Taylorsville High School’s Drill Team Dances at State Competition

Taylorsville - On Feb. 4, Chirons’ captains Joslyn Slade and Maddie Allen led their drill teammates to success at Utah’s Drill State competition. Their coach, Alisha Staggs, is very proud of the two girls for being such great leaders to the other girls on the team. 

“These two girls did a great job of keeping their team motivated and helped the entire team look amazing at the state semifinals,” Staggs said.  

Taylorsville High Schools Drill team, the Chirons, qualified for the state semifinals to compete as one of the top 16 teams in Utah.  

It’s not easy to qualify for the State competition. Only four of seven teams in the region are selected to advance to state. 

“We were thrilled to qualify for the state semifinals. We didn’t make it to the finals of the competition like we would have hoped, but the Chirons represented themselves and Taylorsville High School very well,” Staggs said. 

At the competition, three girls were given awards at the state level. Abigail Barney and Marissa Castillo were given the Academic All-State Award by Deseret News for their 4.0 GPA. Chirons captain Joslyn Slade was named the All-State Team under the Utah Dance and Drill Association. 

“Drill team has shaped me into the person I am today. It has taught me commitment and time management. It has taught me social skills and responsibility. I have absolutely loved every minute of being on the drill team,” Slade said.

Slade has been dancing for as long as she can remember and has been a part of Taylorsville High School’s drill team for the past three years. This year Slade was made the captain of the team and she is grateful for the all the opportunities being captain has given her.

“I love drill team because you have the opportunity to grow your talents surrounded by amazing people. I have enjoyed being able to make so many lifelong friends along the way who help you laugh and giggle through everything,” Slade said. 

Slade’s favorite moment of this year’s drill season was watching her teammate’s faces light up as they were told they qualified for state. 

“It was such an honor to be able to go to the state competition. It is such a rush to perform on the state floor, where the stadium is filled with people and the music booming out the speakers. It is the best adrenaline rush you could ask for,” Slade said.  

Chiron’s co-captain Maddie Allen also loves the rush that comes from dancing competitively. She has been dancing since she was three years old and has been a member of the drill team for the past three years.

“Drill is so inspirational and I absolutely love getting to know my team. I am proud to say that my team fought hard this season and we succeeded in going to state. State brought such a bond between all of us,” she said.  

Allen gained a new favorite moment every day that she was with her team making fun memories and gaining life experiences. 

“Drill has taught me that no matter how difficult something may be, there will always be a way to succeed. All you have to do is have patience, believe in yourself and most importantly trust yourself,” she said.  

Staggs is very pleased with all the girls on the drill team and all the hard work they did to make it to the state semifinals. This is Staggs 16th year of coaching drill and this year was a success to her for many different reasons. 

“I love coaching these young ladies. They have pushed through tough times and always come out strong. I also love the discipline and confidence that is taught through drill. The experiences you receive with drill are definitely something you will carry on throughout your life,” Staggs said.