TWISTED NEWS
August 2014
Maryland Twisters Newsletter
Level Training and Why It Works!
Tara Cain, President Maryland Twisters All-Stars Inc
Twisters Tryout season is considered stressful by many of our athletes and coaches. Typically at tryouts, the staff gets to
meet an athlete and determine a team placement assignment within a 20 minute evaluation. The athlete feels pressure
to perform their best skills. The coaches feel pressure to choose the right team and level. And then at the first practice
we sometimes discover we placed athletes correctly. However there are cases when the athlete does not have skills
consistency, they lose the skills all together, or they actually progressed and have better skills. In those cases we are
forced to move the athlete either up a level or down a level as a result which could then mess up our divisions too.
Because of the above, we created & implemented the concept of level training for tryouts 2013. This changed how we
did tryouts and alleviated the anxiety the athletes would sometimes experience. So instead of trying out for a team, you
are trying out for a level.
During level training nights, we train everyone within that level together. The athletes learn how we load stunts, cradle
from stunts, basket grips, jump, hurdle into running tumbling, step into standing tumbling, etc so that the brand has consistency in training. Regardless of level, they are all trained the same in basic skills technique. This process also gets all
of our coaches in front of all of our athletes. So our level 5 coaches also teach level 1 level training. Just imagine, all of
our amazing coaches are now training all of our amazing athletes!
We trained in levels for 2 months last summer picking teams in late July. This allowed the staff to pick the right level
appropriate athletes and our teams had 90% or more of the level skills needed for the scoresheets. As a result, the 201314 season was by far our best season as a PROGRAM to date! We had more wins and bids awarded than ever before!
“I’ve been at the gym
for years now and
never have I seen all
the teams progress at
such an impressive
pace. I’m beyond excited to see what our
coaches and athletes
come up with in December.”
- Matt Green
Level training has truly been a great experience for both the athletes and the staff. This year we had more familiarity with
the process which is why we only trained in levels for June. The Twisters alumni already had our basic skills technique
down to a science!
Every team at Twisters is already starting ahead of where they were last season in all aspects of the score sheet. I am
grateful that the staff worked with me on creating this amazing training curriculum which has already proven to be successful. I am so looking forward to having another memorable and successful season!
In This Issue

Advantages of Level
Training with owner Tara
Cain

Reign & F5 Competing at
the Majors
Summer Skills Goals: A
Gym Wide Contest
 Upcoming Events

Athlete of the Month:
Sanibel Adorno and
Whitnee Hodges
 Spotlight On: Jimmy
Myrick

Owner Tara Cain congratulating athletes during call backs
The Majors - True Hall
We are excited to announce that F5 and Reign
will be competing at the 2015 Jamfest Majors in
Indianapolis, IN on January 16. The Majors is the
most selective event in allstar cheerleading in
which only the "best of the best" senior level 5
teams in the world are invited to compete. With
so many talented level 5 teams in our area and
nationally, we are extremely honored to have this
opportunity.
This year will mark F5's third appearance at the
Majors since its inaugural event in 2012. F5 will
compete against five other teams, including last
year's Large Senior gold, silver, and bronze world
champions. Reign will be making its Majors debut
after years of successful performances at JamFest Super Nationals. The team will be competing against the 2014 gold and silver world champions. We are anxious to see how our teams match
up to such talented competitors.
Supercells, Weathergirls, Shade, Cobalt, and Reign at camp in OC hosted by Epic
Brands
Summer Skills Goals: A Gym
Wide Contest
This summer for the first time ever our coaches are challenging our athletes in a
gym wide contest! Each athlete will receive tumbling goals to work on through
September.
The 2015 Majors will be a milestone event. Maryland Twisters is the only program within our region selected to attend. This is a major accomplishment for our program as we continue to expand our worlds teams and develop strong, talented lower levels.
Good luck F5 and Reign!
For more information on the Majors, visit www.experiencethemajors.com. The site includes results, videos, and photos from previous
events.
There will be one winner per level. The winner will be awarded with the Inaugural
Summer Skills Champions t-shirt as well as a prize of their choice. Each team will
have a list of five options as their additional prize and will select their prize as a
team.
Please help us support and push our athletes! We all know that once we hit competition mode tumbling can take the back burner. Now is the time to work on and
master your skills. Sign up now for tumbling classes or privates. Call the gym,
410.766.8729– GB or 301.396.4934—Waldorf, to book today!
