Moriah Muscaro’s baton twirling has become a staple part of Grand Valley State University football games.

After this summer, however, Muscaro will compete for the last time in the national all-around championships, seeking to bring home one last title to GVSU – the title of College Miss Majorette of America.

“One week after competing, I will retire from the sport and begin medical school,” Muscaro said. “My twirling journey has been a thrilling ride, one for which I am so thankful. God has blessed me with so many amazing coaches, instructors, friends and competitors along the way.”

With Muscaro planned to graduate in April, she has received three offers of acceptance from various medical schools. As a student in the honors college, Muscaro thanks GVSU for the educational experience provided to her on top of her athletic career.

During her four years at GVSU, Muscaro has won 18 national championships, bringing her 17-year long career to a total of 35 national championships. During this time, she has also maintained a 4.0 grade point average.

“My experience at GVSU has been nothing short of incredible,” Muscaro said. “Every professor I have had have been so focused on the students, extending office hours for extra help or adjusting the pace of lecture based on student need. Since class sizes are relatively small, having access to the professors have greatly helped my learning.”

Aside from her educational experience at GVSU, Muscaro has also competed in a variety of twirling competitions throughout her time as an undergraduate. Most recently, 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 in April in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy.

The world championships are held every three years and have in the past been held in Belgium, Holland, France, Switzerland, etc. The twirlers who qualify collectively make up Team USA and represent the nation amongst the best of the best in the world.

“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. “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.”

Additionally, Muscaro qualified for the solo one-baton event. During the first round she earned a “no drop” routine, meaning she caught the baton each time during the entire routine. In the finals round, Muscaro was also able to complete a flawless routine bringing home a fourth place finish for the U.S. and GVSU.

“I’m feeling bittersweet emotions, as that last flawless routine was my final time competing in that event,” Muscaro said. “Getting to twirl at all the basketball and football games, as well as practicing daily in the rec center are experiences that made me a stronger twirler and led to my successes on the national and world stage.”

Though her career as a student at GVSU is ending, Muscaro will continue to be involved in the sport through coaching and judging.

“I will continue as a proud Laker alumni to share the great news about Grand Valley and encourage others to pursue their education at this fine institution,” Muscaro said. “I am thankful God had Grand Valley in his plan for my life and for the many doors he has opened here. Most importantly, I am thankful not just for the experiences during my time at GVSU, but for the people God has brought into my life here.”