As the early morning alarms blare, the Silver Spurs build toward upholding their standard of National Champions. During drill season, the Spurs practice before and during school. With Head Drill Team Director Alexandria Thomas joining the team in the 2024 season, the team adapts to a new training schedule and coaching culture.
“I think I have one of the hardest working groups on this campus,” Coach Thomas said. “They wanted to be held to a higher standard in their dancing.”
Although the early training schedule poses a mental challenge to the Spurs, the discipline that’s demanded of them proves as a valuable skillset for their future performances. Additionally, the extra practice time gives the team more opportunities to bond with one another.
“Honestly, in the moment, it really stinks,” senior Molly Aldridge said. “It’s easy to get in that bad mindset when you have to come up with your free time. But in the long run, it is worth it, and you make those connections with your team.”
In addition to a new training schedule, a new authoritative coaching style introduced by Coach Thomas contributed to the team’s overall structure, leading to their success in the previous season.
“Coach Thomas coaches for the overall benefit of the team and aims for the best outcome,” senior captain Shayla Elam said. “She puts the team first over anything else.”
The coaching staff also reinforced the importance of upholding a positive team image.
“I will say that we have had problems in the past with [negativity,]” Elam said. “This year I’m trying to follow in our past captain’s footsteps in a way of keeping everybody accountable.”
For the upcoming season, coaches look to their upperclassmen to uphold the Spurs culture, utilizing their years of experience to lead by example.
“As a Spur veteran, they know the expectation,” Thomas said. “They know how to be a Spur and what it takes to be one.”
With a team built on underclassmen this year, developing the team’s talent remains a challenge to the Spurs leadership. Despite the challenge, the team foresees a successful future as the team takes advantage of its foundation of underclassmen.
“All of my leaders this year are exceptional,” Thomas said. “Setting into [a leadership role] takes time, but I look forward to seeing how they grow this year.”
