
• Faith - "Don't give up!"
• Cadence – “Always walk in with a positive attitude.”
• Lindsey – “Hard work pays off.”
• Natalie – “Work hard to achieve your goals and you will succeed.”

Advice to future High School twirlers...

• Jaycee – “Make sure to stay hydrated.”
• Cali – “Don’t be afraid to do a new trick.”
• Hannah – “Don’t forget to have fun!”
• Reagan – “Give 100% all of the time.”
• Ellie – “Don’t wish for it, work for it!”
• Faith - "Don't put yourself down when you can't do something."
• Cadence – “Don’t be scared to get hit by the baton.”
• Jacey – “Work on the routine.”
• Lindsey – “It is never too late to start.”
• Natalie – “Put your studies first.”

Favorite moment as a baton twirler…

• Jaycee – “When I did a no drop for my first feature performance.”
• Cali – “Dancing with Jaycee in the stands.”
• Hannah – “When me and my friend Liz won first with our duet.”
• Reagan – “My first no drop performance.”
• Ellie – “Having a no drop last week.”
• Faith - "Lil Sis/Big Sis reveal party."
• Cadence – “My very first performance.”
• Jacey – “When we have a no drop.”
• Lindsey – “Making the High School squad, and my first football game.”
• Natalie – “When we have a perfect performance.”

Funniest moment as a baton twirler…

• Jaycee – “When Ellie broke her baton in practice, then she put it back together with Band-Aids.”
• Cali – “When my baton flew out of my hand during my introduction at half time.”
• Hannah – “When a girl on my line dropped her baton and it broke in half!”
• Reagan – “Practicing the splits.”
• Faith - "When I hit myself in the face."
• Cadence – “Last year at the homecoming pep rally.”
• Natalie – “When I accidentally used someone else’s baton.”

Best School Tradition…

• Jaycee – “Painting overalls for Homecoming.”
• Cali – “The 10 year reunion.”
• Hannah – “The pep rally games where random people are picked to participate.”
• Reagan – “Meet the Tigers.”
• Ellie – “Spirit Days.”
• Faith - "Playing LP in the band then perform for judges."
• Cadence – "Dressing up for homecoming week."
• Jacey – “From middle to high school.”
• Natalie – “Meet the Tigers.”

Best Band Tradition/Inside Joke…

• Jaycee – “Cake Day!”
• Cali – “How short Mr. Castillo is.”
• Hannah – “Each senior is assigned a freshman as a little sibling.”
• Reagan – “Put four silver dots on your knuckles for good luck.”
• Faith - "Secret Santa."
• Cadence – “Being able to go on field trips.”
• Jacey – “Chicken Noises.”
• Lindsey – “Giddey the Skeleton.”
• Natalie – “Going to Disney every four years.”

Favorite thing about marching season…

• Jaycee – “The relationships I have made.”
• Cali – “The stand tunes at football games.”
• Hannah – “Being able to look back and see how much our twirlers and band have improved in just a few months.”
• Reagan – “Getting to perform.”
• Ellie – “Football games.”
• Faith - "Playing in the stands at football games."
• Cadence – “Getting our breaks and being able to play games.”
• Jacey – “Hanging out with friends.”
• Lindsey – “Playing in the stands.”
• Natalie – “Making jokes with the band.”

What will you miss most when marching season is over…

• Jaycee – “I will miss twirling out on the field with my girls” :(
• Cali – “Being told to ‘run it back’ by Mr. Castillo.”
• Hannah – “Dancing in the stands with my band.”
• Reagan – “Being with my friends, and wearing shorts to first period.”
• Ellie – “The games.”
• Faith - "Getting to twirl with my best friends."
• Cadence – “I’m going to miss learning new routines.”
• Jacey – “Having to go to the field.”
• Natalie – “Being able to hang out with the upper classmen.”

We want to thank the Troup Majorettes for taking the time to share their Game Day with us on Instagram, and it was great learning more about this awesome group. We wish them a fantastic  season, and GO TIGERS!

