There are many girls with unique talents at Mercy. Ellee Houghtaling, class of 2021, is definitley one of these girls. Ellee’s unique talent is her ability to twirl multiple batons at great heights, doing different tricks, or while performing a routine. This year, Ellee will get the opportunity to bring this talent to Mercy basketball games where she will perform at half times.
Ellee has been on a twirling team since she was young and has since put in countless hours into practicing. She has team practices twice a week and solo practice once a week. In addition to this, she practices on her own time whenever she can. All of this time spent in practice clearly shows whenever she performs.
Ellee discovered her interest in twirling because her mom’s best friend twirled when she was young and through high school. Ellee signed up when she was old enough and was also in the same class with her mom’s best friend’s daughter.
Ellee is very close with her teammates. She explained to me, “I have been friends with all of them for my whole life so we know everything about each other and we do everything together.” Ellee even keeps in touch with her old teachers because they have made such a big impact on her life.
Ellee says that twirling has taught her patience, self-discipline, how to meet and talk to new friends and how to stretch. She said, “I have to be patient with myself because it takes time to learn new tricks and they won’t come to me overnight.” Ellee explained that competitions are very long and she has to be patient with the judges. And of course, she can never forget to stretch before and after practices.
But Ellee doesn’t just stop at twirling regular batons. A couple of years ago, Ellee took lessons which were offered once a week. After her eighth lesson, she juggled a baton with fire on each end. This is the hardest trick she is is allowed to attempt and she performs it flawlessly.
Ellee will twirl at the home Mercy basketball games this year at halftime. While she can twirl up to four batons, she is limited to only two or three while twirling in the gym because the ceiling is not high enough. We are all very excited to see her unique skills!
