Artistic Swimming | 12/5/2022 3:23:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (Dec. 5, 2022) – If you look up the word spectacular in the dictionary, a picture of the events from December 4, 2022 in Pioneer Hall is shown first as the prime example.
 
On Dec. 4, the TWU Athletic department hosted their annual Holiday Spectacular. The event featured performances by four different Pioneer teams.
 
The holiday cheer rang and began with Artistic Swimming and Pioneer Pride Dance at Pioneer Hall Pool. In an alternating performance style, both teams showcased incredible routines choreographed to popular holiday songs.
 
Head Coach Sara Lilly jumped in and performed alongside Ashley Latchford to officially start the Holiday Spectacular program. The pair swam to Silver Bells in a dueling solo fashion. Following their performance, Pioneer Pride Dance showcased a number to John Legend's Bring Me Love.
 
Then, the spotlight was back on the pool as a trio of artistic swimmers swam to Feliz Navidad. After their routine, Pioneer Pride returned for a beautiful performance to Like It's Christmas by the Jonas Brothers. Artistic Swimming returned to the pool for a fun routine to the Christmas Can-Can by Straight No Chaser.
 
The showcase ended in the pool with a jointly coordinated performance by Artistic Swimming and Pioneer Pride to Joy to the World.
 
"The Holiday Spectacular is such a special event and fun opportunity for the Artistic Swimming athletes to perform alongside and cheer on their fellow TWU athletes," Head Artistic Swimming Coach Sara Lilly said. "We truly enjoy being a part of this day and appreciate the support we receive from the TWU and Denton community."
 
In her first year as a head coach, Pioneer Pride Head Coach Marisa Martin said it was incredible to celebrate the holiday season with all the TWU teams. Pioneer Pride performed once more following their show in the pool. They also showcased a routine between gymnastics' rotations in Kitty Magee Arena.
 
"Pioneer Pride is so grateful to have been a part of such a special show," Pioneer Pride Head Coach Marisa Martin said. "We love supporting our fellow athletes and getting into the holiday spirit! Performing alongside these teams was a moment to remember and a great way to showcase all these programs bring to TWU."
 
After the show in the pool, the holiday spectacular continued in the gym with TWU STUNT showing off their skills. In their second year as a program, STUNT debuted some of their game day elements, including stunts, baskets and tumbling.
 
While Artistic Swimming and Pioneer Pride joined the Holiday Spectacular programming last year, 2022 marked the first year TWU STUNT performed at the event.
 
"This holiday spectacular was one to remember," TWU STUNT Head Coach Jasmine Owens said. "It was STUNT's first ever performance at the event. We had a great time showing skills and watching all the performances from our fellow teams here at TWU. It was such an amazing way to wrap up our team's semester and kick off the holiday season!"
 
Follow STUNT's performance, TWU Gymnastics began their intersquad competition. The team split up into two separate teams for the friendly competition: the Candy Canes vs. the Gumdrops.
 
The Candy Canes started out on vault, while the Gum Drops debuted on the uneven bars. Then, the teams traded for the second rotation. The Gum Drops kicked off the third rotation on floor, while the Candy Canes opened on the Balance Beam. To close the competition, the Candy Canes ended on floor, and the Gum Drops finished on beam.
 
The competition featured returners and freshmen who joined in on the holiday fun. The competition ended with a special holiday dance and a special appearance by Santa.
 
Santa stuck around at the end for free photo opportunities as well. The day was full of spectacular performances and wonderful holiday cheer.
 
"The Holiday Spectacular is always one of our favorite events of the year, and this one was no different," TWU Gymnastics Head Coach Lisa Bowerman said. "We are grateful for all the fans who came out to support our team and to help us kick off our upcoming season. I am so proud of our athletes for how they performed and excited for what is to come for this talented team!"
 
TWU Artistic Swimming, STUNT and Gymnastics will begin their 2023 seasons in January, while Pioneer Pride will be performing at TWU home athletic events and preparing for Nationals in April 2023.