FSU Feature Twirlers Ignite Excitement for New Football Season
As the football season approaches, Florida State University’s (FSU) acclaimed Feature Twirlers, Kylee Saltsman and Mikayla Schuller, are set to dazzle fans once again at Doak Campbell Stadium. Known for their captivating routines and impressive skills, Saltsman and Schuller represent a long-standing tradition that has made FSU a leader in college twirling. Their performances, featuring fire batons that slice through the night sky, promise to ignite the crowd’s enthusiasm for another thrilling season of Seminole football.
Commitment to Excellence
The Feature Twirlers are not only athletes; they are also students with ambitious academic and career goals. Saltsman, a junior double-major in marketing and sport management from Niceville, Florida, made history this summer by becoming the first FSU twirler to win the United States Twirling Association National Collegiate Twirling Championship. “Being able to represent my school at that national level and show off the Seminoles to people who might not know our story — it’s so much fun,” she stated. Saltsman, who began twirling at the age of four, credits her mother’s twirling group as her inspiration. “Even the day I got accepted into FSU was a dream come true,” she added.
Looking to the future, Saltsman aims to pursue a career in sports marketing, preferably with a college or professional team. Her dedication reflects FSU’s commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics.
Engineering Precision and Passion
Schuller, a fifth-year mechanical engineering student from Cleveland, Ohio, combines technical precision with artistic performance. After discovering twirling in a dance class, she felt an immediate connection to the sport and was drawn to FSU through her coach’s affiliation with the university. “I remember stepping out onto the field that first game, and the crowd was just electric,” Schuller recalled. She also enjoys the recognition from fans, who often express their admiration for her fire twirling skills.
Away from the field, Schuller has pursued internships, including one at an Air Force base, and plans to focus her career on defense aviation. The rigorous balance between her engineering studies and marching band commitments has honed her time management skills. “Having that community over at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering campus is great,” she noted, emphasizing the lasting friendships she has formed during her time at university.
A Bond Built on Trust and Collaboration
Saltsman and Schuller have trained together for years, creating a strong partnership that shines during performances. “Since we’ve been twirling together for so long, being able to take the field and have fun together is really cool,” Schuller explained. Saltsman praised Schuller, saying, “She’s an amazing Feature Twirler and an even better person.” Their enduring friendship and shared experiences enhance their performances, creating an engaging atmosphere for the audience.
The preparation for these stunning routines is intense. During the preseason, their practices can stretch from 07:30 to 21:00. Once the football season concludes, their training shifts focus to competitions, ensuring they are always ready for the next challenge.
The Art of Twirling
Each year, the Feature Twirlers design unique costumes for their halftime shows, showcasing their creativity and commitment to the art form. On game days, Saltsman and Schuller prepare their batons by soaking them in a gasoline-kerosene mix, ensuring the flames burn brightly during their performances. Their passion even inspired FSU kicker Ryan Fitzgerald to try fire twirling, illustrating the infectious excitement surrounding their craft.
The role of Feature Twirler offers countless remarkable experiences, including opportunities to meet representatives from the Seminole Tribe and engage with athletic leaders. These moments allow Saltsman and Schuller to represent Florida State on a national stage, further solidifying the university’s legacy in the world of college twirling.
As the season unfolds and the fire and crowd excitement fill the stadium, Saltsman and Schuller remain focused on their goals. With each performance, they continue to bring the fire back to Florida State, inspiring others with their dedication and passion for the sport. The anticipation builds as they prepare to light up the field once again, ready to showcase their talents to an enthusiastic audience.
