Shorewood Drill Team Brings Home Trophies from State

Shorewood Drill Team performing Pom routine. Photo by Stellah Kang

By Sheri Ashleman

Shorewood High School’s Drill Team celebrated the culmination of a successful season with a second place win in the pom division and a third place win in the military division at the WIAA Dance/Drill State Championships held March 23-24 at the Yakima Valley Sundome. 

Thirty-six schools came from all over the state to compete in six categories-- military, pom, kick, dance, hip hop and show. Shorewood’s pom routine earned superior ratings in all three categories: overall affect, execution and content. A rating of “superior” is the highest rating possible.

The team’s choreographer is Tiffany Bliss. 

“The difficulty of Shorewood’s routines was unprecedented yet the team executed them beautifully. We wouldn’t change a thing about their performance. The girls left their best on the floor—no regrets,” praised Coach Bliss.

The military routine placed third in theWIAA Dance/Drill State Championships
Photo by Stellah Kang  

“We are so proud of our 31 girls. These ladies have a work ethic like none other,” enthuses Coach Ross. The girls make a huge commitment, especially in the months leading up to state, practicing about 16 hours a week. In addition, these girls are high achievers with many of them taking AP and honors classes. They have a combined gpa of 3.7. 

“Drill team teaches them time management and how to balance their lives. They learn about team work, determination, commitment and hard work. Both Coach Tiffany and I feel so honored to be a big part of these girls’ lives,” said Coach Kathy Ross.

Shorewood Drill Team poses with trophies
Photo by Marty Hansen

Team members, under the leadership of Captains Bonnie Beam, Angelica Cupat and Stephanie Kang , include Kathryn Altena, Alex Ashleman, Sydney Avolio, Annie Basamania, Mary Chang, Chloe Chung, Angelica Cupat, Kayla Duskin, Mackenzie Gholson, Katie Gibbs, Nicole Jahng, Sarah Kang, Roya Karami, Sarah Kim, Lena Kirkman, Winny Lee, Teresa Ling, Alex Loistl, Haley Maas, Lauren Macalalad, Lindsey Macalalad, Rachel Miller, Jordan Mullen, Ronnie Park, Kyla Riley, Mingma Sherpa, Kirsten Stavig, Erika Wilkins and Rebecca Yuen.

The team is exceptionally proud of first-year member Sarah Kang who placed third in the Drill Down Competition (execution of a series of military commands quickly and accurately).

Congratulations to the Shorewood Drill Team for all their accomplishments this year and for their dedication to the excellence of their team!