Every Friday night last semester, the drill team performed under stadium lights in front of hundreds of people. Withstanding countless hours of practice and performing endless routines, it is no wonder these girls are called the Royales. With the close of football season last fall, the drill team is beginning a new chapter.

“I miss being on the football field,” junior Blaire Boatright said. “I like when people cheer for me because it’s always really nice.”

As the second semester opens, the Royales are preparing for new things.

“Right now, we are preparing for competition,” junior Amber Valenzuela said. “We are polishing routines and spending a lot of time on main category routines.”

These new routines will result in an increase in practice time and dedication.

“The hours depend on if you’re in different groups, like elite groups,” junior Anna Burton said. “We practice three hours a day, so that comes to 15 hours a week, and sometimes we have Saturday practice.”

Fifteen hours a week may seem like an overload on top of schoolwork and social lives, but some girls had to practice even more. Over Thanksgiving break, a few of the Royales traveled to New York City to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“It was cold, but it was a really amazing experience because not a lot of girls can say they went to New York and were in the parade,” senior Brittany Stevens said.

The girls are also preparing for the Spring Show in April. Being on the drill team comes with its perks such as performing for the school, but it also takes a colossal amount of time and commitment.

“I like drill team, and it’s a great opportunity,” junior Alyssa Berkowitz said. “I really do like the exercising and performing in front of people.”

Though the time it takes to perfect a kick or jump will discourage some girls, the good qualities outweigh the bad.

“My favorite thing about drill team is that it is really fun and rewarding,” junior Gabby Brogdon said. “I am able to be part of something I really love and can share it with amazing people.”