Baton twirling is a sport that weaves together artistry, athleticism, and camaraderie. Today, we’re excited to share the story of Emelia Adam, a dedicated baton twirler at Grand Valley State University. With 17 years of twirling experience, Emelia has made the most of her time as a collegiate performer. Let’s dive into her journey!
Meet Emelia!
Full Name: Emelia Adam
College/University: Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Year in School: Senior
Hometown: Hamburg, Pennsylvania
A Passion for Twirling
Emelia began twirling at a young age and has honed her skills over 17 years. As an individual competitive twirler, she developed a strong foundation that served her well during her four years of twirling at the collegiate level.
Game Day Excitement
One of Emelia’s favorite aspects of being a college twirler is the vibrant atmosphere on game days. “The third quarter with the Laker drumline is always a highlight. Each game brings something new and fun, making it a personal and crowd favorite!”
Memorable Moments
Emelia fondly recalls her first away game during her freshman year at Ferris State University, where a blizzard turned the field into a snowy spectacle. “It was such a great experience, especially since it was a playoff game. We kept on playing despite the weather!”
The Love of Sharing
For Emelia, baton twirling isn’t just about performance; it’s about sharing her passion with others. “Every game day, I get to connect with alumni, current students, families, and the littles. It’s truly the best feeling ever!”
Game Day Traditions
Emelia’s game day rituals are a cherished part of her experience. “We meet in the band room to go over announcements and sing the alma mater. It’s amazing to be part of something bigger than yourself!” One unique tradition involves the twirler and drum majors blessing the trombone players with their baton and mace. Emelia also performs a special fight song routine during the game.
Preparation Process
Preparation is key to Emelia’s success. The Laker Marching Band practices multiple times a week, focusing on routes, drills, and learning new shows for each game. On game days, they have a morning rehearsal to finalize everything before the excitement begins.
Fueling Up
Emelia has a go-to meal before game day performances. “After each game, a group of us usually goes out for breakfast, where I love to order hash browns, eggs, and bacon. I also pack snacks like gushers, cereal, or chocolate to keep my energy up!”
Advice for Incoming Twirlers
To those considering joining a college twirling team, Emelia offers this wisdom: “Trust the process. You will end up exactly where you need to be!”
Final Thoughts
As Emelia approaches her final year at Grand Valley State University, she emphasizes the importance of organization and enjoying every moment. “It truly goes by so fast!”
Emelia Adam’s journey in baton twirling exemplifies the joy and connection this sport brings. Whether you’re a seasoned twirler or just starting out, her story is a testament to the incredible experiences awaiting you in college twirling. We are so happy to have had the chance to hear about Emelia and the Lakers Marching band!