Photo Courtesy of @MAJORScheer
Newsletter Ad Space
Looking for a simple way to advertise for your company? What better way than to
showcase your company in the Maryland Twisters Newsletter? Please email
Kristen for more information and pricing, [email protected]
Photo Courtesy of @MAJORScheer
Upcoming
Events:
August 15th-17th:
Waldorf - Level 1-4 in
house Camp
August 22nd-24th:
Glen Burnie - Level 1-4
in house Camp
October:
Maryland Twisters 5K to
support Storm Chasers
and Eye of the Storm.
This event will be
mandatory for all
athletes in Glen Burnie
and Waldorf
Chill wearing red at practice to honor a cheerleader at University of Louisville
Happy Birthday to YOU!
June
Nicole Alexander, Serena Arellano, Chyna Behringer, Timea Black, Madison Bowers, Raven Boyd,
Taylor Brinkley, Tim Clancy, Delaney Dobra, Jakima Dyson, Leah Sierra Fasig, Blake Forry, Diedre
Gsell, Rachel Hirshon, Jayla Holliday, Araya Hooten, Lauren Jermstad, Chelsea Johnson, Alyssa
Kress, MaKaila Lewy, Julia Mager, Kamille Mauldin, JaVale McBride, Keyona McCullough, Kailee
McCutchan, Evan Mello, Kelis Ortiz, Ayana Paramore, Mychaela Perry, Alaya Riley, Alima Jarai
Ritter, Julie Stone, Mackenzie Turpin, Olivia Webster, Destiny Wilkinson
July
Devynne Ashby, Laila Barlow, Skyla Biller, Cassi Blake, Madison Booth, Taylor Bracalente,
Corinne Bregman, Chrislyn Brown, Corinne Bullock, Laylah Caesar, Chloe Canchola, Makaylah
Carey, Jessi Carpel, Krista Chester, Natasha Cisneros, Kayla Clark, Hannah Cobbs, Taylor,
Csikortos, Daevyn Dorsey, Aylin Estrada. Lauren Farquhar, Elaina Finkelstein, Nicole Fiscella,
Paige Flanagan, Alex Fleece, Jordan Hardy, Mekhya Jones, Kyndall Kahouk, Kendall King, Kyah
King, Jessica Larkin, Tariana Leftwich, Alexis Loewen, Gracie Magers, Jenna McGee, Sarah
Moore, Emmaleigh Morris, Taylor Nicholson, Ty’Shera Parker, Maranda Queen, Chloe Regino,
Olivia Sampogna, Madison Sharp, Cayleigh Miskell, Roslyn Perry, Olivia Sampogna, Morgan
Shields, Erin Shope, Talia Smith, Jasmine Toon, Jordyn Tyler, Morgan Tyler, Brianna Wall, Kaila
Watts, Joiya White, Chamia Winston, Alanna Wood
August
Chardae Barron, Jordan Battenfeld, Hannah Black, Taylor Boyles, Camryn Brown, Lauren Brown,
Janie Bryner, Alexandra Casellas, Yarnise Chapman, Ashlie Coon, Katie Crews, Camille Devincenti, Danielle Dorsey, Abby Duncan, Madison Gillespie, Natassja Gray, Kayla Hairston, Kayla Hicks,
Patrick Hoover, O’Shay Jelks, Diamond Jenifer, Hailey Jester, Camryne Jones, Tegan Leese,
Celine Lynn, Harmonie Marshburn, Jada Mason, Jessica McCarty, Elessa Moore, Anjuli Morales,
Jordan Murray, Morgan Page, Emily Peyton, Kailah Pinkney, Christina Powell, Allison Pulanco,
Paige Richardson, Gabby Rodriquez, Reese Rosebloom, Cayne Rosenquist, Farren Shannon,
Makaylah Steele, Alayna Stewart, Jordyn Wade, Kamryn Watkins, Dominique Weaver, Alanna
White, Alexis Wysocki
August’s Athlete of the Month
Glen Burnie:
Sanibel Adorno - Fierce Winds
What makes Sanibel stand out on Fierce Winds?
Sanibel is a standout athlete for excellent motivation and leadership she has towards her teammates.
Always encouraging and helping her teammates out with stunting and basing grips. She always makes
sure she gives everyone an extra little push when they are trying a new tumbling skill and she is always
the first one to cheer for her friends.
What does she contribute to her team?
She contributes all skills required for the team, excellent stunting, a knockout performer and confidence.
Overall Sanibel is a very well rounded athlete.
“Sanibel is a hardworking dedicated
What do you see in Sannibel’s future?
young athlete. Always attentive at
practice and engages with questions
when she is unsure about something.
