Crocs, high kicks, motivation, and hard work. All of these words accurately describe Liberty High School’s drill team. 

During their 2021-2022 season, Liberty’s drill team won second at state, as well as first at a local competition. Despite having to overcome challenging obstacles, such as the pandemic and new leadership, the dancers were still able to perform to the fullest of their abilities and earn their place on the stage. 

The team’s motivation and performance have continued to grow, despite having only twenty-one dancers, as well as new coaches Jen Poulson and Angela Hae.

“This year we’ve had a lot of team bonding and our coach is great at motivating us and pushing us to be our best,” said sophomore Brigitte Potter. “It’s definitely more fun in person and having a full season, unlike last year.”

In order to prepare to be at their top performance level for in-person competitions, the team has been hard at work with intense practices.

“It’s important to keep up with stretching and exercises when you’re at home. Everyone needs to be at their top performance level,” Potter said. 

Co-captains Olivia Maust and Tabitha Peacock became captains as juniors due to the lack of seniors. 

“At the beginning of the year, it was tough because the other captains and I didn’t have much guidance, but after a couple of months, it became natural. My co-captain and I were sophomore lieutenants after two years on the team and are now captains together for our junior year, so having the support of one another has been advantageous.” Maust said. 

Despite the pandemic, the team has seen incredible bonding and a tight community among the dancers. 

“Having covid interfere with the last two years has been a difficult setback, but I think the team has done a great job making up for the time that we missed,” Maust said, “Overall, our teamwork has been great. Once we were able to practice together again, it was like we were never apart!”