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USC Fifth Grader Earns National Twirling Honors

Young girl holding out a baton with two medals hanging down

Ysabella Feldmann, a rising fifth grader in the Upper St. Clair School District, captured two national championships and a ninth-place finish at the 2026 America's Youth on Parade (AYOP) Championships, held July 14-18 at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

Young girl holding out a baton with two medals hanging down

Recognized as one of the nation's premier competitive baton twirling events, the AYOP Championships bring together elite athletes from across the country to compete for national titles.

Competing as a member of Passion Twirl and Poms under the direction of coach LeAnn Chamberlin, Ysabella earned the following honors:

  • National Champion (1st Place) – Primary Youth Poms
  • National Winner (1st Place) – Dance Twirl, Beginner Youth Large
  • 9th Place – Novice Age 9 Solo Twirling

“Competing against some of the nation's top young baton twirlers, Ysabella represented Passion Twirl and Poms with exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship,” said her mother, Alliyson Feldmann. “Her accomplishments reflect countless hours of practice, determination, and perseverance. Competing on a national stage requires not only technical excellence but also confidence and poise, qualities Ysabella demonstrated throughout the week-long championships.”

Mrs. Feldmann also credited the coaches, teammates and family members who have supported Ysabella throughout her twirling journey.

“Her coaches and teammates at Passion Twirl and Poms have played an important role in helping her develop her talents, and her success is a testament to the support of her family, Coach Chamberlin, and community,” she said.

Ysabella has been twirling for just seven months. In addition to baton twirling, she participates in youth cheerleading and plays the violin. She will enter Boyce Middle School this fall, where she hopes to join the school's choir, orchestra and musical.

  • Boyce