As the featured twirler for the University of Washington Husky Marching Band, the highlight of the two-year experience was performing in the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade and watching the Huskies defeat Michigan. Go Dawgs!

Husky Band Rose Bowl Halftime Performance – playing Tequila – while the Michigan Band waits for their turn on the field.

On occasion, I participate in Husky Marching Band Alumni Association (HMBAA) activities. I twirled on-field at homecoming in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Former UW feature twirlers – from the 1960s to present day – at 2013 Homecoming. Photo courtesy of Louis Figueroa.

I began twirling at age three and attended my first national competition at age 12, where I brought home my first national title. From age 12 to 17 I finished in the top five in national competition, and I celebrated my second national title at age 17.

I attended Washington State University prior to transferring to the University of Washington, and was one of two featured twirlers there. (That gives me bragging rights as the only person to have been the featured twirler at both WSU and the UW.)

From age 13 to 25 I coached twirling, and remain friends with some of my students today! My world-renown coach was Kathy Forsythe, who also was a featured twirler at the University of Washington during her college years.