Friday Night Lights Feature - Grady High School

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Another week of those Friday Night Lights has come and gone, and we are already to the UIL Marching Contest part of the season! We want to wish good luck to all our Texas Twirlers performing with their marching bands this coming weekend, whether you are playing an instrument, spinning with the guard, or twirling your baton. We know this week’s featured High School twirler will be shining on the field as she continues to represent her school!

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

Grady High School, located in Lenorah, Texas, is the home of the Wildcats, and a small town with a big spirit! Did you know, GHS is the first school we have had do a takeover that does 6-man football? With a school population K-12 of less than 250 students, we love that their Feature Twirler, Briley Harrell, is one of a kind!

With GISD being the size that it is, we wanted to know what the process was like for Briley getting named Feature Twirler. “Since we are a smaller school, we do not have a band, but we do have a drumline! In junior high, I spoke in front of the school board, asking them to create a twirling position for our school. I was given permission to start a twirling club that is open to any junior high and high school student who is interested in twirling. I have been Grady's Feature Twirler since my freshman year.”

Attending Grady is a family affair for Briley. “I am a third-generation Wildcat! We are a six-man school. I love the sense of close-knit community this creates. I am in the same building as my little brother in second grade.” After hearing that, we just had to know just how many students Briley attends school with, and she gave us some shocking numbers. “There are only have 242 students from Pre-K to the Senior class. I have 14 in my graduating class!”

Despite being a smaller school, the Grady community really comes together to create a big experience. “One of my favorite traditions is that On game days, the cheerleaders, football players, and I wear our uniforms and greet students in the drop-off line in the mornings. We help all of the students out of the car and walk them into the cafeteria to start the game day off right!”

Finally, we wanted to know what Briley was most looking forward to, with this being her senior year, and she said she had been so excited for Homecoming Week, and it didn’t disappoint. “One thing I was looking forward to at the beginning of the year was Homecoming Week. During homecoming, I twirled fire at the Burning of the Letters community pep rally. We also dressed up every day to show school spirit. This year I was one of the four homecoming nominees on the homecoming court. I was very excited to wear my beautiful dress and be escorted by my dad onto the field. I also cheered on one of my closest friends as she was crowned. Something I am looking forward to the rest of this year is all the fun senior activities that we do here at Grady, like our Senior Sunrise, Final Football Walk, Senior Prank, and Senior Sunset.”

Now that we have learned more about life at Grady, let’s learn more about Briley!
 
 

Briley Harrell, Senior
Competition Level: Beginner
Briley has been twirling for five years and is coached by Marlene Torres. The competition placements she is the proudest of earning was her UIL State Solo & Ensemble Silver Medals. Her favorite competition trick is anything blind, and her favorite field trick is anything 3 baton. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by the current Texas Tech Feature Twirler, Kirby Stanek, and the current University of Texas Feature Twirler, Aidyn Mentry. After high school, Briley hopes to attend Texas Tech to study nursing. “I want to work in ICU or ER in hopes of one day becoming a flight nurse.”

 

Fun Facts!

• Favorite Color: Orange
• Favorite Movie: Steel Magnolias
• Favorite Book:  CIA World Factbook
• Favorite Food: Chips & Queso

 
Favorite Quote…
"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak: The Lord delivers him in times of trouble." Psalms 41:1
 
When she is not twirling, she loves to...
“I enjoy going out to eat with my friends and watching movies with my little brother.”
 
Something people might not know about her is...
“I participate in several extra-curricular activities, including one-act play and UIL speech & debate. My sophomore year, our one-act play advanced to state. But my favorite is speech & debate. I am an extemporaneous speaker. That means I draw a random topic and have 30 minutes to prepare and memorize a 6-to-7-minute speech then I immediately present it to the judges. Did I mention I have to include facts and sources in my speech? Last year, I was named the 1A UIL Informative State Champion! I was also a member of the 1A State Champion Speech Team.”
 

The best non-twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is...
“CONFIDENCE! Many of the activities I participate in include performing in front of crowds. Twirling has helped build my confidence, especially in front of crowds.”
 
Most memorable advice from her coach...
“The little things matter!”
 
Advice to future high school twirlers...
“Be confident and have fun with it!”
 
Funniest memory as a baton twirler...
“One time one of the cheerleaders and I tried to learn an exchange during halftime of a game. It took about 10 tries but when we finally got it, we got a standing ovation from the crowd!”
 
Favorite thing about football season...
“Performing at halftime during the games. I enjoy the cheering and support from the crowd.”
 
Favorite tradition or inside joke with the cheerleaders...
“My favorite tradition is doing the Black Machine cheer before the boys run out of the tunnel before the game.”
 
