Farragut dance coach is ‘incredibly proud’
By Steve Williams
Over 3,700 student-athletes in cheerleading and dance competed for TSSAA and TMSAA state championships at the Knoxville Convention Center in early November.
Teams in the Knoxville area won several state titles.
But Farragut High Coach Macy Brink says there is more to it than just winning state championships.
“We are incredibly proud of both FMS and FHS for their State Champion titles in the Jazz Division,” said Brink. “State championships are huge milestones we celebrate and we are so humbled to have won. But as coaches, the true pride comes from the young women who make this program their own.
“Athletes who approach each practice with commitment, courage, and passion, who lift each other up through every challenge, and who grow into confident, compassionate individuals along the way. Their work ethic is inspiring, their support for one another is unwavering, and their growth – both as dancers and as people – is a daily privilege to witness.
“We feel deeply grateful to be a part of their journey and humbled by the passion, perseverance, and grace they bring to the studio and the stage. This program isn’t just about championships – it’s about cultivating character, teamwork, and a love for the art of dance. The dedication, spirit and heart of these 33 girls is what defines what this program is all about.”
In addition to Farragut’s state title Jazz dance team in the Small Varsity division, Bearden’s Pom dance team also won a state title in the Small Varsity division and Halls High’s Unified team captured top honors in Game Day cheerleading.
On the middle school level, Farragut’s cheer team was state champion in the Large Division and its Jazz dance team also won a state title. Halls and West Valley also won state dance titles in Hip Hop and Pom, respectively.
Many other Knox County and area high schools and middle schools also placed in cheer and dance at the state level.
In Varsity medium, Bearden was second and West was fourth in Varsity cheer.
Seymour took second place in Small Varsity non-tumbling. Karns finished third in Varsity Game Day non-tumbling.
Top: Farragut’s Jazz team won the TSSAA state championship in the Small Varsity division. Back row (Left to Right): FMS & FHS Headcoach Macy Brink, FHS Sponsor Emily Carter, Leighton Upshaw, Maddie Horton, Rylee Mack, Sophie Pennekamp, Paisley Van Lant, Audrey McCaleb, Caroline Seagraves, Sydney Derr, Caitlyn Stickley, Sarah Shoup, Natalee Mack, Rylee Chronis, Assistant Coach Brenna Bocik and FHS Assistant Coach Victoria Norris. Middle row: FMS Assistant Coach Laura Warrington, Kennedy Prosan, Harper Mills, Lillie Jones, Brooklyn Knight, Emma Kate Kilpatrick, Mary Ella Wendell, Layla Schraerer, Natalie Mahoney, Mary Aspin Scott, Ava Kate Taylor, Lydia Finnegan, Parker Miller, Lila Spencer and FMS Sponsor Elizabeth Wilson. Front row: Shea Tafazzoli, Francesca Wilson, Katie Beth Swaggerty, Emery Campbell, Maddie Reed, Cassidy Stickley, Lily Tomiko and Emmaline Wendell.
Center: Halls Middle School’s Hip Hop dance team wins state title. Members are: Abby Bailey, Ella Bradley, Tilly Carey, Marley Fisher, Chloe Lusby, Aria Morgan, Lyla Oliver, Hallie Tindell and Clara Wilson.
Bottom: West Valley Middle School’s Pom dance team took top honors in the TMSAA state tournament at the Knoxville Convention Center earlier this month. Front row L to R: Rivers Chapman, Avery Kelley, Maddie Ann Cole, Emerson Broyles, Ava Cline, Nicole Eisenhower, Hadley Evans, Caroline Connell. Middle row L to R: Charis Swafford, Sophia Sheeley, Brooke Taylor, Palmer Stringfield, Lila Roberts, Jordan Zastoupil, Chloe Wallenstein, Harper Brown, Kate Ingeneri. Back L to R: Maddie Hilliard, Hatley Buford, Henly Roberson-McConnell, CB Britton, Addi Minor, Elizabeth Connell, Kate Duncan, Peyton Ransdell, Harper Weth, Aubree James. The team is coached by head coach Kathryn Brasfield, assistants Natalie Adkins and Kenzie Bankes, sponsor Tosha Jenkins, and choreographer Katie Lane.
