Remembering to point their feet, straighten their back leg and show their facials, the Sapphires prepare for the upcoming Nationals competition at the University of North Texas March 18.

“I’m most excited to perform in the big dome,” Catie Shirley, senior officer said. “It’s so fun to look up and see thousands of people watching you and cheering you on for all the hard work we’ve put in. I just love to perform in front of crowds.”

The Sapphires, have prepared to ‘wow’ the judges at competition since August. After winning second place at Regionals, they are excited to win big again at Nationals.

“I’m expecting the team to do really well at Nationals this year,” Sapphire coach Brittany Miller said. “ They performed exceptionally at Regionals and are working hard at practice to score even better in Denton.  If they keep up this momentum, they are in a good spot to earn the title of National Champions which is ultimately their goal as a team.”

This is the Sapphires fourth year attending nationals at UNT.

Sapphire members commit to various types of practices, such as early morning practices, after school practices and occasionally, 10-hour Saturday practices.

“My favorite part has been getting a little delusional (from getting up so early) at early morning practices,” Mallory Ewing, sophomore, said.

For seniors, this is their last time competing as a Sapphire.

“I’m going to miss long Saturdays dancing with my team and watching other teams perform and the adrenaline rush I get right before we go on the floor,”  Shirley said.