Sabrina Smith

#TipsforTwirlers with Sabrina Smith!

-how do you continue working when you happen to “fail” something?

I think failing is a huge part of success. Whenever I feel as though I am failing at something, whether it be a trick or routine, I like to take a second to put it into perspective. what could I do better? How can I improve the way I am doing this trick? I like to take everything step by step and work out the problems. If something is really frustrating me, I usually take a step back and move on to a different trick or routine for the time being. I always like to go back at the end the persevere through whatever is giving me trouble, no matter if I get it done perfectly or not. I just like the feeling at the end of the day knowing I did all I could to finish what I started... and then the next day, I try again.

-What motivates you?

My biggest motivation is the future generation of twirlers. My main goal in twirling has always been set the best example I can for the younger twirlers. I want to encourage them to push boundaries, be the best they can be, and show kindness and compassion to every competitor they come across so they can leave this sport better than it was when they started.

What was the hardest trick to learn but worth it?

I have to say that there are two parts to this question. Trick wise, the hardest thing I was able to master was either my flat pop spin or my double catch inside illusion. both require an enormous amount of patience and the right timing. I have learned how to time both tricks perfectly, and if something goes awry or my toss ends up off, I have also mastered how to fix it in the moment! The hardest skill I had to learn, which I still am working to master in my old age of 22, is rolls. Rolls are so intricate and so unpredictable, so they can be difficult to master if you do not practice them right. When I was younger, I never had the desire to even work on rolls let alone learn new ones, however as I grew older, I realized just how important and cool a roll section is to any routine! I just want to shout out the japanese twirlers, Lexi Duda, Jen Marcus, Karrissa Wimberly, and many others that helped to spark my interest to go outside and teach myself new and innovative rolls!

-What’s your message to twirlers who may get discouraged?

Coming from someone who has gotten discouraged many times due to placements, routines, or just bad practice days, my biggest advice is to keep pushing and surround yourself with supportive and caring people. Tomorrow is a new day, and there is always another chance to do better. Just remember that life still goes on and try to work even harder to reach your goal the next time. It will come.

what have you done to prepare for nationals and what are you most excited for?

I just twirl! As a college student, it can get tricky to balance school, internships, work, practice, competitions, and a social life during the year, but I try to keep my schedule as consistent as it can be. In the summer is where the bulk of my practice happens. I also am someone who can practice well and efficiently, but not put out the best routines during a competition. This year, i have focused on doing a lot of competitions over the summer to work on the performance aspect and nerves. I guess we will see if that helped at nationals! I am so excited to see all my friends at nationals! As I get older, it’s harder to find the time to see my friends that I grew up competing with because I am not doing as many competitions, so this is the week that I actually get to spend time with them and catch up on life!