What will she miss the most when marching season is over?
“I will miss the bus rides home from the football games with the cheerleaders.”

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it. 

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - Iowa State University

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

The weather is finally beginning to change, and it is starting to almost feel like Fall here in Texas! We love this part of the season, and we are once again excited to feature another one of our wonderful Texas Collegians and her Co-Features today. We really enjoyed following these twirlers during their Instastory Takeover this past weekend, and we are happy to share more about these wonderful representatives of our sport. 

This week’s Collegiate Twirler Spotlight is the Iowa State University Feature Twirlers!

Iowa State University, located in Ames, Iowa, is the home of the Cyclones. It is also the home of some amazing performers, including TX Twirler Lexi Kinney, and co-features, Grace Wood, and Haley Spiers!

We asked these twirlers why they chose Iowa State, and they all just said it felt right. According to Lexi, “They have a great business school with great opportunities and school spirit!” As the newest to Iowa State, Haley knew it was the best place for her in just one visit. “When I toured for the first time I fell in love with the campus and Ames immediately felt like home to me.” 

For Grace, it was just meant to be. “I have always been a Cyclone fan, but ultimately the academic opportunities were most important to me. The twirling was an added bonus!” She also has a special ISU connection. “I am a second-generation Iowa State feature twirler; My mom twirled for the ISUCFVMB when she was in college too!”

Anytime you go to school out of state, it is a big decision. We asked our Texas girl, Lexi, what led her to leave Texas for school, and what had been the most difficult thing about being away from home. “I chose to go out of state because Iowa State was so welcoming, and it felt like home when I visited the school. The hardest part about being out of state is the distance. Sometimes it is upsetting that I cannot just come home for a weekend, but I wouldn’t change anything about my experience!”

To get these spots, the twirlers had to go through an audition process focused on skill and showmanship. As they told us, “The audition process for the school is sending in an application/video. After that, you may receive and call back for an in-person audition! Typically, for this audition, you will do a downfield routine to a school song and another routine showing who you are as a twirler, and then you will interview with the twirling coordinator and band director.”

We asked them to share with us their favorite things about Iowa State, and they had a lot to share! “My favorite thing about the school is the atmosphere on gamedays! The Step Show and Spirit Walk get me extra excited for the games,” says Lexi. She also enjoys that the band always has something up their sleeve regarding the halftime show. “They love to surprise the fans!” 

For Haley, it is the campus! “My favorite thing is how beautiful the campus is, I love how much you can connect with nature while on campus.” That connection is why Grace loves the ISU community. “Iowa State is a large university with tons of opportunities and people, but it still has a small-town feeling.” She also shared with us one of their best school traditions. “You become a true ‘Iowa Stater’ when your sweetheart kisses you under the Campanile at Central Campus when the clock strikes midnight.”

Now that we have learned more about life at ISU, let’s learn more about these twirlers!

Lexi Kinney

Competition Level: Advanced

Lexi is a Sophomore from Rockwall, Texas. She is majoring in marketing with a minor in entrepreneurship. Lexi has been twirling since she was six years old. She is coached by Ashley Moss, and also works with the Texas Touch of Class team out of Dallas. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was College Miss Majorette of Iowa. Her favorite competition trick is a Five Spin catch blind, and her favorite field trick is a Toss Front Walkover. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her coach, Ashley Moss. After college, she is still figuring out her next steps, but knows that she hopefully wants to stay in Iowa. 

Grace Wood

Competition Level: Advanced

Grace is a fourth-year student from Indianola, Iowa, that is majoring in nutritional sciences (research option). In addition to being an ISU Feature Twirler, she also works in a lab on campus doing research on diabetic rat models. Grace has been twirling for 18 years and is coached by Dawn Reed. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was Grand National Solo Champion. Grace’s favorite competition trick is anything rolls, and her favorite field trick is anything three baton. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Emily Bright Wood. After college, Grace would like to pursue a master’s and potentially PhD in nutrition and then continue working in research and academia. 

Haley Spiers

Competition Level: Advanced

Haley is a freshman from Waukesha, Wisconsin, that is majoring in athletic training. In addition to being an ISU Feature Twirler, she is also in the Kin club for kinesiology majors. Haley has been twirling for 17 years and is a member of the Revolutions Twirling Club. The competition title she is the proudest of earning was being named an AAU Jr Olympic All-Around Gold Medalist. Haley’s favorite competition trick is a spin double crossover illusion, and her favorite field trick is a high toss Leap crossover illusion. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by Anna Spiers. After college, Haley hopes to work with a professional sports team as their athletic trainer. 

