Meet Our Coaches!
Andrea Whiting
Andrea Whiting, a former Sophisticate herself, has been the owner-operator of The Sophisticates for over 30 years. She is certified with N.B.T.A. and T.U. as a twirling teacher and judge. Many of Andrea's students that have gone through the Sophisticate program have been awarded college twirling positions. Under Andrea's direction, the Sophisticates have performed at events and venues such as Cleveland Cavalier basketball games, Disney World, Disney Land, college half time shows, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and more. "I enjoy providing this wholesome recreational activity and teaching kids to have fun while becoming excellent performers. Watching my students grow and utilizing all the life lessons they have learned through our program is such a joy.”
Emma Malear
Emma twirled for 10 years. Emma competed on teams and individually. Emma went on to be a Perrysburg High school majorette then a BGSU twirler. Emma is currently studying environmental science and enjoys giving back to the sport that gave her so much joy by teaching.
Aubrey Whitmore
Aubrey Whitmore twirled for The Sophisticates for nearly nine years. During that time, she performed at several Cleveland Cavalier games, she marched in the Walt Disney World parade, and competed at many competitions. She attended Lake High School where she twirled in the marching band for four years.
Alexis Abraham
Alexis was a 16yr Sophisticate who won many titles. She went on to be a Eastwood High school majorette then a University of Cincinnati feature twirler. When Alexis isn’t traveling for her job with the LPGA she enjoys teaching for the group she grew up in.
Emma Kieper
Emma was a Sophisticate for six years, competing in both solo and team events. She went to Rossford High School where she was a majorette for four years, and she is now a part of our Sophisticate coaching staff.
Carsten Terry
I’ve twirled with the sophisticates for 12 years. I was a majorette at Perrysburg High School. I am currently studying psychology at University of Michigan Dearborn. I love spending time teaching within the team I grew up in.
Mazie Zepeda
Mazie has twirled as a Sophisticate on teams and individually for 13 years. Winning many state, regional, and national titles in both the team and solo competition including being on Team USA in 2023 and bringing home a Nations Cup gold medal. Mazie loves to teach twirling and has a current goal of twirling in college after her high school graduation.
Ellie Garst
Ellie Garst has been a Sophisticates for 15 years competing on teams and individually. Winning many state, regional, national and World titles in both the team and solo competition including being on Team USA in 2023 and bringing home a Nations Cup & World gold medal. Ellie is currently the feature twirler at the University of Illinois and loves teaching when she is home.
Jaydon Whiting
Jaydon is an accomplished juggler who holds multiple kids world records. Jaydon loves to perform and loves to share his joy of circus arts with others.
Bella Conrad
Bella Conrad is a 14 yr gymnast and 4 yr cheerleader. Bella works at the YMCA in many aspects with children including teaching gymnastics. Bella is currently a student at Perrysburg High School and hopes to study nursing after high school. Bella loves working with children and sharing the love of gymnastics.