Mrs. Trudie Williams
1. What team(s) were you a member of and what years were you on the team?
I was a member of the Sam Houston Tex-Annes from 1990-1994 in Arlington, TX. The Trinity Valley Community College Cardettes from 1994-1996 and the Stephen F. Austin Pom Squad from 1996-1998.
2. What was the size of the team?
Tex-Annes: 35-50; Cardettes: App. 40; SFA Pom: 15
3. Did or does the team size change from year to year?
Yes the size of the team changed from year to year, except Pom Squad – it was always 15.
4. Did you have any dislikes about your time on the team?
Of course there were likes and dislikes; however, I loved every minute of my experiences. I think the things you disliked the most at the time become the things you appreciate the most as an adult. The values of discipline, work ethic, and dedication are hard lessons to learn when you’re growing up.
5. What is your best memory from your team?
High School – too many too name just one.
Jr. College – Performing in front of 100, 000 Air Force Cadets at the Air Force Academy
Pom Squad – Winning the National Championship
6. What type of dances did your team do?
High School – traditional drill team: prop, military, pom, novelty, kick
Jr. College – traditional drill team for Fall: prop, jazz, pom, kick; Spring: all genres including lyrical, tap and modern
Pom Squad – hip hop, jazz, and precision pom
7. Was the uniform the same as it is now?
High School – lots of changes were made after I graduated
Jr. College – identical
Pom Squad – changes every year
8. How did being a part of your team help you to do what you do now?
I am currently employed as a dance instructor, drill team director, and pep squad sponsor. My previous drill team experience is the reason why I choose this career. I learned more from my first hand experience, personal contacts through my teams, and prior knowledge then I learned from all of my college classes combined.
9. Did you go travel to any special places while with your team?
Tons of places! Florida – 3 times, California – performed in the Holiday Bowl game, Galveston – 2 times.
10. What do you miss the most about being a part of the team?
Fortunately, I don’t miss much because I’m still part of the same types of teams. However, the thing I don’t still do is perform. I miss the thrill of being in front of the crowd and the adrenaline rush you get when you hit that ending position. All of the other things I used to love, I still get to experience daily; the joy of accomplishing goals, the friendships, the team unity, the struggle to fight through obstacles and the triumph of knowing you’re capable of more then you ever imagined.
11. What dance experience do you have, as a dancer/teacher/director?
Dancer – 17 years, Teacher – 16 years, Director – 11 years
12. What are some of the highlights as your time as a dancer or teacher?
Dancer – feeling the audiences reaction when they really loved your performance.
Teacher – seeing my students light up when they understand something for the first time!
13. What do you believe is the most important part of drill team?
Life skills! Learning how to work as a team while respecting each individual.
14. What life lessons did you learn by being involved in drill team?
I learned that hard work and dedication will not only help you achieve your goals, it will help you be a better person.
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