Fun Facts! 

• Favorite color: Red (Lexi & Haley), Yellow (Grace)
• Favorite Movie: The 100 (Lexi), Gran Torino (Grace), High School Musical (Haley)
• Favorite Book: Anything written by Jodi Piccoult! (Grace)
• Favorite Food or Drink: Dr Pepper (Lexi), Mashed Potatoes (Grace), Apple Juice (Haley)

Favorite Quote or Life Motto…

• Lexi – “Pray, hope, and don’t worry!”
• Grace – “Leave the world a little better than you found it.”
• Haley – “Everything will work out how it’s supposed to.”

When they are not twirling, they love to… 

• Lexi – “I love to spend time with my friends and family.”
• Grace – “Read, go for runs, and cook.”
• Haley – “Go on hikes with my friends.”

Something people might not know about them… 

• Lexi – “I love to travel anywhere and everywhere!”
• Grace – “I love to fish.”
• Haley – “I love spending time outdoors.”

The best non twirling life skill they have gained from baton twirling is… 

• Lexi – “The best life skill is not giving up when things get hard.”
• Grace – “Self-discipline and a strong work ethic.”
• Haley – “The ability to interact with all types of people.”

Most memorable advice from their coach… 

• Lexi – “No one can do your routines, so go out there and do your best!”
• Grace – “Nobody remembers the titles you win; they remember the way you treat others.”
• Haley – “You can’t control what other people do; you can only do your best.”

Advice to future collegiate twirlers or those in the audition process… 

• Lexi – “Trust the process, you will end up where you are meant to be!”
• Grace – “Choose the place that feels like home and provides you with the academic opportunities you need, the twirling will work out how it’s meant to.”
• Haley – “Have fun during your auditions! You’ll end up where you’re meant to be.”

Favorite memory as a baton twirler… 

• Lexi – “My favorite memory is the pregame of every game. Seeing the band and fans get excited for the game just makes me so happy.”
• Grace – “Twirling fire in the Bill Riley Talent Search finals at the Iowa State Fair on Iowa Public Television, and then being named the grand champion. This is a huge honor in the state of Iowa and I got to meet so many incredible people through this experience.” 
• Haley – “Going to Peru as a twirling ambassador!”

Funniest memory as a baton twirler… 

• Lexi – “The funniest memory is when I tripped in front of everyone on our victory day.”
• Grace – “Playing Steve Harvey in our game show themed twirling corps when I was in middle school.”
• Haley – “I got my baton stuck in a basketball hoop while competing my solo!”

Favorite thing about their university’s marching band program… 

• Lexi – “My favorite thing is at the end of each practice we all gather and sing our school song!”
• Grace – “Our staff and members are so supportive and encouraging. I can truly count on any of the 350 members to support me no matter what!”
• Haley – “I love how kind everyone is, it truly feels like a big family.”

Favorite tradition or inside joke within their band program… 

• Lexi – “At the end of each practice the drum majors say a joke of something funny that happened at practice.”
• Grace – “Singing the alma mater together after every rehearsal. It’s a nice moment to appreciate our unity and hard work for a common goal.” 
• Haley – “I think it’s fun that we sing a version of happy birthday to band members at the end of every practice.”

Something you are really looking forward to this field season… 

• Lexi – “I am looking forward to the great memories that have yet to come with the other two amazing twirlers!”
• Grace – “Making memories with Lexi and Haley. We have so much fun together and there is never a dull moment.”
• Haley – “I’m looking forward to twirling under the lights at Jack Trice for the first time!”

We just loved learning more about these Iowa State twirlers, and we know we will all be cheering for them the rest of the football season. Go Cyclones!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it. 

Friday Night Lights Feature - Woodrow Wilson High School

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Another great weekend of twirling means we are past the halfway point with football season. Can you believe it? Only a few more weeks with these amazing twirlers representing on their High School fields. We hope all of you are enjoying it while it lasts. We know we will miss it! In the meantime, we have another Feature Interview with some of our awesome Texas Twirlers for your reading enjoyment this lovely Tuesday.

This week’s Friday Night Lights Feature is the Woodrow Wilson High School Twirlers!

 
Woodrow Wilson High School is located in Dallas, Texas, and is the home of the Wildcats. Its is also the home of two wonderful Texas Twirlers, Izzy Pell & Evelyn Henry! While rocking the red, white, and grey, these twirlers wow the Woodrow community each Friday, and we can’t wait to learn more about them. 

