When then 5-year-old Grace Wood, left AYOP 2008 as the 0-6 National Show Twirl Champion and Advanced 0-6 2-Baton Co-Champion, she told her mom, “Next year, I want to be Little Miss Majorette of America!” So began a year of hard work and dedication for a young twirler.  Little did her mom and coaches, Dawn Reed and Diana Reed, know that Grace would really accomplish that lofty goal!  AYOP is Grace’s favorite week of the year.  She loves the atmosphere at AYOP where everyone else is as passionate about twirling as she is.  AYOP 2009 was no exception. 

MerrieBeth Cox did not put away her batons after winning the bronze medal in Belgium for her solo. Instead she continued her 5:30am practices with hopes of performing well at AYOP in July.

AMES, Iowa - While many Iowa State student-athletes are in the midst of their summer training regimens, sophomore Emily Bright is hard at work competing.

Two weeks ago (week of July 21st, 2008), the Norwalk, Iowa native participated in a multitude of events at the 2008 Baton Nationals held at Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. Bright garnered top-10 finishes in almost every event in which she competed, capturing first place in Collegiate Field Performance.

NBTA Nationals competition came to a close with newly crowned champions for all to marvel.  Twirling was celebrated with a week long competition held at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana.  Twirlers from all over the US and Canada traveled various distances to compete on a national level.

Diana Reed, NBTA twirler and former Hawkeye Golden Girl for the University of Iowa, was crowned the 2007 Miss Iowa and will be heading to Las Vegas, Nevada this month to compete for the 2008 Miss America crown LIVE from the Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino!

Meaghan Place has been crowned the 2007 Intermediate Jr. Miss Majorette of America at the National Baton Twirling Association Championships at Notre Dame University on July 18, 2007.  Meaghan competed against  girls from all over the United States.  She took first place in Solo and  Strut and placed third in Best Appearing to capture the win.

South Bend, IN – On Friday, July 20, 2007 at Notre Dame University, PJ Maierhofer, captured the 2007 Grand National Collegiate Twirling Championship Title.  She displayed pure twirling excitement, athleticism and head on competition against 35 other collegiate contestants.  PJ, a 19 year old - PSU Junior, electrified Judges and the audience with a 1, 2, 3, and 4 baton routine that exhibited what true athletic twirling is all about.

South Bend, IN – On Friday, July 20, 2007 at Notre Dame University, the Penn State Majorettes walked away with the 2007 National Collegiate Majorette Line Halftime Show Team Twirling Championship title.  The squad displayed pure twirling excitement, school spirit and head on competition against other top collegiate majorette lines.  This was the Touch of Blue’s sixth time to compete at the National Championships.

July 18th thru July 22nd, twirlers gathered to compete at the US National Baton Twirling Association’s (NBTA) national competition held at Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana.

TwirlZone would like to congratulate all competitors on their performances at the recent World Championships held in the Netherlands April 12 - 16, 2006.