Recent Ayala graduate Trudy Chang takes baton twirling to new heights
CHINO HILLS, Calif. — In a world dominated by mainstream athletics, baton twirling is often overlooked. But for 18-year-old Trudy Chang, the sport is more than performance. It is discipline, identity, faith, and community. A recent graduate of Ayala High School and incoming freshman at the University of California, Irvine, Trudy has spent 12 years mastering her craft and helping bring visibility to a sport that rarely receives the spotlight.
Known to many as “Trudy the Twirler,” she made her mark at Ayala as the school’s Feature Twirler at football games, rallies, halftime shows, and parades. Through her routines, she became a symbol of school spirit and a familiar face within the community.
“As the Ayala Feature Twirler, I had the privilege of showcasing my art to my community,” Trudy said. “Feature twirling brings a new element of school spirit by rallying people around the beauty and jaw-dropping catches.”
Trudy’s success has been built through years of dedication and the support of her family, including her parents, Szu En and James, younger sister Peyton, 14, and Milo, their playful schnoodle mix.
Her journey began at just five years old through the Chino Hills Parks and Recreation Program, where she met her longtime coach, Shari Taylor.
“I knew the moment I met Trudy that she was going to be an overachiever,” Taylor said. “She had a direct focus when I was directing her in a baton movement.”
That focus continued to grow as Trudy began private lessons and dedicated herself to improving every aspect of her craft.
“She perfected each movement to the best of her ability,” Taylor said. “Now she has perfected some of her baton events to the advanced level.”
Her background in dance has also contributed to her success, especially in one of baton twirling’s most challenging events.
“Trudy’s expertise at body control and dance has led her to become one of California’s elite in the event called X Strut,” Taylor explained. “It showcases dance ability while combining baton movement at the same time.”
Trudy’s accomplishments reflect that commitment. She won the California Senior Intermediate Pageant, which combines twirling, strutting, modeling, and interview skills. She later competed nationally at the University of Notre Dame, placing in the top 10 at the America Youth on Parade Nationals and earning another top 10 finish in Advanced X Strut.
Although competition has brought recognition, Trudy says the greatest part of baton twirling is the community.
“I’m inspired by the unity of the baton twirling world,” she said. “No matter how competitive each event is, twirlers are always welcoming and supportive.”
That support helped Trudy continue through challenges, including a medical break from baton twirling and limited training during COVID-19. Those experiences gave her a greater appreciation for every opportunity to perform.
Her faith has also remained a source of strength.
“Jesus Christ inspires me to approach baton twirling with gratitude,” Trudy said. “He reminds me that in every season of twirling, no matter the setbacks or successes, the simple ability to pick up a baton is a gift.”
Before competitions, Trudy follows a routine that helps her stay focused. She stretches for 10 minutes, listens to music, prepares her equipment, and takes a moment to pray before stepping onto the floor.
She also believes in the importance of understanding whose opinions truly matter.
“Don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from,” Trudy said. “It’s critical to filter out whose voice matters in your journey.”
Outside of competition, Trudy stays in shape through stretching, dance, weight training, and workouts focused on the muscles essential to twirling, including her core and legs.
She has also become an advocate for the sport by connecting twirlers across the country. Trudy was selected as a West Coast ambassador for Only Twirlers Social Squad, becoming the first representative from California.
At Ayala, Trudy’s role as Feature Twirler gave her the opportunity to experience many parts of campus life.
“I enjoyed getting a sideline perspective for the different athletic teams and student organizations,” she said. “I’ve gained friendships with people from all across my community.”
One of her favorite memories was performing at SoFi Stadium alongside Ayala’s song and cheer teams.
“The sound of the crowd roaring and my heart pumping with adrenaline was worth every tough practice,” she said.
Now preparing for college, Trudy will attend UC Irvine and study Criminology, Law & Society, a passion she has had since she was 13.
“I want to learn what motivates someone to commit crime and how to prevent this cycle from overtaking our society,” she said.
While there is not an official feature twirler position at UCI, Trudy hopes to continue performing if an opportunity arises while also focusing on adjusting to college life.
Beyond baton twirling, Trudy describes herself as disciplined, driven, and passionate. She enjoys reading, journaling, dancing, songwriting, trying new foods, watching nostalgic television shows, and exploring her faith.
She admits she can sometimes be her own toughest critic but has learned the importance of giving herself grace.
“I’ve learned to not be my own worst critic and simply give myself the same grace I’d extend to others,” she said.
Her advice to others chasing their dreams is to take ownership of their journey.
“If you have a goal you want to reach, put yourself in the driver’s seat and take control,” Trudy said. “Don’t wait for someone to speak on your behalf. Take advantage of every opportunity to move one step closer to your goal.”
As Trudy begins this next chapter, she hopes to continue representing her community with passion, purpose, and perseverance.
Baton twirling may be a niche sport, but athletes like Trudy are making sure it does not stay that way.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.