We asked the girls what the audition process was like, and Izzy had a very unique situation. “As a freshman I was the first twirler at Woodrow in over 40 years. I had to discuss the idea with my new band director, who was luckily very excited to have a twirler and after that I was the new feature twirler.” Luckily Izzy made a great impression, and when it was time for Evelyn to come to Woodrow, the process was a little simpler. “Since our school did not have twirlers before Izzy came 2 years ago, there was not an audition process since the sport was so new to the administration, so I just talked to the band director!”

Both of these twirlers love their school, especially the actual building! As Izzy tells us, “I love the architecture of Woodrow. It was built in 1928 and has beautiful red brick as well as a different style you don’t see very often.” Evelyn especially loves it when the campus gets decorated for events. “During homecoming week, each grade gets to decorate a hallway in their class color, and then we get to walk through the hallways throughout homecoming week.”

They even have some fun facts to share about their school! Did you know they call Woodrow Wilson Heisman High? Izzy told us the back story. “A fun fact about out high schools is our nickname is Heisman High because we were the first high school in the nation to be home to two Heisman Trophy winners: Davey O'Brien (1938) and Tim Brown (1987). We are still the only public high school in the U.S. to have that distinction.” How cool is that? 

The girls also have a personal twirling connection to Woodrow. “Our beloved coach, Miss Shirley, also went to Woodrow, and although she was not a twirler since there was no feature position, she was still on the drill team.”

Finally, we had to know the best traditions at Woodrow! Izzy told us about one that is super special for the seniors. “At the end of football games all band, sweethearts (our drill team), and cheer senior go out on to the field with the football team. They line up, holding pinkies and sway to the alma mater as the band plays it. I not only love watching it, but it is something I look forward to being able to do as a senior.” 

Evelyn also loves the camaraderie of the student body during games.  “At the beginning of the 3rd quarter, our school does something called “class calls”. The drumline plays a cadence, and the cheerleaders say, “Hey freshman are you ready?” and the freshman respond, “Hell yeah!” Then they dance around, and repeat with the rest of the grades, ending with: “Hey Wildcats, are you ready?” I love how you can be really loud, and the whole student section does it together!”
Now that we have learned more about life at WWHS, let’s learn more about the twirlers!
 
 

Izzy Pell, Junior
Competition Level: Advanced
Izzy has been twirling for 9 years. She is a member of the Texas Touch of Class and is coached by Sheila Payne Rigelsky. The competition title Izzy is the proudest of earning is Junior Miss Majorette of the Southwest. Her favorite competition trick is a horiz. one spin illusion catch on the back, and her favorite field trick is any kind of traveling trick under a toss, or rolls, “especially elbow pops or back necks”. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by her coach that is no longer with us, Shirley Payne. “Miss Shirley inspired me the most. She coached so many amazing twirlers that went on to become so successful. She never listened to excuses and always pushed us to be our best!” After High School she hopes to twirl in college. “I hope to be at the perfect college for me where I am not only able to twirl and represent my school but also have a great community of people to surround myself with and classes that interest me.”
 

Evelyn Henry, Sophomore
Competition Level: Intermediate
Evelyn has been twirling for 8 years. She is a member of the Texas Touch of Class and is coached by Sheila Payne Rigelsky. The competition title she is the proudest of winning was when she was named the Beginner 10-12 Texas State Pageant Winner. Here favorite competition trick is a two-spin illusion, with a backhand illusion, and her favorite field trick is a toss-walkover. In baton twirling, she has also been most inspired by her coach that is no longer with us, Shirley Payne. “Miss Shirley went to many lengths to make sure we were prepared to present our best selves to the judges, while also giving us useful tips for the real world as well! After High School, Evelyn hopes to twirl in college, and hopefully go into the broadcasting field! “I’m not sure what college yet, but I know I’ll end up at a great place!”
 
Fun Facts!

• Favorite Color: Purple (Izzy), Blue (Evelyn)
• Favorite TV show or Movie: New Girl (Izzy), Little Women (Evelyn)
• Favorite Book or Podcast: Dumpling (Izzy), Six of Crows (Evelyn)
• Favorite Food or Drink: Lemonade and mac and cheese (Izzy), Pasta (Evelyn)

Favorite Quote or Life Motto: 

• Izzy – “Everything happens for a reason.” 
• Evelyn – “It’s not a good practice unless you end up on the floor!”

 
When they are not twirling, they love to...

• Izzy – “I love to bake! Recently I found out I’m gluten intolerant which has definitely challenged me with baking but it’s fun to experiment with different recipes.”
• Evelyn – “Go out to eat with friends make TikToks!”

Something people might not know about them...

• Izzy – “When I was younger, I tried a lot of sports before settling on twirling. I played soccer, basketball and did ballet and tap.”
• Evelyn – “I also participate in the theatre program at Woodrow, and we are preparing for our fall play right now!"