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 HS twirlers on Fridays throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights during the week. We will also be having many of our High School and Collegiate twirlers take over our Social Media Story for their Game Days, and we may even have some special Live moments! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx or at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx so you don't miss a thing!

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - University of Houston Feature Twirler

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

We are excited to celebrate this #TwirlerTuesday with our first Collegiate Twirler Spotlight of the season. If you were following us on Instagram (@twirlingiscatchingtx) this past Saturday, you got to see the awesome twirler from today’s spotlight as she got the chance to twirl on the field at the NRG Stadium for her very first Collegiate Game. It was so fun to join her throughout the day and see a dream finally come true. 

Today’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is the University of Houston Feature Twirler! 

The University of Houston is the home of the Spirit of Houston Marching Band and the 2021 UH Feature Twirler, Ainsley McDonald! Led by UH Twirling Coach Kayli Mickey-McIntosh, UH Twirlers historically are "an elite group of Baton Twirling Soloists who are integral contributors to the entertainment value of the Spirit of Houston Marching Band". This year, Ainsley is bringing her sparkling smile and pretty twirling style to the UH Community, and we could not be happier for her. 

We wanted to know what brought Ainsley to UH, and she told us, “When I toured UH I was drawn to the major they offer for teachers called ‘Human development & Family Studies’, which is the focus of understanding the child as a whole. It appealed to my teaching philosophy. It is also one of the most diverse universities, so it is really hard to feel out of place.”

While Ainsley was selected as the UH Feature Twirler for the Fall of 2020, due to COVID, she was not able to do anything in that position, which made Saturday her first time taking the field with the Spirit of Houston Marching Band in the 18 months since being named to the position. 

We asked her to tell us what it was like finally having her first game day experience, and she told us, “It was so fun and stressful at the same time. I like to know what is going to happen, and for many different reasons, I had no idea what we were doing until we were doing it. Even with all the uncertainty, College Football is definitely a lot of fun to be a part of.”

Now that we have learned more about her journey getting on the field, let’s learn more about Ainsley!

Ainsley McDonald

Ainsley is a Sophomore Human Development & Family Studies Major from Whitehouse, Texas. AT UH she is a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She has been twirling for 9 years and is currently coached by Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. Her favorite competition trick is a three baton stack into a backhand box into a horizontal box, and her favorite field trick is catching in a floor roll. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former twirler Kara Kuczkowski. After college she hopes to become a first grade teacher. 

Fun Facts!

Favorite Color – Cinderella Blue

Favorite Food – Mac & Cheese

Favorite TV Show – Grey’s Anatomy

Favorite Quote…

“I’m a great believer in luck. I find the harder I work, the more I have of it!” – Thomas Jefferson

When she is not twirling, she loves to… 

“Hang out with my (AXO) big sister.”

Something people might not know about her is…

“I am an enneagram 6."

Most Memorable Advice from her Coach…

“Fake it till you make it.” – Jeri Coke

Favorite moment as a baton twirler…

“When I earned my first Division 1 Rating at Texas State UIL.”

Funniest moment as a baton twirler…

“I got my baton stuck on top of a tube that ran across the ceiling at twirling practice.”

#1 non-twirling life skill she has learned as a baton twirler… 

“Perseverance gets you where you want to be.”

Advice to future Collegiate Twirlers…

“Just go where the bus takes you. Most of the time no one else knows what’s going on either.”

After experiencing one of the strangest Fall football seasons ever, and her being negatively affected by the changes it caused, we asked her what advice she has for other twirlers that might be facing future potential challenges? “My season last year was completely taken away. I didn't even get to attend band practices. This has helped me really apply the saying 'Let go and let God', because even through all of it, he was in control.”

We are glad Ainsley was able to stick it out, and it was wonderful seeing her on the field this past Saturday. Congrats to Ainsley on a great first game, and we wish her many more amazing performances on the field this season. Whose House? Coogs House! 

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 HS twirlers on Fridays throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights during the week. We will also be having many of our High School and Collegiate twirlers take over our Social Media Story for their Game Days, and we may even have some special Live moments! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx or at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx so you don't miss a thing!