As the Stars began their pregame rituals, bright lights beamed down on them, the crowd’s cheers echoed across the field, and their dresses sparkled in the glow. It’s Friday night, and this time Bethany Tomlin, Stars coach and former student, isn’t wearing the uniform but coaching on the sidelines.
Tomlin has stepped back into the world of her high school days, filling the shoes of her former coach. She is starting her second year of teaching and her first year at the school, bringing new ideas and a positive attitude.
“I feel like I’m getting to see my high school experience from a new set of eyes, which is awesome,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin danced with the Stars all four years of high school and served as captain her senior year.
“The Stars were the most transformative thing for me in high school. It drew me as a leader more than anything,” Tomlin said. “I was able to find so many of my school friends through Stars and was so much more involved in school. I loved performing at football games, at rallies and having a team of girls to be with.”
During her time as a student, Tomlin experienced all the traditions the Stars held. Now that she’s in charge, she is ready to bring back, amp up and create new traditions and opportunities for current members, including new outside-of-school events, event uniforms and team experiences.
“I want to bring new opportunities and kind of switch it up,” Tomlin said. “A lot of traditions I want to keep in place, but I also want to bring new things!”
The Stars mini clinic, a dance experience for kids in the Frisco area in grades K-8, is returning this year thanks to Tomlin.
“It’s been years since there’s been a mini clinic at Frisco, so that’s one of the events that we’re adding!” Tomlin said.
After graduating from the University of Arkansas, where she was on the Razorback Spirit Squad, Tomlin discovered her passion for teaching dance. She spent a year as assistant director of the Silverados Dance Team at Panther Creek High School and is now continuing her love for teaching at the school.
“I love working with students and high schoolers,” Tomlin said. “I love to dance, and I love collaborating between people, so teaching felt like a perfect opportunity to add all of those together while doing what I love.”