The best non twirling life skill they have gained from baton twirling is...

• Izzy – “The ability to hold a conversation with someone I don’t know. The interview aspect of modeling has helped me to think on my feet as well as make sure I look people in the eye and am engaging while I talk to them.”
• Evelyn – “The ability to keep going, even when you drop the baton or make a mistake. In life, things happen, and you can’t always control them, so take it in stride, and keep smiling!”

 
Most memorable advice from their coach...

• Izzy – “Just go out there and have fun! When I was younger I performed at the Harlem Globe Trotters. I was so incredibly nervous, but right before I went on my coach told me it didn’t matter what anyone else thought, I just needed to go out and have fun and enjoy the opportunity. I continue to think about this every game day and competition.”
• Evelyn – “It’s okay to be nervous, because if you’re not nervous, it means you don’t care.”

Advice to future high school twirlers...

• Izzy – “Football games are meant to be fun! Of course, it’s nerve racking to perform in front of so many people, but you’re not competing, you’re performing. As long as you smile and have fun everyone will enjoy your performance, even if you drop. The feeling before and after field performances is something you’ll always remember so make sure to take it all in.”
• Evelyn – “Always be flexible! Things can change or be added very quickly, so it’s good to learn to take them in stride, while having a smile on your face.”

Funniest memory as a baton twirler... 

• Izzy – “At one of our performances there was a dunk tank and our band director decided to let us try and dunk her. Everyone for 3 balls, but no one could hit the target, so after the last person had gone, we all ran up and dunked her ourselves.” 
• Evelyn – “After the Halloween game last year, a couple of us went to IHOP for breakfast food. It was late at night, and we were still in our Halloween costumes!”

 
Favorite thing about marching season...

• Izzy – “Marching season is all about football games and that’s my favorite part. I love the thrill I experience every single game before half time!”
• Evelyn – “I love the bus rides where we listen to Taylor Swift on the way to our games!”

Favorite tradition or inside joke within your band program...

• Izzy – “After half time at every home game the drum majors along with a few selected band members go to the opposing team’s side. The drum majors put together a good luck gift which they give to the band and then they interview them with something called “hey band”. Each member from the other school’s band is interviewed. Our drum major says, “hey band” to which we respond, “hey what”. The drum major then asks the members name, instrument, favorite ice cream flavor, and if they’re single or taken. It is such a fun way to meet people from other schools.”
• Evelyn – “During the football games, we have multiple stand tunes and drum cadences that have fun dance moves that the whole band does together.”

Something they are really looking forward to this school year...

• Izzy – “I love twirling UIL! It’s so much fun learning a short new routine to a fun song. Our band directors and some friends always come to watch and even bring signs to cheer us on!”
• Evelyn – “I am excited to travel with the band to Austin for the state UIL contest, because last year was super fun.”

 
What will they miss the most when marching season is over?

• Izzy – “I will miss the late-night dinners after football games. Although we are normally all exhausted, so many of my favorite memories are from after games.”
• Evelyn – “I will miss the football games in general! The environment is so fun, and I love performing for everyone during halftimes.”

We really enjoyed following these two WWHS Feature Twirlers on their Game Day adventure, and we wish Izzy & Evelyn a wonderful rest of their football season. Go Wildcats!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it. 

Collegiate Twirler Spotlight - Texas Tech University

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

That first weekend in October is always the best with the changes in weather, and the football season really kicking into high gear. It was great to follow along Saturday with this amazing group of twirlers during their Instastory Takeover, and we have to say, don’t they do a wonderful job with their takeovers? We really felt like we were right alongside them for Game Day! Now we are excited to learn more about them!

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

Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas, is the home of the Red Raiders, the Goin' Band from Raiderland, and a legacy of wonderful baton twirlers. Rocking the scarlet and black, the Texas Tech Twirlers have had a history of some fantastic talent representing on the field for many, many years. Led by former Texas Tech Feature Twirlers and Coaches, Bethany Tolley & Amanda Tolley, the 2023 Texas Tech Twirlers are made up of a Feature Twirler, a Head Twirler, and a twirling line. They work together on the field to entertain the crowds and support their Red Raiders.

This year the TTU Twirlers include Feature - Kirby Stanek, Head Twirler - Laney Whitefield, and Line Members Sophie Carnes, Ava Medellin, Aubren Montgomery, Taryn Fojtik, & Taylor Tubbs. 

