Get to know Douglas County HS poms team member Rylie Elliott
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — Rylie Elliott is a senior at Douglas County High School where she is a captain of the Poms team. She loves Poms because it is a sport and an art form. “You can express yourself through movement while also pushing your limits and athletic ability.”
Being a member of DCHS Poms has taught Rylie that being a leader is just as important as being a follower, making mistakes can be the best thing to help you grow, and “how to make forever-lasting bonds with my teammates.” The experience has also taught her how to look at things from a different perspective.
Rylie said of the fall season, “I love that we do fun game day routines on the sidelines, while also preparing for our competition season.”
Team Building is a big part of teams such as Poms and dance. The ability to trust and move as one helps to win competitions. That’s why rituals are a large part of the culture. Rylie has her own routine to help keep her at the top of her game, “I always drink a bunch of water and Gatorade. I make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep. I follow the same hair and makeup routine. I listen to fun hype music. And I make sure to fuel my body.”
But Poms isn’t always fun and games. Rylie shared some of the challenges that she has faced with this sport. “Every competition my freshman year I was supposed to do a certain trick, an aerial. I put my hand down every time due to a mental block. This went on for two years then, finally one day I just told myself I was going to do it and I did. I have been able to do it ever since.” She said that she also struggles with comparing herself to other dancers and teams. “To overcome this I keep focus on my own personal and team achievements and gains, and I try to use other people’s achievements as motivation and inspiration.”
Rylie’s dream for the 2022/23 season is not only to continue to learn new things and grow as a dancer and leader but also to lead her team to State Finals. Look for the start of the Douglas County High School Poms Team’s competition season this November.
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