From looking at the white uniforms performing right in front of you, to performing in the white uniform yourself, junior Lieutenants Katelyn Coffman and Trinitee Hall now compete as leaders for the Silver Spurs.
“This position really feels like a blessing to me,” Coffman said. “Having the privilege to lead this team feels amazing. Seeing these girls grow every single day under this officer’s guidance is wonderful to see.”
Typically, high school dance teams hold a front line of between four and five dancers, but with the scale of Coach Thomas’ team, this presents the opportunity for a line of six.
“This opportunity fills me with so much grace,” Hall said. “I understand my role and know I need to excel at my best for these girls; they deserve someone who will keep them in line.”
Being only juniors, Varsity Drill Team Coach Alexandrea Thomas sees the difficulty it presents for the girls with a team filled with more seniors than any other class on the team.
“This is very hard for them,” Coach Thomas said. “Sometimes it feels like there’s a disconnect between the classes, not fully listening, but staying true to what is being asked of them for the team is what’s utmost important for them to do.”
Coach Thomas values keeping the team united and with the help of her junior lieutenants, said the situation soothes itself out.
“I think that our junior lieutenants have a very important role in diving deep into our underclassmen,” Coach Thomas said. “Being closer in age to the underclassmen really gives the chance to show how peers in this environment should hold each other accountable, and these girls do just that for this team.”
With two people in the same position, Hall said the opportunity to perform hasn’t prompted any negativity, and actually an amazing chance for both of them to grow.
“Working together with this girl is so fun,” Hall said. “Our friendship has grown significantly throughout the year; the Lord truly blessed me with the best possible person to go through this journey with.”
Athletes said the environment of new dancers motivates the team to work together as they’ve seen their junior lieutenants do so, setting an example for the rest of the team.
“Trinitee has been amazing to perform with,” Coffman said. “Seeing the team shine as one with help from us and the rest of the officer line means the world to me, and I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to be around.”
