College Game Day Feature: Meet University of Alabama Twirler Anna Grace Baker

A Lifetime of Twirling

Senior Crimsonette Anna Grace Baker has spent 17 years perfecting her craft, beginning as a competitive individual twirler and continuing her journey with the Just Twirl It baton team. Growing up in Clanton, Alabama, she always dreamed of representing the Crimson Tide—and now she’s living that dream in her fourth year with the Million Dollar Band.

Stepping Into Tradition with the Million Dollar Band

For Anna Grace, nothing compares to Alabama’s iconic pregame show. Marching onto the field surrounded by the university’s rich traditions and thousands of roaring fans is an experience she treasures every single Saturday. The energy, the legacy, and the overwhelming crowd response make pregame her favorite part of game day.

A Night Game She’ll Never Forget

A memory she holds especially close is the LSU home game during her sophomore year. It was her first night game after the time change, and Bryant-Denny Stadium lit up with red as the team took the field. When the lights went completely out and the special effects illuminated the stadium, the moment felt almost dreamlike. As she prepares to perform at her last night game this weekend, that full-circle feeling is even more emotional and unforgettable.

Why She Loves Representing the Crimson Tide

Being a Crimsonette means representing one of the biggest names in college football—and Anna Grace cherishes that responsibility. The opportunities, the growth, and the pride in wearing the script A all make the experience unforgettable. But the most meaningful part? The little girls on the Quad who dress up just like the Crimsonettes. Knowing she’s become a role model to young twirlers, just as former Crimsonettes once inspired her, makes every practice and performance worth it.

Game Day Rituals and Routines

Before every performance, the team circles up to pray and recite their chant—grounding themselves before stepping onto the field. Anna Grace has her own personal ritual too: she kisses the big end of her baton before every routine. It’s her small but meaningful good-luck tradition.

Preparing for Game Day

The Million Dollar Band works hard behind the scenes, practicing daily from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and adding an additional two-hour rehearsal on game day. This discipline, paired with Anna Grace’s years of competitive experience, helps her perform with confidence and precision each week.

Pre-Game Fuel

Before she takes the field, she always reaches for the same staples: peanut M&Ms and a cold Dr. Pepper. It’s the perfect combination to keep her energized and ready for the long day ahead.

Advice for Future College Twirlers

Anna Grace encourages incoming collegiate twirlers to stay confident and never give up. College twirling, she says, is one of the greatest experiences in the world—and it flies by fast. Take every chance, savor every performance, and don’t let a single opportunity pass you by.