USTA's Athlete of the Year (AOTY) event is an all-around competition that gives Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced athletes the opportunity to compete in Solo, Strut, and 2-Baton at the regional level. National AOTY qualifiers also compete in interview.
The Athlete of the Year competition begins at the regional level. Athletes must compete in the region where they reside. An athlete's level in Solo determines which division (Beg., Int. or Adv.) they enter. At each of USTA's five regional championships, there is one round of competition in Solo, 2-Baton, and Strut. Based on combined scores, the top three athletes in each division (Beg., Int. and Adv.) qualify for the national Athlete of the Year competition, which is held during the U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships.
At the national level, qualifying athletes compete in Solo, 2-Baton, and Strut, as well as interview. The Beg., Int. and Adv. Athlete of the Year winner receives a custom jacket and medallion.
Entry forms for the Athlete of the Year competition are available on the USTA Member Portal. More information about the AOTY event is available in USTA Rulebook, which is also available on the USTA Member Portal. To find the USTA Rulebook, click on menu in the upper left-hand corner, select the Documents tile and then search for USTA Rulebook.