Michelle Dawson, USTA Professional from Colorado, gets to see our sport from the front AND behind-the-scenes as our Head Tabulator. Here's how she explains her roles.
Inside Loop: Michelle, as USTA's “behind-the-scenes” tabulation director, can you tell us about YOUR baton history and how that got you into being our tab expert?
Dawson: I started twirling when I was 11 years old at a recreation center, fell in love with the sport, and started private lessons. I became a coach after my competition years, coaching for the Colorado Twirls organization. I serve as president of the Colorado Baton Council and handle tabulation for the Central Region Baton Council. I am also a certified Level III judge.
My start into tabulation began when Nationals was held in Colorado Springs in 1998. I was asked to volunteer as a tabulation runner and loved the behind-the-scenes busyness. The next year, Calleen Derrick, head of tabulation, asked me if I would be interested in working in tabulation, and I have been there ever since. In 2012, I became the Tabulation Coordinator.
Inside Loop: Obviously, you've seen baton twirling evolve quite a bit over the years. What do you think our sport will look like 10 years from now?
Dawson: It has been amazing to see the sport change - more challenging tricks and the intricacy of the body and baton. Amazing! I love seeing the up-and-coming twirlers and my favorite division to watch is the juveniles.
Our organization will look different as we try to work through all the requirements to be recognized as a possible Olympic sport. I am hoping we can toss out the paper in tabulation and handle everything electronically.
Inside Loop: And, we always ask … what are three things the baton world probably doesn't know about you?
Dawson:
- I love working out, I guess it's my competitive nature
- I have an awesome 20-year-old son and a very supportive husband.
- I work for Visa and have been there for 19 years.