KJ: “I live down the street from the college and have seen the K Girl practically every day of my life. My grandmother, Ethel Davis, lived here during the boom. When she found out my mother was pregnant with a little girl, she decided right then that I would become a Rangerette.”
KJ: “I love that I am joining an organization that feels like family for life. The feeling will never go away.”
Ally: “It influenced me a lot. My brother was a Rangerette manager so I grew up around Rangerettes.”
What is the most unexpected thing that has happened to you because you made Rangerettes?
How do you think being a Hi-Stepper prepared you for the line?
Tori: “Last year after Revels, a woman approached me with her new baby. She asked me to take a photo holding her and my heart just broke. That just caught me off guard and reminded me how special this organization is.”
Jennifer: “Mrs. Clower would tell us stories about being a Rangerette and she taught us to always display yourself as a lady.” Tori: “Mrs. Clower has a high perspective of how you see her, your officers and your seniors. If it wasn’t for Mrs. Clower I would not have tried out.” KJ: “I think before I was just a dance studio girl. I never knew the discipline it took and how much polish everything needed. Mrs. Clower was a Ranger Officer and knows exactly what it takes to make the High Steppers look very polished and professional.” Ally: “Being a Hi-Stepper officer is way different from Rangerettes but taking charge and having more responsibility helped me grow up and be a better competitor.” What’s the most surprising thing you have learned? Taylor: “I prepared myself for it to be really, really hard but I had no idea it would be so rewarding. I also think it’s good preparation for college because you learn time management. I can make time for anything now.” Jennifer: “It forces you to grow up and it’s not a bad thing. You have to grow up, be accountable, be responsible and go through a bunch of hardships of being let down and pushing through. Your work effort is through the roof.” Shelby: “I think it will help with job opportunities. It’s a foot in the door to what you want to do in life.” Ally: Everyone said it was a totally different and I thought, it’s just a dance team. Nothing can prepare you for five hour practices on a football field. You have to perform perfectly every day. I learned really fast that they are very serious about what they do.”
Ally: “We get to attend local events, give back and support everyone who supports us.”
Ally: “This year the directors have given me so many opportunities. I was chosen as the “Milk Girl” for the American Dairy Farmers Association and I got to be on the cover of the Rangerette work out video, Fit to Be Fun.” Do you have any advice for aspiring Rangerettes? Jennifer: “Don’t give up.” Tori: “You must have faith in yourself. Stay in your bubble and remember why you are here.” Taylor: “Work on being the best you can be. Don’t get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing and don’t let what they can do stop you from doing what you can.” KJ: “Kick every day.” Ally: “Kick every single day and attend minicamp. Rangerettes have a style that they want. Stay in your own bubble and don’t compare yourself to other people.” Shelby: “Just keep going no matter how discouraged you might get. Don’t compare yourself to others. Always work on yourself. Kick every day and stretch a lot!” Not only are the girls hard workers but they understand how good it feels to earn it, to truly be the best. Rangerette Director, Dana Blair says, “It’s nice when we can make everyone happy but it’s not something that we guarantee.” Kilgore dancers must earn their place on the line but I don’t think they would have it any other way. The cream always rises to the top and we are so proud to call these girls home grown.
What is your favorite aspect about being a Rangerette? Shelby: “I get the opportunity to be a role model to so many people.” Taylor: I feel so accomplished because I always looked at Rangerettes as such an unattainable goal. I came, tried out and actually made it. I feel like I can do anything because I have made the Rangerettes.” Tori: “I love being a part of the organization that started Drill Team. Being able to continue my love of drill team with the people who started it was a dream of mine. I get to be a part of history.”
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