Kelly Randall, PhD, LMSW, CPHQ, is an accomplished professional in the health care industry and the sport of baton twirling. She is a USTA Certified Coach and Level II Judge who lives in Helena, Alabama. USTA's Inside Loop recently talked with her about both sides of her professional life.
Inside Loop: USTA knows you as Kelly Randall, but there are some initials after your name resulting from accomplishments. Can you give us a bit of background on that?
Randall: I work in the health care industry and advocate for patients. I have my doctorate in Health Services Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. During this time, I had the privilege of working with many children's hospitals to learn together how we can eliminate medical errors. I earned my Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama and am a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW). With my work in healthcare to strive to eliminate medical errors, healthcare quality is an important component of my training, and I am a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I earned my bachelor's degree from Auburn University. Despite my degrees from other Alabama schools, I remain an AVID Auburn fan!
Inside Loop: As the volunteer coordinator for the 2023 U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships and Festival of the Future, you know the impact that volunteers have on our events. What does it take to be an eager volunteer?
Randall: An eager volunteer is one who loves the sport of baton twirling and wants to give back. Being willing to go with the flow and flex is also important. There are many things that happen when coordinating a large event and our volunteers being willing to flex and jump in when necessary is really important. We rely on a village of volunteers to make events as seamless as possible for our athletes, our judges, and our spectators. Using volunteers allows us to keep costs down for all of our athletes.
Inside Loop: Finally, can you tell us three things that the twirling world probably doesn't know about you?
Randall:
- I have two kids, four dogs, and an amazing husband of 22 years. My twirling family often does not see my son Joe. He is 20 and a junior at Louisiana State University studying Biological Engineering.
- I am the only ever married Auburn University Majorette. I got married on Saturday and reported to Band Camp on Sunday at noon. There is a funny story in there for a later time.
- I grew up in the band and DCI world. My dad was a drum major instructor and wrote drill for competitive high school bands and drum corps and my mom was a color guard instructor. There is a picture of me in a playpen on the front sideline at drum corps rehearsal.