College Twirler Takeover: Meet Ellie Garst from the University of Illinois

Our College Twirler Takeover series continues, and today we’re excited to introduce Ellie Garst, a junior feature twirler for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign! With 16 years of twirling experience, Ellie has spent the last three seasons shining on the field with the Marching Illini, creating unforgettable memories and representing her university with Illini pride.

From Ohio to Illinois

Originally from Perrysburg, Ohio, Ellie began twirling when she was just a child and has dedicated 16 years to perfecting her craft. Competing both as a solo performer and as part of a team, she’s no stranger to the hard work and dedication it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, as a member of the Marching Illini, Ellie says being part of such a storied program has been one of the greatest honors of her college journey.

Game Day Excitement

For Ellie, the magic of game day begins the moment she marches into the stadium. “Seeing everyone so excited really sets the tone,” she shares. The sea of orange and blue, the roar of the crowd, and the tradition of Illinois football make every performance unforgettable.

One of her most memorable game day experiences comes during Parents Weekend. Each fall, Marching Illini dads are invited onto the field to perform. Ellie’s dad has joined her for the past two years, twirling by her side during halftime. “It is such a unique and memorable experience,” she says. “I can’t wait to twirl with my dad again this fall!”

The Pride of the Marching Illini

Ellie loves how deeply valued the Marching Illini are at the University of Illinois. “I love how important and integral the Marching Illini is to the University,” she explains. “I get to be involved with so much more than just game days on campus.”

For her, being a feature twirler isn’t just about performing; it’s about representing her university in a meaningful way. The bond between the band and the fans makes every game day feel bigger than just a performance—it’s a true celebration of tradition and spirit.

A Tradition Like No Other

At the end of every halftime performance, the Marching Illini presents the Incomparable Three in One, a combination of three historic Illinois songs: Pride of the Illini, March of the Illini, and Hail to the Orange.

For Ellie, this tradition is one of the most powerful moments of game day. “One of my favorite parts is hearing all of Memorial Stadium singing ‘Hail to the Orange’ at the end of halftime,” she shares. The unity of thousands of voices joined in song is a memory that stays with her long after the final note fades.

Preparing for the Field

Performance days require both physical and mental preparation. Ellie takes time to mentally rehearse her routines, making sure she’s in the right headspace before stepping onto the field. Her pregame ritual includes meditation, deep breathing, and a personal pep talk to get herself energized and ready.

And, of course, food plays its part in game day prep! Ellie’s go-to meal is a Jimmy John’s Turkey Tom sandwich, with a chocolate chip cookie saved in her backpack to enjoy after halftime.

Advice for Future College Twirlers

Ellie’s advice for incoming college twirlers is simple but powerful: “Relax and try to have fun! The time flies, so soak up every moment!” She encourages twirlers to cherish every performance and every game day tradition, because those experiences quickly become lifelong memories.

A Dream Come True

Reflecting on her journey so far, Ellie says that twirling for the University of Illinois has been “an honor and a privilege as well as the best part of my college experience so far.”

With three years already behind her and more memories ahead, Ellie continues to inspire with her dedication, passion, and Illini spirit. Go Illini!