Never afraid to help another team
member out or step up to try a new
stunt. Overall she is a well rounded
person and will be a charming addition to anyone's team in the future
here at Maryland Twisters.”
~ Coach Kenney
If Sanibel continues at the progress she is going and if this is something she continues to pursue I see
Sanibel on one of the many level 5 teams we have here at Twisters, and even excelling to cheer for a
prominent college program such as University of Maryland or Towson University.
How have you seen her improve over these first few weeks?
She has improved tremendously with her tumbling, after perfecting all of her level 4 skills she has moved
onto level 5 tumbling which she seems to be catching on to very quickly.
Coach Kenney and Coach Mike
Waldorf:
Whitnee Hodges - Shade
How does Whitnee stand out in the gym?
A young woman such as Whitnee is more than an awesome cheerleader... she displays high character to all
athletes in the gym atmosphere. She goes above and beyond to speak to all the athletes in the gym; if it is a
cheerleader, gymnast, or a new recreational student. Whitnee's thoughtful spirit and humorous personality
makes all the athletes feel comfortable and welcomed.
Tell us about Whitnee in the early days.
Whitnee started her cheerleading career at the tender age of 9. During Whitnees early days she was actually
quiet and was struggling to find her strengths in athletics. She quickly blossomed and grew in the sport of cheer.
I specifically remember that first year because I had the honor of watching her spread her wings, gain confidence, and finally show us her "crazy/fun" personality.
How would her teammates describe her?
I would think they would say she is a "visionary". When Whitnee believes in something she has the personality to
make everyone around her to believe in it too. If an athlete was struggling she has the talent to "talk them
through it or convince them they can accomplish it".
Since Whitnee herself has struggled during her years of cheer, she is compassionate and understanding. They
would all agree she has a fun and happy personality.... which in this competitive sport is well needed.
What can we expect from Whitnee this year?
Without a doubt you will see strong leaderships skills blossom from this young lady. Her goal is to take Shade to
a level of confidence and success; which her team wants. As far as Whitnee's skills .... she never stops working
on her tumble specialty pass ... a whip half step out through to a double/kick double. Best of all you will see a
young lady focus on helping her teammates find their individual success so they can come together to be "one".
It has been a joy to be part of this young lady's cheer journey.
Coach Lisa, Coach Dywon, Coach Jason
“We are proud to choose Whit-
nee as a nominee for athlete of
the month. Whitnee has a positive attitude, joyful personality,
and is always willing to go beyond the call of duty: always
fostering team unity. Whitnee’s
ability to keep the team’s focus
on the goal is amazing!”
~Coach Lisa
August Nominees:
Kaitlyn Edmunds - Eye of the Storm
“Kaitlyn has been working hard at every practice to improve her tumbling and
stunting skills. She pushes herself to learn new skills and to try things she's never
done before. “
~ Coach Rachel
Frost Anderson - Reign
“This will be Frost’s 3rd season on Reign and he has evolved into a strong and seasoned athlete. He is not only extremely dedicated to his team but the program as well. It’s amazing to see
where he started from to where he is now. Frost’s improvement throughout the years is due to
his passion for the sport and his personal need to get better every season. We are honored to
nominate Frost for AOTM.”
~ Coach Matt G.
Hannah Black - Blast
”Hannah is new to the Twister family but has already impressed us. She is a hard worker,
she does whatever you ask without complaining. She has set her tumbling goals high and is
pushing herself hard and has already reached one of the two. We are proud of you Hannah,
and enjoy having you on Blast.”
~ Coach Margie
O’Shay Jelks - Wrath
“O’Shay is already independent for her age. She is so determined, she knows what she has to
work on and doesn’t wait for someone to tell her otherwise. She has a 3.8 GPA, she is reaching
for a 4.0. O’Shay loves to read and exercise; which shows so much with her improvement in
cheer. Her flying skills have gone through the roof. Her flexibility a complete 180. So far she is
one of the best flyers on Wrath. I also personally coach O’Shay in tumbling and she is determined to be the best she can be. O’Shay is destined for greatness. Ms. Lisa, Coach Amber, and I
are very proud of O’Shay.”
~ Coach Morgan
Neile Anderson - Thunder
“Neile has been a great addition to Thunder. Coming from our youth level 1 team Sidewinders from the previous year, Neile has worked extremely hard to gain all of her level 2
team requirements with excellent technique. With amazing maturity for such a young
age, we can't wait to see what Neile will do this season! “
~ Coach Shanell
Tierra Rush - Frost Bite
Noelle Barretto - F5
“Tierra has worked hard to get
Anjola Bamisaiye - Cold Front
“Anjola is a very happy kid with a
“Summer heat can make you
her back walkover and is striv-
positive attitude. She is quick to
miserable especially during prac-
ing to achieve a front walko-
make corrections and hardly ever
tice. Noelle is always at practice
ver. She is a natural leader
speaks during practice.”
with a smile. She is so eager and
and helps out wherever she
can.”
