BOOTLEGGERS EXPAND WITH MENTORSHIP
RA BROWN , GABBY HACK , EY , EMMA SAMPLES , ART
H BLUNDELL - CO-CAPTAIN , LMES - CO-CAPTAIN , RTH - CO-CAPTAIN , H , HALEY MCKINLEY , , ALI BLUNDELL
BY TAMARA GREGOR
For a team that has increased dramatically in size over the years , the Bootleggers stay community-focused with their mission , from mentoring newcomers to making the season memorable .
Bootleggers Coach Letia Crowson said this year the team is the largest its been in the past few years .
In the 2022-2023 school year , Crowson said one of the main goals is to work on improving the squad ’ s technical skills , as well as their dance skills with extra attention on kicks , pom motions and pirouettes .
“ We are working on flexibility , work ethic and growing as dancers and teammates ,” she said . “ Our jazzy pom style sets us apart as well as our kicks , our visuals and our synchronization . Hopefully our service to the community stands out as well .”
Crowson said anytime the team grows in size , new challenges surface .
“ I think we are ready for it ,” she said . “ A larger team brings more capabilities for visuals , a bigger presence on the field and more ways to be creative with formations .”
Crowson said her expectation for her herself , as well as the team is to “ stay positive .”
“ My expectations for the team are to grow in leadership , teamwork , time management , accountability and endurance ,” she said . “ Also , working well with others through difficult and demanding circumstances .”
With nearly half the team made up of newcomers , the team looks to strengthen their leadership skills . She said this is a chance for “ the upperclassmen to teach and mentor the younger dancers .”
“ We have nine new dancers on the team this year ,” she said . “ We have five returning seniors — we are looking forward to the seniors growing and leading .”
Crowson said another one of their team goals is to increase their community service projects and “ continue to bring outlaw spirit to the hallways and the sidelines .”
“ We have special performances planned for pink
ON THE ROSTER
FRESHMEN : NATALIE BANKS , CARSON LOVETT , KARLY MILLER , KORY SCOTT , KRYSTA SHELBY , KAI SOELL , BLAKLEY TANNER , AVERY THROCKMORTON
SOPHOMORES : AGABRIELLE BROWN , HAYLEE DANIEL , GRACI GRISSOM , BRITNEY MACKEY , BRENLEE SCIFRES , BRILEY STOLL
JUNIORS : DEMI HUNT , ALISHA LEMONS , BRISTIN SMITH
SENIORS : MAYA CANTWELL , KARLEE HARRISON , KARSYNN KELLY , PAYTON ORTEGA , JACI WOOLWINE
out and homecoming . Our juniors will choreograph a dance this year , as well as our seniors ,” she said .
“ Our focus will be our school , our community and our half time performances . We are focusing on our team bonding , and making lots of memories .”