Local youth twirler receives state accolades
Athletes come in all shapes and sizes – including 6-year-old girls in hula skirts twirling batons, like Elizabeth Davis.
But Elizabeth, a Russellville native, isn’t just an athlete; she is the Alabama State Games 2018 Youth Female Athlete of the Year.
This is a big year for Elizabeth and for the Alabama State Games, as well: 2018 marks the first year the state games have included a baton twirling competition, making Davis the first-ever Youth Female Athlete of the Year in that category.
“Her dad and I are super proud,” said mother Heather Davis, owner at instructor of Studio X-Treme in Russellville.
Elizabeth competed against 200-300 other twirlers and won all four of the divisions, which included a show twirl solo, NBTA solo, best appearing and basic strut. “She spent almost a whole calendar year practicing for this,” Heather said.
Her show twirl solo was 2.5 minutes long and was hula themed, complete with a custom uniform that included a hula skirt and bathing suit top.
The other divisions were more challenging, Heather added, but Elizabeth tackled them all without hesitation.
“She went out there like it was no big deal,” Heather said.
Elizabeth is now being considered for the National Youth Female Athlete of the Year award through the National Congress of State Games. She will also get to be a torch bearer to help light the Alabama State Games Olympic Flame at the Opening Ceremony for the XXXVII Alabama State Games, which will be held in Huntsville at the Von Braun Center.
She has been involved in dance, tumble and twirl for two years now. Heather said her daughter’s first baton competition was the state of Alabama NBTA contest, where she won first place over her entire division with march, best appearing and show twirl.
“Elizabeth has been able to accomplish more than an average twirler, as she has become fluent in one and two batons, three spins and various gymnastics incorporating moves in less than two years’ time,” Heather said.
Heather said Elizabeth has dreams of being a feature twirler for Mississippi State University.
