USTA Professional member Ella Nash. She was born and raised in The Netherlands, married national and world champion Mark Nash, and is now a twirling mom and coach in Lincoln, Calif. Inside Loop recently had the opportunity to talk with Nash about her unique history in baton twirling. Here's what she had to say:
Inside Loop: Ella, as a USTA Professional born in another country, how would you compare USTA with the Dutch association?
Nash: Obviously, The Netherlands is a very small country. In The Netherlands, everyone in the baton twirling world knows each other. There are positives and negatives associated with that. Positives: you can get together for a national meeting or contest within an hour or two, no need for flights or hotels! Negatives: less people involved, so there are just a few people working to elevate the sport and give athletes the best opportunities. In the U.S., we have so many resources and talented people that can and should work together for that same goal.
Inside Loop: Your family is chock full of baton history and participation. What has baton twirling given to your family that you are most grateful for?
Nash: You are right! All our lives would be different without baton twirling! Mark and I met through baton twirling (I was one of his many fans or should I say groupies, for many years!) Our daughters are very involved in the sport right now, and I think for Mark and myself, baton will always be our passion. I treasure the memories of traveling and competing we have through baton twirling, but most of all the friendships we have made all over the world. In the past year, Mark lost his mom and dad, and I lost my mom in January of this year, and the support we have gotten from our 'baton family' from all over the world has meant so much to us. Seeing each other at Nationals and international competitions is the best! We love our baton family!
Inside Loop: Tell us three things that the baton world doesn't know about you!
Nash: I am pretty much an open book, heart on the sleeve kind of person, (very Dutch!) so there are not many secrets. Maybe the following three things are not well known:
- When I lived in the Netherlands, I received a royal decoration from the Dutch Queen for my work with young people in baton twirling.
- I love playing the piano.
- I represented the Netherlands three times at world championships (twice actually competing, once as alternate) and my club Papillon won the bronze medal behind Italy and France at the European championships one year!
