Kinsley won the Beginner 0–6 Solo division with a score of 70.8 and the Beginner 0–6 Two Baton division with a score of 59.0 during the America’s Youth on Parade competition, held July 15–18 at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
“I’m so proud of myself,” Kinsley said after receiving her trophy.
The Schuylkill Haven resident qualified for the national competition during Pennsylvania’s qualifying event at Indiana University of Pennsylvania over Memorial Day weekend. She earned the Beginner 0–6 Pennsylvania Pageant title to advance to nationals.
A pageant combines three baton-twirling events, with points from each performance totaled to determine the overall winner.
At nationals, Kinsley competed in events featuring between seven and 29 participants.
In her solo routine, Kinsley twirled one baton for up to two minutes while performing vertical and horizontal tosses, finger twirls and rolls across her elbows, arms, wrists and neck.
Her two-baton routine featured many of the same elements, but required both batons to remain in motion at the same time and at the same speed. Competitors can receive penalties if the batons are not moving together properly.
Kinsley’s mother, Ali Missmer, said her daughter was shocked when she learned she had won the solo competition—and even more surprised when she captured the two-baton title.
Although Kinsley has “played baton” since she was born, she began competing only last year. She is a third-generation baton twirler, following her mother, who competed in the sport, and her grandmother.
Kinsley is coached by Joan Lamina of Bristol Township and practices approximately two hours a day, six or seven days each week.
In addition to winning two national titles, Kinsley competed Wednesday in the Grand National Championship, also known as the “Little Big One.” The event included competitors from across the country in the 0–6 age group, regardless of skill level.
With the Joyce Center packed and many competitors feeling emotional or anxious, Kinsley remained confident.
“I was born for this!” she said before competing.
One of the youngest athletes in the event, Kinsley achieved her goal of placing among the top 15 and advanced to the semifinals in eighth place. Her goal for next year is to reach the event’s top six.
Kinsley said she especially enjoys learning new tricks and successfully catching a baton skill for the first time.
“Nationals was so fun,” Kinsley said. “I love competing and twirling!”
Kinsley will move into the Intermediate 0–6 division for the upcoming competition season. She plans to attempt to qualify for the national championships again at the higher skill level.
Supporting Kinsley at nationals were her mother, Ali Missmer; her father, Casey Thompson; her brother, Rhys; and her grandfather, Michael Missmer.
