Meet College Miss Majorette of America: Jessica Morlan 👑

From twirling on Saturdays in front of thousands of South Carolina

fans to earning one of the most prestigious titles in baton

twirling, Jessica Morlan is making her mark both on and off the field.

The 20-year-old from Thomson, Georgia, is the 2026 College Miss Majorette of America and a feature twirler at the University of South Carolina. We caught up with Jessica to learn more about her journey, her life as a college twirler and the person behind the crown.

Twirling Is a Family Tradition

For Jessica, baton twirling has always been a family affair. Both her mom and grandma were baton twirlers, so it wasn't much of a surprise when Jessica picked up a baton at just three years old.

More than 17 years later, her love for the sport has only grown. Her favorite events are strut and rhythmic because they give her the opportunity to combine dance, twirling and plenty of personality.

As for tricks, Jessica could do rolls all day, especially Fujimi combinations. But there's one trick she would happily leave out of every routine: a flat double.

Her reasoning is pretty convincing.

"I got a black eye from one five years ago and have never seen the trick the same again," Jessica joked.

And if you peek inside her baton bag on competition day, you'll always find Only Twirlers Boom No Drop Chalk, along with some competition-day fuel. Her favorites are Nerds Gummy Clusters and a Cotton Candy Alani Nu.

Before She Takes the Floor

Jessica has a simple tradition before competing that has remained important throughout her career. She listens to a playlist filled with whatever songs she's loving at the moment, then finds her mom.

"I have to give my mom a hug and tell her I love her before I compete my routines," she said.

That tradition made the moment she was crowned College Miss Majorette of America even more meaningful.

"I could not believe that what I had been working and praying so hard for was becoming a reality," Jessica said. "I felt proud, grateful, happy and relieved to know that everything I put into this dream was worth it." It was a moment years in the making, and one she says she'll never forget.

A Gamecock Through and Through 🤙

When Jessica isn't competing, you can find her on the field at the University of South Carolina, where she serves as a feature twirler. While performing in front of a packed stadium is certainly a highlight, Jessica says one of her favorite things about South Carolina has nothing to do with twirling. It's the community.

"Everyone is so supportive of each and every aspect of the school," she said. "If our football team is not doing so hot, the stadium will still be sold out and our fans will have great energy." She especially loves the loyalty that extends beyond graduation. "If you run into an alumni, they would do anything to help you with whatever you need. It truly feels like a family!"

Jessica is studying Public Relations and Business with a concentration in Sports Media, and she hopes to combine her love of sports with her career after graduation. Her goal is to work in athletics, potentially as an athletic communications or social media coordinator.

The People Behind the Twirler

One person who has been part of Jessica's journey from the very beginning is her coach, Katy Fleming Wilkens.

Mrs. Katy began coaching Jessica when she was three years old and has become much more than a baton coach over the years.

"She taught me what it means to carry myself with grace and kindness no matter what happens in life," Jessica said. "She was my first baton twirling role model, and will always be my favorite!"

Family continues to be a huge part of Jessica's life, too. When she's not twirling or studying, you'll probably find her shopping, working out, hanging out with friends or spending time with her family, especially her sisters.

Their activities of choice? Topgolf and pickleball.

"None of us are good at either, but we still like to play and pretend we are good," she joked.

And here's something the twirling world may not know about Jessica: she used to live on a farm! Her family's collection of animals included a horse, donkey, pony, goats, chickens and bunnies.

A few more Jessica favorites? Sweet potato fries, The Game Plan, trips to Hawaii, dogs, the beach and TikTok.

Field Twirling Wins This One

Ask Jessica to choose between competition twirling and field twirling, and field twirling gets the win.

"It is so fun to perform for such a large crowd and intertwine with the band," she said. "Plus, fire baton is so fun!"

She's also choosing strut over two baton without hesitation.

"I always say multitasking is not my strong suit, therefore multiple batons are a little challenging for me!"

Her Advice to the Next Generation

After growing up watching older twirlers accomplish the very things she dreamed about, Jessica now finds herself in the position she once admired. Her message to the young twirlers looking up to her is simple: keep going.

"When I was younger, I remember looking at the older twirlers in awe and never imagining that I would one day be in their shoes," Jessica said. "Anything is possible when you are willing to put in the work, maintain a positive mindset and believe in yourself."

And above all, she wants young athletes to remember why they started.

"Most importantly, stay true to who you are and enjoy every step of the journey."

Congratulations to Jessica Morlan, College Miss Majorette of America! We can't wait to watch her represent this title throughout the year and see where her journey takes her next. 👑✨