GVSU twirler places among top five at international contest

Moriah Muscaro, Grand Valley State University’s current third-generation baton twirler, rose above twirlers from around the world to place fourth during an international competition.

Muscaro competed as part of Team USA in the Baton Solo Event category at the World Federation National Baton Twirling Association (WFNBTA) World Baton Twirling Championships April 1-5 in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy. Muscaro said her “two perfect routines” during the preliminary and final rounds were personal bests.

“Twirling for 17 years, my goal was always to reach this highest level, so just to be at the World Championships was a dream come true,” Muscaro said. “I am very proud to bring this fourth place finish back to the USA and GVSU.”

Muscaro earned her spot on Team USA by winning a finalist position at the National Baton Twirling Association national championships in 2014. Her spot on Team USA is an honor Muscaro said many twirlers aspire to attain, but few actually achieve.

“I was so honored to be a part of this prestigious team because there are hundreds of American twirlers each qualification cycle that do not make it onto the team,” Muscaro said.

With graduation looming, Muscaro said she is sad to leave Grand Valley, but grateful for the experiences she’s been afforded.

“My years at GVSU have been the best of my life and I so hope that others have the opportunity to experience what I have been blessed to experience,” Muscaro said.

With offers from three medical schools on the table, Muscaro will retire from twirling to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a physician. Following one final competition this summer, she will continue to coach and judge.