To kick off our interview, we asked Feature Twirler, Kirby, and Head Twirler, Laney, some questions about Texas Tech! First we wanted to know why they chose to attend Tech, and for Kirby, that was as easy one! “I have grown up in Lubbock and taken from Bethany Tolley since I was 5 years old, so I knew I had to continue twirling for her in college.” For Laney, it was about Tech being the full package. “I chose Texas Tech because of the amazing nutrition program, the twirling program, and the enthusiastic fans!”

Tech always has many amazing twirlers, so we wanted to know what process they went through to be selected. Kirby told us a little about the Feature auditions, as they involve several steps. “Trying out for the Feature position begins with making sure you can do each of the required tricks. Then I had to send in a video for our coach and band director, which compiled videos of me twirling in competition, on the high school field, and at other events I have twirled at. After you make it past that round you go to in person try-outs. This includes performing a 3-minute routine to a song in front of a panel of judges, followed by an interview.” For those interested in joining the line, it is more of a one-day process. “After completing your audition packet, you will visit Lubbock for our in-person auditions. During auditions you will learn a group routine, your personal audition routine, and interview with a panel of judges.”

Being leaders in a spirit organization, we had to know their favorite things about attending a University like Texas Tech! According to Kirby, “there are so many things I love about Texas Tech! My favorite must be the unbeatable atmospheres on game days. No matter the sport, people all over Lubbock will show up to support our teams. Whether you are in college or not you will have a blast at every game!” Laney agreed, but also said the rigorous academics and knowledgeable professors really make attending Tech a well rounded experience. “The professors at Texas Tech are very passionate about their subjects and care about each student’s well being and success!”

With such a great Game Day atmosphere, we had to hear more about their favorite traditions! As Laney told us, “There are so many great traditions at Texas Tech. A few of our favorites are the Victory Bells after we win game, throwing tortillas on the field, or Raider Power!” Kirby seconds the Tortilla throwing. “It definitely shocks anyone new to a Tech game!” Laney also shared with us a tradition with the Goin Band that really bonds them together as an organization. “At then end of every rehearsal and game, the Goin’ Band’s Leadership plays the Matador Song while the rest of the band sings along. It is such an amazing moment!”

Finally, we asked what they are looking forward to the most this season, and they told us the Goin Band is headed to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Wow! How fun is that? As Kirby told us, “We could not be more excited to be representing Texas Tech with the Goin Band from Raiderland in New York City! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am so glad it is happening while I am at Tech. I cannot believe we will be performing in NYC so soon! Be sure to look for us on TV!” We definitely will!

Now that we have learned about life at Tech, let’s learn more about these twirlers!

Kirby Stanek, Feature Twirler
Competition Level: Collegiate
Kirby is a Junior from Lubbock, TX, who is majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Public Relations. She has been twirling for 15 years and is coached by Bethany Tolley. The competition title she is the proudest of earning is the 2023 College Miss Majorette of the Southwest. “I have always looked up to the college twirlers and winning this title just confirmed that I had reached one of my biggest goals!” Kirby’s favorite competition trick is a 4 spin catch blind, and her favorite field trick is a toss double leap catch in roll over. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former Tech Feature, Sydney Webster. “She is the reason why I got into Baton Twirling. She has always been an older sister to me, and I will never forget following her around at competitions and Tech games. Now having the same position as her when she was at Tech is super cool to think about! After college, Kirby plans to work in sports management. “Being a Sports Management Major, I have always known I want to continue working in the sports world. I really hope to become a coach or athletic director so that I can impact kids the same way my coach, Bethany Tolley, has impacted me!”

Fun Facts about Kirby!
Favorite Color: “Red! DUH!”
Favorite TV Show: “Bachelor in Paradise”
Favorite Book or Podcast: “Anything Colleen Hoover”
Favorite Drink: Iced Coffee!
Favorite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

When she is not twirling, she loves to... “Spend time with my family and friends.”

Something people might not know about her is... “I played volleyball from 5th grade through High School and absolutely loved it. Being a part of two sports has definitely helped me in so many ways over the years!”

The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is... “Confidence! Before I twirl in front of the thousands of people on gameday, I tell myself to have confidence. I’m the one who got myself here, and being confident in myself helps me shine on the field! It also helps me in my day-to-day life. I speak in public better and have overall more confidence in the things I do every day.”

Most memorable advice from her coach... “One of Bethany’s favorite things to say to me is “Show if Off!”. This has completely changed how I twirl. I don’t focus on trying to be completely perfect, I focus on having fun and showing off each of my tricks.”

Advice to future collegiate twirlers or those in the audition process... “Enjoy every second of where you are at. Work hard every day and push yourself to be better. Have fun and show off your tricks. What your face is saying says more than what your body is saying.”

