As the arena lights illuminate the competition floor, Allison Weiss takes her place among the world’s best baton twirlers, proudly representing Team USA. In just a few minutes, years of sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering dedication unfold through a dynamic Lady Gaga-themed routine. The performance earns Team USA a gold medal at the 2025 World Baton Twirling Championships in Turin, Italy. For Weiss, the victory marks the culmination of years of perseverance and the beginning of a new chapter at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

The 18-year-old, granddaughter of Tiburon residents Carl and Ellen Weiss, has spent the past 13 years competing with Sue's Stepper-ettes, where she has trained for her entire twirling career. Along the way, mentors Sue, Rachel, Tami, Jordyn, and Brooke have inspired her with their strength, confidence, and unwavering encouragement.

While winning on the world stage is a remarkable accomplishment, Allison says one of the greatest gifts baton twirling has given her is the opportunity to coach younger athletes.

"Coaching is one of my favorite aspects of twirling," she says. "It has helped me become a better twirler while teaching me how to be a good teammate and perform with grace, power, strength, confidence, and poise."

This fall, Allison will begin the next chapter of her journey as a freshman at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she'll twirl for the Huskers while pursuing a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Her dream is to teach preschool through second grade, coach at her home studio, and continue traveling the world to compete with Team USA.

Her advice for aspiring young athletes reflects the mindset that has carried her this far: "No dream is ever too big if you're willing to put in the hard work. Give yourself grace throughout the process because good things take time."

With another World Championship already on the horizon in 2027, there's no doubt Allison's story is still unfolding—one twirl at a time.