College Twirler Takeover: Meet Jaylyn Resh from Virginia Tech

We’re back with another College Twirler Takeover, and this time we’re excited to introduce Jaylyn Resh, a freshman feature twirler for Virginia Tech! Jaylyn has been twirling for 14 years, and while this is her first year as a collegiate twirler, she’s already making her mark on the field and in the hearts of Hokie fans.

From Pennsylvania to Virginia Tech

Jaylyn grew up in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, where her twirling journey began at a young age. With 14 years of twirling experience, she started as a member of a competitive team before transitioning to solo performances under the guidance of a private coach. Over the years, she has worked hard to master her skills, building the foundation that brought her to Virginia Tech.

Now, as a college freshman, Jaylyn has stepped into one of her biggest roles yet—representing Virginia Tech as a feature twirler with the Marching Virginians. It’s only her first season, but she’s already making unforgettable memories on and off the field.

Game Day Excitement

For Jaylyn, nothing compares to the energy of game day in Blacksburg. Her favorite tradition is the March to Victory parade, where the Marching Virginians and twirlers make their way to Lane Stadium surrounded by cheering fans. High-fiving Hokies along the way makes the moment even more special, as she feels the excitement of the crowd before ever stepping onto the field.

One moment that stands out above the rest? At her very first home game, Jaylyn twirled fire for the Corps of Cadets student section. As the flames lit up the night, the cheers echoed through the stands. “I’ll never forget how loud they were,” she says. That memory has already become one of her proudest highlights as a Hokie twirler.

The Family Within the Band

The heart of Virginia Tech game day is the Marching Virginians, and Jaylyn says being part of the band feels like finding a second family. “Everyone is so supportive of each other, and I truly feel like I have a family within them,” she explains.

What makes twirling at the college level even more rewarding is the recognition she and her fellow twirlers receive. “As twirlers, we sometimes don’t get the recognition we deserve for the hard work we put into practicing. It is the complete opposite in college. I love being appreciated while showing people the amount of skill twirlers have.”

Traditions & Rituals

Like any great program, Virginia Tech’s game days are packed with traditions—and Jaylyn has fully embraced them. During the March to Victory parade, all the band members tap “Stack,” a Hokie statue dressed in a Marching Virginians uniform, for good luck. Jaylyn also “hits sticks” with the drumline before kickoff, a little ritual that adds fun and energy before the performance.

And then there’s the moment every Hokie waits for: the legendary “Enter Sandman” entrance. As the first notes of Metallica’s hit song play, the entire stadium erupts into jumping and cheering, shaking Lane Stadium to its core. The tradition, which started with the band years ago, has become one of the most electric entrances in college football—and for Jaylyn, being on the field during that moment is pure magic.

She also keeps a personal ritual close to her heart: calling her mom before each game. “She has been my biggest supporter throughout all of my twirling, and she always calms my nerves for halftime,” Jaylyn says.

Preparing for the Big Stage

Game day preparation begins long before the crowd fills the stadium. With a fast-paced football season, especially on weeks with multiple home games, Jaylyn takes a structured approach to her practice. She creates her halftime routines at the beginning of the week, giving herself plenty of time to refine the choreography and line it up with the drill.

Th

e night before a game, she makes sure everything is packed and ready—from costumes to twirling gear—so she can focus entirely on rehearsal and performance the next day. “I always pack up the night before so I’m not running behind for game day rehearsal,” she explains.

As for food, Jaylyn admits she doesn’t like eating before performances. Instead, she waits until after halftime to enjoy her meal, but not before a Marching Virginians tradition: Domino’s pizza before suiting up for the game!

Advice for Future College Twirlers

Jaylyn knows firsthand how special the role of a college feature twirler is, and she encourages others to embrace every opportunity. “Don’t be shy! Fans absolutely love twirlers, and our talent is so unique to them. Kids look up to you, so make sure you are always being a great example. Talk to everyone, offer high fives, and always have a smile on your face.”

A Dream Come True

Reflecting on her journey so far, Jaylyn says becoming a feature twirler for Virginia Tech is one of the biggest blessings of her life. “All the practicing and hard work is worth it when I step onto the field to do my favorite thing.”

With her passion, dedication, and Hokie pride, Jaylyn Resh is just beginning what promises to be an incredible twirling career at the college level. And if her first season is any indication, the best is yet to come.