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.