The 4A state drill finals kicked off with military routines, a performance Hillcrest’s “HD” team had perfected throughout the season. 

In fact, under the leadership of head coach Chelsea Divine, this season was the first time in 14 years the team had won every military routine and gone undefeated, capturing the No. 1 ranking going into the state
competition.

“We were the first of nine teams to perform, drawing the No. 1 spot,” Divine said. “It was tough being the first to perform, but our team took the floor confidently and nailed the routine perfectly.”

Their performance set the tone for the rest of their routines. In lavender dresses, the team delivered a flawless dance to Dolly Parton’s rendition of "Purple Rain."

“The girls performed beautifully, and we received nothing but praise for that routine,” Divine said.

Their final routine, “Mad Hatter,” highlighted the team's fun spirit and personalities.

However, just the week before, their costumes were adjusted from the original heavy jackets into lighter vests, thanks to the sewing skills of several of the team members’ mothers.

“It made all the difference,”
Divine remarked.

Despite executing three solid performances, Hillcrest knew the competition
was close.

“The level of talent across all teams is amazing. That’s what makes drill competitions so exciting,” Divine said. “But we came off the floor knowing we did the best that we could and were proud of our
performances.”

When the results were announced, the team, along with Divine and assistant coaches Sydney McArthur and Abby McCleary, erupted in tears and cheers. Hillcrest finished first in both military and show, and second in dance, winning back-to-back 4A titles.

“This season has been incredible. We were focused on improving just 1% every day, which kept the pressure off and helped us build a championship team,” Divine said. “It’s been the best year ever.”

Earlier, HD had repeated the region
10 title.

Though Divine is still relishing the victory, there’s no time to rest. The team was set to compete at nationals, the Contest of Champions Feb. 28 and March 1 in Orlando. Hillcrest will perform in military, dance, pom and hip-hop.

“Nationals is an amazing opportunity for the girls to see teams from all over the country,” Divine said. “Military is unique to Utah, and we’ll stand out with that routine. It’s all about precision, teamwork and
athleticism.”

This season was about more than just the wins at Utah Valley University, Southern Utah University, and the Rocky Mountain Drill Invitational. It was dedicated to Olivia Rodgerson, a member of the 2018 team who tragically died in a car accident on her way to practice.

“Our theme this year was ‘All for One, 1 4 All,’ which had a special meaning for us,” Divine said. “The ‘1 4’ or 14 was Olivia’s number the year she passed, and it brought purpose to our season. Our team embraced the theme, even though they didn’t know her personally. There’s a bond in Hillcrest drill, and their hearts went out to the 2018 team,” said Divine, who found a personal connection as it is her 14th year coaching.

Divine said she was inspired by Dolly Parton’s cover of “Purple Rain” and chose it for the team’s dance routine. It tied in as purple was Olivia’s favorite color.

“We dedicated the dance to Olivia and her family and her team. That was an incredibly difficult year for all of us,” Divine said. “At one of our alumni practices, some of the 2018 team members shared stories with this year’s team, then our girls wrote letters to Olivia’s mom. The captains (Aniyah Hassel, Eden McFarland, Samantha Sherrod, Halle McMorris, Ruby Hurst and Sev Rivera) delivered the letters, sharing how they were honoring her.”

The season also included performing at the Dance for Life at Capitol Theatre, team dinners, skating and a movie night to watch “Alice in Wonderland,” to help the team create a vision board to get them into their
show character.

At the start of the season, Divine shared a visual exercise with the team, showing them a jar filled with ping pong balls, sand and water.

“We focused on the important things—the ping pong balls. The sand and water represented distractions and drama which could get in the way of our goal of being a championship team. As a sisterhood, we support each other, work hard, and keep our focus on what truly matters,” Divine said. “The girls listened, worked hard and kicked butt.”

After nationals, Hillcrest drill, with six seniors, will perform one last time this spring at their year-end showcase at 6 p.m., March 11. The $5 tickets will support the HD program. λ