Jenks JV Pom: The Road to Nationals
By: Ella Embry
For 11 months out of the year, six days a week–roughly 600 hours total–Jenks JV Pom practices for their biggest competition. They persevere through concussions, broken bones, emotional breakdowns, and worse, working towards one single goal: to bring a National Champion jacket and gold medal home to Tulsa.
The competition takes place annually the first week of February, in Orlando, Florida at the ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex. If the team makes the Semi-Final and Final rounds, the competition can take up to 2-3 days. This year JV Pom advanced into both, and managed to accomplish the goal that has only happened three times in Jenks history. Jenks JV went into finals in 1st place and held their position till the end, making them 2023 National Champions.
Receiving this year’s National title was Tiffany Fosson, coach of the Jenks JV Pom squad, who in her career with Jenks has won six UDA (Universal Dance Association) National titles.
“My first thought after finding out we had won the Game Day Category was relief and pride,” said Fosson, “Going into finals in first place is a difficult position to hold on to. The fact that the team was able to remain in first and end on a high note felt amazing!”
Although the team works year-round to perfect their craft, the practices don’t stop when they touch down in Orlando. In fact, they may be more stressful and full of high-intensity than the practices they have back home in Jenks. At one point the team practiced for three hours in the hotel parking lot, drilling the routine over and over again to music blaring from a Bluetooth speaker.
Jenks JV Pom hearing their name called for first place in the Gameday category. Photo Credits: Chelsey Coleman
“One of the most triumphant moments this season, apart from the National Championship Jacket ceremony, was our first “parking lot” practice in Florida,” said Fosson. “The team really worked together and as a coach that's all I want and hope for all year.”
Due to the unexpected icy weather conditions, practices at home were canceled two days before the team flew out. This meant two fewer chances to practice their routines before hitting the stage. Upon arrival in Florida, they made sure to drill what they knew in the parking lot each night before bed. If that doesn’t scream dedication, then I don’t know what will!
The Jenks JV Pom squad consists of Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior members. It doesn’t matter what age you are or how many years you have been dancing: working as a unit is key.
“For my first year of Pom, it was a lot of work. It was hours of practice each day and giving up some of your free time to become the best version you could,” said Danielle Mason, Freshman Member of Jenks JV Pom.
Jenks JV Pom celebrating with gold medals and white national championship jackets. Photo Credit: Jade Mather
“When we heard our name get called for first place, it was the best feeling in the world. We were holding hands, linking arms, and had our heads down, awaiting the results. Just knowing that all of your hard work had paid off was a very joyful and memorable moment.”
Avery Young, Captain and Sophomore Member of Jenks JV Pom said, “Our season leading up to nationals this year was very difficult, but we still came into practice every day working hard and looking forward to dancing at nationals.”
Fosson gave birth to her bundle of joy in November of 2022. While being absent, former Jenks Varsity Pom alumni and Oklahoma University Pom Captain, Jade Mather, helped step in and coach the girls this season.
“I absolutely adored my time assisting the JV team. Jenks Pom is a program that has been and always will be one of the most important parts of my life. Getting to work with the coaching staff and the JV girls was such an honor and so much fun,” said Mather.
The overall emotion and word used for winning this title was Pride. Knowing that they did whatever they possibly could and pushing your body and mind to the limits is what each of these 20 girls had to do.
“The number one emotion every time we’ve won has been an overwhelming sense of pride for what the team puts on the floor and how much fun they had,” said Coleman.
With competition season-ending, tryouts are right around the corner. The girls work all year to compete at Nationals and once it’s over, they start at square one for the new season ahead.
Jenks JV Pom outside of ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex. Photo Credits: Avery Young
“I would tell dancers that are trying out for Pom to come into tryouts with an open mindset and look confident in what you are doing. But most importantly just have fun when you dance!” said Young.
If you are interested in trying out for Jenks Pom, check JenksPom.com for more information or @JenksPom on Instagram and Facebook.