THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE HYPE AND GRANDEUR OF FRIDAY NIGHTS IN TEXAS.
While the vast majority of audiences gather to witness the nation’s most popular game, the entire experience is a culmination of countless hours in preparation for the evening from more than just the young men wearing pads.
After all, the entertainment-factor would be drastically altered without the band, cheerleaders and of course the drill team fulfilling their integral roles.
That’s where the captain of the historically-renowned Willis Sweethearts, Tori Van Schuyver, comes in.
“Personally, I think it’s really important because without the drill team dancing on the field, it would just be the band and cheerleaders,” she said. “That’s nothing against them, of course, but there are a bunch of little girls who look up to the Sweethearts.
“It’s important to showcase that on the field, since we’re the school’s spirit squad and we’re there to get the crowd hyped up.”
So, where did it all begin for Van Schuyver?
“I’ve been in dance since my third or fourth-grade year,” she said. “My older sister, Jessica, was a dancer and she was a really big mentor for me. Wanting to follow in her footsteps has kind of kept the passion lit inside of me for this long.”
Although dancing is something she could potentially see herself continuing for the coming years, Van Schuyver predominantly wants to follow another passion of hers.
“I actually pursue culinary arts,” she said. “So, I’m looking into nutrition and dietetics in order to become a nutritionist and a consultant for teams one day.”
Given that this will be her last year at Willis High, the senior Sweetheart has had time to consider what exactly sparked her to become such a determined by-product of the community she’s been brought up in.
“I’ve been a Wildkat through-and-through since first grade,” Van Schuyver said. “The environment I’ve been raised in has been very supportive. Anything I’d want to pursue, everyone around me – and not just my family– would encourage me to go for it.
“Because of that, I’ve felt like I could do anything. My director, coach (Kaylee)Trotter, has been one of those figures who helped to push me in a supportive way to be the person I’ve become.”
Despite the inevitable bitter-sweet moment coming at the conclusion of her career as a Sweetheart, the impact Van Schuyver has had on the team will surely have her well-prepared for the subsequent stages of her life.
For now, she’s here to hype up the crowds for one last time.