Since 1974, the halls of Spring High School have sparkled with the spirit of the Starlettes dance team. This year, they marked their 50th anniversary—not just with gold glitter and grand routines, but with something even more impressive: their fifth national title in just two years.

However, the road to this year’s championship was anything but smooth. The 2024–2025 season was a rebuilding year, and early on, questions arose about whether this young team could uphold the legacy of past champions. Of the 19 dancers, 12 were returning members, but only five had been part of the program for three or more years. Most were newcomers, still developing their technique and gaining valuable competitive experience.

Rather than seeing their youth as a setback, the Starlettes embraced the challenge. Each practice became an opportunity to improve both mentally and physically, with the team pushing themselves harder than ever.

“The biggest challenge was keeping our focus and mindset strong through long, repetitive practices,” said Starlettes Captain Jailyn Sydnor, a senior and three-year member. “But we supported each other every step of the way.”

Despite the odds, the Starlettes rose to the occasion. The victories were not handed to them—they were earned, they worked hard, and won the latest championship. 

Behind the award-winning performances is a strong and bonded team, guided by dedicated leadership. Brittany Freeman, director of the Starlettes, has spent the last 11 years in Spring ISD—five of which she has served as director of the team.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without their hard work and dedication,” Freeman said while reflecting on her journey as a dance educator.

Alongside Assistant Director Kalin Collins, Freeman leads the Starlettes through an intensive 11-month training schedule that emphasizes performance and character development.

“We really push being a team off the floor,” said Freeman. “They work hard every day, 11 months a year.”

Freeman is also mindful of the diverse paths her dancers take to join the team. 

“Some dancers join with years of studio experience, while others have none,” Freeman explained. “Each dancer has a unique story about how they joined the team and what inspired them to dance.”

For the Starlettes who graduated as part of the Class of 2025—many of whom plan to pursue careers in the medical field—the lessons they learned as part of the team extended far beyond dance technique.

“Being part of this team has shaped me by letting me express myself and building my confidence,” said Starlettes Lieutenant Jessica Laredo, a 12th-grade student.

Captain Jailyn Sydnor echoed the sentiment and reflected on what first drew her to dance.

 “I used to watch vlogs of girls on drill teams on YouTube and always dreamed of being part of one,” Sydnor said. “I wanted to experience the thrill of performing at halftime and out on the field.”

Sydnor also opened up about the emotional toll of the training season.

“The hardest part was maintaining my mental mindset,” Sydnor explained. “We spent really long hours practicing, and it can get exhausting doing the same routines over and over for months.”

Tradition and sisterhood are central to the team’s success, especially during competition season. Skyler Allen, an 11th grade student and a three-year member,  shared about camaraderie and faith.

“Before every performance, we do a circle up to hype each other and pray,” said Allen. “We also do a chant called. ‘Man hold up’—it hypes us up before we go perform.”

Following their fifth national title in just two years, the Starlettes made sure to celebrate their victory—and their bond.

“We all connected and did so many activities together like swimming, going to the mall, and fun dinners,” said Ava Griner, a 12th-grade student and a four-year member.

As the school year came to a close, the Starlettes’ Class of 2025 graduates were eager to leave behind their legacy—not just through trophies, but through the wisdom they had gained.

“Just go out and dance for yourself,” Sydnor advised. “Don’t compare yourself to others – always stay true to yourself, no matter how hard things seem.”

Looking ahead, Freeman is committed to growing the program and continuing its strong legacy.

“We want our students to walk out of Spring High prepared to take on the world as good human beings and successful adults,” said Freeman.

From the sparkle of sequins in 1974 to the shimmer of national titles in 2025, the Starlettes have embodied excellence, resilience, and pride. As they mark 50 years of tradition and transformation, their legacy continues to shine—on the stage and beyond.

List of Awards

• 2025 Grand National Champion 
• 2025 Officers National Champions
• 1st Runner Up 10th grade solo Kaylee Rogers
• Top 8 12th grade solo finalist Jailyn Sydnor

Officers

• 1st place Officer Jazz
• 1st place Officer Open
• 1st place Officer Contemporary
• Applause Award for Crowd Appeal ALL routines
• Supreme Jazz (Highest Score of the whole day)
• Supreme Open (Highest Score of the whole day)
• Supreme Contemporary(Highest Score of the whole day)
• National Champion Officer Line
• At Large Top-Ranked Officer Line

Team

• 1st place Team Novelty
• 1st place Team Pom
• 1st place Team Military
• 1st place Team Hip Hop
• Applause Award for Choreography ALL routines)
• Supreme Novelty (Highest Score of the whole day)
• Supreme Military (Highest Score of the whole day)
• Supreme Hip Hop (Highest Score of the whole day)
• National Champion Team
• At Large Top-Ranked Team