Favorite memory as a baton twirler... “Every game day makes a new favorite memory for me. I absolutely love performing on the field in front of people. Hearing our drumline begin to play, taking the field by myself, and hearing the crowd go crazy, is an exhilarating feeling.”

Funniest memory as a baton twirler... “There are too many funny memories to pick just one. Our team can make anything funny; I definitely laugh at every practice we have.”

Favorite thing about your university's marching band program... “The Goin Band is one big family. I love how we laugh together at every rehearsal and know that we are all in it together.”

Laney Whitefield, Head Twirler
Competition Level: Intermediate
Laney is a Junior from Granbury, TX, that is majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition to being a Tech Twirler, she is also the public relations officer in the Student Dietetics Association. Laney has been twirling for 15 years and is coached by Bethany Tolley at Tech, and Vicki Ray for individual competition as a member of the Vick’s Chicks. The competition placement she is the proudest of was when she placed top five and top 10 in all of my events at nationals the past two years! Her favorite competition trick is anything rolls, and her favorite field trick is a one turn illusion. In baton twirling she has been most inspired by her Vick’s Chicks Teammates, and former Tech Twirler, Emma Zuar. After college, Laney plans to attend a master’s program and complete her dietetic internship! 

Sophie Carnes
Competition Level: Advanced
Sophie is a Junior from Corpus Christi, TX, that is majoring in Kinesiology. IN addition to being a Tech Twirler, she is helps with a student organization at Texas Tech called CCH (Collegiate Companions for Hospice). “we volunteer and visit the homes of people in hospice!”

Ava Medellin
Competition Level: Advanced
Ava is a Sophomore from Gonzales, TX, that is majroing in Human Development. In addition to being a Tech Twirler, she is also a Student Assistant at the TTU Child Development Center.

Aubren Montgomery
Competition Level: Intermediate
Aubren is a Junior from Rockwall, TX, that is majoring in Public Relations. 

Taryn Fojtik
Competition Level: Intermediate
Taryn is a Freshman from Damon, TX, that is majoring in Pre-Speech. 

Taylor Tubbs
Taylor is a Sophomore from Lubbock, TX, that is majroing in Pre-Nursin. In addition to being a Tech Twirler, she is also in the Pre-Nursing Association, some Volunteer Organizations, and does a Student Internship.

Fun Facts About the Tech Line!

Favorite Color: 

• Laney- Hot Pink
• Sophie- teal
• Taylor- Pink

Favorite TV show or Movie: 

• Laney- Mama Mia
• Ava- Gilmore Girls
• Sophie- He’s Just Not that into You
• Taylor- New Girl

Favorite Food or Drink: 

• Laney- Mediterranean Food but I love trying new things
• Ava- Chik Fil-a
• Sophie- Iced Blondie from 7-Brew
• Taylor- Iced Chai Latte

Favorite Quote or Life Motto: 

• Ava - “She believed she could, so she did.” 
• Sophie - “Don’t live your life based on what other people think of you.”
• Taylor - “Take life one day at a time.”

When Taylor is not twirling, she loves to... “Spend time with my friends and family.”
Something people might not know about Taryn... “My aunt was a Texas Tech Twirler!”

The best non twirling life skill Aubren has gained from baton twirling is… Self Confidence! “Interviewing and meeting other twirlers at competitions and through college has helped me gain more confidence in myself and helped me realize I don’t need to let what other people think about me affect me. I want people to like me for who I am, and not who I think I should be to fit in.”

The most memorable advice Ava has received from her coach is to... “Treat every practice like a performance, and don’t forget to smile.”

Ava’s advice to future collegiate twirlers or those in the audition process... “Never doubt yourself! Know that all of your hard work will pay off in the long run!”

Laney’s Favorite memory as a baton twirler was… “Spending my first two years as a Texas Tech Twirler alongside my longtime teammate Emma Zuar!”

Aubren’s Funniest memory as a baton twirler was... “When we got Gerard and Susie (little toy people) at nationals and they’re now our good luck charms that made us win at nationals and do our best during halftime each week!”

Sophie’s favorite thing about your University's marching band program... “That we get to travel to some of the away games with the band and get to do other events while we’re away!”

Taylor’s favorite tradition within the band program is… “All of the chants the band does on the march to the stadium on game day!”

Something the whole team is really looking forward to this field season... “We are so excited to travel to New York City to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year!”

We want to thank Kirby, Laney, Sophie, Ava, Aubren, Taryn, and Taylor for sharing their game day with us, and we can not wait to see them shine in the Macy's Parade! Wreck Em Tech!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it. 

Friday Night Lights Feature - Seven Lakes High School

Hello Texas Twirl Fans!

