Feature Twirlers
The Feature Twirlers are leaders within the Jaguar Marching Band and ambassadors for the University of South Alabama. They represent South with grace and pride, living out the USA Way both on and off the field.
Scholarship Information
Feature twirlers receive an annual $7,500 scholarship. This aid is renewable for up to four years when program and academic requirements are met, and is stackable with other academic scholarships. Additionally, the Jaguar Marching Band provides each twirler with a $1,000 annual uniform budget and covers required travel expenses.
Program Expectations
Feature twirlers are expected to:
- Maintain strong academic standing and meet all scholarship requirements
- Serve as leaders and positive representatives of the JMB
- Attend band camp and regularly scheduled rehearsals
- Perform at all home football games and required JMB performances
- Perform at select basketball games when available or requested
- Participate in Mobile Mardi Gras parades and other University, alumni, recruiting and community appearances
- Create and learn choreography independently when needed
- Demonstrate professionalism and school loyalty throughout the year
Meet the Coach
The Feature Twirlers are coached by Michaela Rader, a former South Alabama Feature
Twirler who performed with the Jaguar Marching Band from 2018 to 2021. She returned
as coach in 2023 and continues to advocate for the twirlers, create new opportunities,
and uphold the standards of the JMB Twirling Program.
Michaela Rader
Email: mrader@southalabama.edu
The JMB welcomes Feature Twirler applications annually, with available positions determined by the needs of the program. The program typically maintains 1 - 3 feature twirlers in any given year. Candidates must be fully admitted to the University of South Alabama to be considered.
Twirlers interested in auditioning can generally expect to submit initial audition materials in the winter. Selected finalists may be invited to an in-person audition the following spring.
Initial Application
Applicants must submit:
- A cover letter
- Two letters of recommendation
- A résumé or portfolio of twirling and academic accomplishments
- A twirling video
An individual routine lasting 90 seconds to 2.5 minutes should appear first in the video. Applicants may also include clips from competitive, exhibition, field, or parade performances. The full video compilation should not exceed five minutes.
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate a four-spin, one-spin illusion, two- and three-baton ticks, leaps, showmanship, and the ability to travel across a large performance area.
Finalist Audition
After applications are reviewed, select candidates may be invited to campus for an in-person audition based on the strength of the applicant pool and the needs of the program. Finalists will perform a live routine in a costume of their choice, interview with JMB leadership, and tour campus.
Current Application
Baton twirling has been part of the Jaguar Marching Band since its inaugural season in 2009, when Melissa DiCesare became USA’s first Feature Twirler. Since then, each twirler has helped build the program’s legacy and establish the traditions carried forward by today’s program.
Follow @usafeaturetwirlers on Instagram to see our latest performances and accomplishments.
JMB Feature Twirlers
- Melissa DiCesare, 2009–2013
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Taylor Meckley, 2013–2017
Fredricktown, Pennsylvania - Whitney Williams, 2017
Robertsdale, Alabama - Michaela Rader, 2018–2021
Jewell, Iowa | 4x World-Open 3 Baton Champion, 6x National Show Twirl Champion - Sydnee Cantley, 2023–present
Fairhope, Alabama | 2022 Miss Majorette of Alabama - Lily Hatchett, 2023–present
Aiken, South Carolina | 2023 Team USA Captain - Nevaeh Green, 2025–present
Cullman, Alabama | 2026 National Show Twirl Champion, 2027 Team USA member