Sophomore baton twirler Angela Boeren steps onto the floor, eyes down and body erect. Taking her spot on the floor, she lifts her head with a smile of confidence and strikes her first pose. The music starts, and she immediately reacts with a graceful flick of her wrist, and the baton goes twirling through her fingers.

Boeren has been twirling with the TwirlTasTix twirling program since she was two-and-a-half years old. Her mother put her into the program after seeing TwirlTasTix perform at a local baseball game. “I love twirling because it motivates me to work hard and is such a great, family-like community to be included in,” Boeren said.

Director of TwirlTasTix and head coach Christine Zoll has watched Boeren grow into an experienced baton twirler and says that Boeren is an integral part of her team. “She has transformed from a young girl into a graceful and talented baton twirler. She has progressed through the competition skills from novice to intermediate. Soon, she will be at the highest level, advanced,” Zoll said.

Zoll also noted Boeren’s tireless effort and dedication to the sport, often relying on her experience  to help out with choreography or teach younger students. “She is definitely a leader [and] is even a choreographer and assistant teacher for one of our younger classes. She is willing to take risks and try new things and her combined leadership, intelligence, and extensive baton twirling skills make her an integral part of our team,” Zoll said.

While other students might be vacationing, Boeren spends most of her summer practicing and refining her technique. Her team’s biggest competition is the National Baton Twirling Association National Championship, which is held in late July. According to Boeren, they start training for it months in advance. “We practice long hours every day of the week, except for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays,” she said.