CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS— In the world of high school drill teams, Flour Bluff Stingline is more than a group of performers. They are a close family of young women who share the same passion for dancing and creating long lasting friendships.
For the team colonel Aubree “Gracie” Oller, joining Stingline was much more than perfecting dance.
“I was inspired by being a part of a group of girls who wanted the same goal, being dancers,” said Oller. Oller highlighted the pros of being on the team, “One of my favorite things is how I can get a good workout and how I have made a bunch of new friends. Though dance is really hard and can take a while for everyone to get on the same page, it usually works out in the end and is worth it. We run our routines and stay positive.”
Although she acknowledged that being a part of the team has its challenges, Oller’s role on the team is clear, “To be an example for everybody,” she says.
“I feel like Stingline was the best and safest opportunity to restart my dance career. Stingline is such a big part of my life, it’s a family, it has made me feel safe especially after COVID-19. It was hard to come back to school, but getting to come back with all these girls that I know, who have become my friends has been a great way I have become social, especially after being shy for years,” said First Major Laila Mcgough.
“I’m the colonel’s right hand man, so if she needs help making decisions or approving something she will ask me,” said Mcgough about being First Major. Mcgough appreciates the experience of attending games, wearing cute outfits and forming connections with new friends.
Being on Stingline is a opportunity that has changed the lives of some of the girls on the team.
“Stingline has impacted me by allowing me to leave my comfort zone and branch out to make new friendships and memories,” said Bailey Durham. “I am consistently growing as a dancer and as a person. Everyday I learn something new, which allows me to challenge myself in ways that I never thought I would have. Without Stingline, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and everyday I am thankful I have gotten the opportunity to be a part of this amazing group of girls. I knew I definitely wanted to be a part of a team, and Stingline was the perfect fit for me with my passion for dance. The pros definitely outweigh the cons. One main pro is the sisterhood type relationship everyone develops when on the team. As for a con, the only thing I would say is that we have so much fun during football season that it goes by in a flash!”
Lexi Aelvoet emphasized the way the team has turned dance into a family bond and responsibility: “Stingline made me come out of my comfort zone, the girls on there make the team a family and just makes any day more better.”
As a veteran of the team Aelvoet takes her role seriously, “My role on Stingline is to welcome the newbies and make sure they feel a part of the team. As a vet on the team I feel that everyone needs to feel included, making the team stronger,” said Aelvoet.
The girls have a weekly practice schedule to ensure things run smoothly.
“We have practice everyday but Friday, on Monday we have late practice where we stay after school for a little bit. On Wednesdays we go to the stadium and make sure we look good! On Fridays we get ready in the locker room! For example hair, makeup, and uniform. We also do a big sister-little sister basket exchange every home game!” said Aelvoet.
One thing that the girls definitely agree on is the stylish cute outfits that come with being a part of Stingline. For these girls and the rest of Flour Bluff Stingline, it’s not just about the dance moves, it’s about growing as individuals, creating lifelong memories and sisterhood bonds.
Stingline is more than just a team. The members have stepped out of their comfort zone not only just to dance but to connect with each other.