Welcome to Band-Tober! Every twirler that is a part of their marching band understands that Band-Tober means band, band, and more band all month long! It is an exhausting month, but we all know we love it, especially when it means more and more twirling on those fields!

Each season this blog likes to get to know many of our awesome Texas twirlers a little better by learning about their experiences. We will be meeting many High School twirlers throughout the season with the Friday Night Lights Features and discovering more about our Texas Collegians with the Collegiate Twirler Spotlights. We will also be having many of our High School and Collegiate twirlers take over our social media Story for their Game Days! Make sure to follow us on Instagram @twirlingiscatchingtx or at facebook.com/twirlingiscatchingtx so you don't miss a thing!

This season’s next Friday Night Lights Feature is the Seven Lakes High School Feature Twirler!

Seven Lakes High School, located in Katy, Texas, is the home of the Spartans, and one super busy baton twirler! Jaidyn Poole has been able to do something not many can… she is not only the Feature Twirler with the marching band, where she performs in their competition show, but she is also the Colonel of their dance team, the Sapphires! Between Sapphires practices, and marching band rehearsals, Jaidyn is able to show her school spirit in every way possible! 

When Jaidyn was entering Seven Lakes, they did not have a current baton twirler, so her audition process was more about talking to the band director about the possibilities. Luckily, her band director was open to her twirling, and she is currently the only twirler in Katy ISD! 

We asked Jaidyn what her favorite thing about SLHS is, and she said the School Spirit! “We do a lot of things to show school spirit such as rotunda rallies, pep rallies, state send offs, parades and the obvious football games.” While Jaidyn loves all these great events, her favorite though is the Homecoming parade!

As this is Jaidyn’s senior year, it is full of last firsts, and last lasts. We know being as involved in her school as she is, there must be a lot of memories and emotions as her time wraps up. We wanted to know what she is looking forward to the most this year, and she told us she is excited for all the senior
year festivities and the senior night football game!

Now that we have learned more about her time at SLHS, let’s learn more about Jaidyn!

Jaidyn Poole, Senior 

Competition Level: Advanced

Jaidyn has been twirling for 9 years. She is a member of the Mickey’s Majorettes and is coached by Patti Mickey & Kayli Mickey-McIntosh. The twirling achievement she is the proudest of was making the World Team for X-Strut and getting to be a part of Team USA for the 2023 IBTF World Championship! Jaidyn’s favorite competition trick is any back neck combination, and her favorite field tricks are toss walkovers and toss aerials. In baton twirling, she has been most inspired by former UT & Baylor Feature Twirler, Caroline Carothers. After high school, Jaidyn wants to major in Fashion Marketing with a possible minor in Dance. “I hope to one day open my own dance and twirling studio. Also, one of my biggest goals has always been to serve as a Feature Twirler for a top University. If that does not happen, then I would also love serving on a college dance team.”

Fun Facts!

Favorite Color: Pink

Favorite TV show or Movie: Dance Moms & Mama Mia
Favorite Book: "Mind Gym" by Gary Mack
Favorite Food or Drink: Sushi, pickles, and Starbucks!

Favorite Quote or Life Motto…
“Tired is a mindset! Use your power to empower others!”

When she is not twirling, she loves to... 
“Dance!”

Something people might not know about her...
“I have four dogs. One is a wiener dog puppy!”

The best non twirling life skill she has gained from baton twirling is...
“Communication skills and building self-confidence.”

Most memorable advice from her coach... 
“Go Claim Your Spot!”

Advice to future high school twirlers...
“Chase your dreams and don’t let people doubt you!”

Funniest memory as a baton twirler... 
“My costume broke at the Twirl Mania awards and Kaylynn Lambert had to tie my straps together to get through the ceremony.”

Favorite thing about marching season...
“Getting to be a part of the band competition show and spending time with my teammates.”

Favorite tradition or inside joke within your spirit program... 
“Bucket Night! This is a Sapphire Dance Team tradition. Moms decorate paint buckets for their child, and the buckets are stuffed with small token gifts and letters from friends and family. It is always fun to see how they choose to decorate a bucket that represents their child and the year and loads of fun to read the letters. Bob and Sue night is another Dance Team tradition where we dance halftime with our
dads.” 

What will you miss the most when marching season is over?
“Performing & having fun in the stands with my team.”

We loved following Jaidyn’s journey from dance team, to game day, to marching band, and we wish her an amazing rest of her Senior year! Stay Classy Seven Lakes!

We hope you have enjoyed this blog post. We are always looking for great new stories about Texas twirlers. Do you have an idea or some information we could use to help highlight our sport? Contact us at texastwirlcontact@gmail.com and we would love to hear more about it.