~Coach Chase
excited to learn. Her personality
is infectious! She also has improved on her double full as well
~ Coach Vikki
as her kick kick double basket
toss! “
~Coach Tara
Autumn Johnson - Mist
Grace Rozek - Velocity
Kaylee Guerrido - Downpour
“We as coaches nominated Kaylee
“Autumn is a pleasure to
because we saw the most improve-
“Grace is always on time to prac-
coach! She is respectful, a
ment in her. She stepped up and
tice, and by on time I mean at
hard worker, a team player,
gained all of her tumbling and
least 20 minutes early. She
takes critique well and is
level 2 skills needed for Downpour.
works hard even through sore-
an awesome back spot!”
ness or pain, always with a
Kaylee is always at practice early
and ready to go, showing dedication to her team.”
~ Coach Ashlie T.
~ Coach Matt T
smile on her face.”
~ Coach Chase
Alyssa Beckett - Little Winds
Carissa Bright - Sidewinders
Eliana Goddard - Dew Drops
“We picked Alyssa because she
“Carissa is a hard worker and she
“Eliana is very active and partici-
works hard, fixes mistakes, is
is dedicated. She puts 100% into
pates during practice. Eliana has
motivated and has positive en-
each and every practice.”
also made some progression in tum-
ergy every practice.”
~Coach Krissy
~Coach Matt T
Monae McMillan - Cyclones
bling.”
~ Coach Meredith
Kamille Mouldin - Waterspouts
Sophia Warner - Fourcast
“Monae was nominated due
“Kamille is a returning athlete on
“We chose Sophia as athlete of
to her awesome attitude.
Waterspouts. Her tumbling skills
the month because she always
She's always ready to work
have exploded. She has been train-
has a pleasant demeanor during
and comes to practice fo-
ing very hard this summer as a
practice, never gives up or be-
cused.”
flyer. We are very proud of you
comes frustrated. She is a pleas-
Kamille!”
ure to work with and her team-
~ Coach Shonte
~ Coach Margie
mates enjoy her disposition.”
~ Coach Kim
Spotlight On:
Jimmy Myrick
Jimmy Myrick has been a Twister cheerleader since 2002. He is one of three original Eye of the Storm cheerleaders still cheering today. On July 7, 2011, Jimmy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. His chemotherapy treatment plan made
him miss the 2011-2012 season.
During all of the unrelenting side effects, Jimmy never stopped smiling. His personality survived the horror of the dreaded disease he was fighting. During his long stay in the hospital, the Twisters family made sure he knew he was missed and not forgotten. He received hundreds of cards, posters and gifts from the cheerleaders. He hung his F5 signed banner behind his bed for
all to see. Tara and Karla came to visit him, bringing games, the Cheersport National Champion plaque the team had won that
February and a book for him to read to find the inner strength to overcome. By the time Jimmy left the hospital to transfer to
rehab, you could not see the walls in his room. The Twisters Booster Club, in joint effort with Cheer4All, also stepped forward
and held an amazing benefit for Jimmy so that his family could modify their house to be wheelchair accessible.
Jimmy returned to Twisters in the fall of 2012. He brought back the spark for Eye of the Storm and amazed us all with his determination to be an active part of the routine now that he was in a wheelchair. Not only did he do partner stunts in his chair, heel
stretched in another stunt, but shocked and amazed us all with his "now" signature roll out of his chair. His example of working
through and coming out the other side is just classic Jimmy. His smile, his laugh, his jokes, his spirit, is what he has been recognized for. Cheerleaders want to take pictures with him at competitions. He asked once, am I famous?, a "cheerlebrity"? Too
funny. Jimmy's last bone marrow biopsy showed "NO EVIDENCE OF LEUKEMIA CELLS". He remains in remission, with no
detectible disease. Good news. He is at the end of his treatment plan, with only 3 treatments left. Thank you Twisters, for all of
the support during his journey.
Contact Us
Give us a call for more
information about our services and products
Maryland Twisters
Glen Burnie
170 C&D Penrod Ct
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
(410) 766-8729
Waldorf
109 Post Office Road
Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 396-4934
[email protected]
Visit us on the web at
www.marylandtwisters.com
Maryland Twisters enhancing your athlete through the sport of cheerleading