Tim Monihan and Farmers Insurance recognize junior dancer Ella Long as the 10th Player of the Week for the winter sports season.

“One goal this season was to improve my aerial and just get it more consistent,” Long said. “To meet that goal, I just worked very hard to practice a bunch.” 

Long has been receiving instruction from one of the top teachers in the state for many years. She is a team captain alongside senior Lizzie Peebles and junior Emily Purcer. 

“She shows a lot of maturity as well as being a positive role model for all of her peers,” head coach Mandy Ridgeway said. “She’s always prepared and always present for her team, even on her bad days that you might not know is a bad day.”

The dance team has not lost a single competition this season. Last Saturday, they swept at McIntosh, earning first in pom and jazz, along with getting first overall for 3A-4A.

The dance team will compete for its seventh-straight state championship on February 10. The GHSA state championships are held in the Macon Centreplex. The Pantherettes will perform at 9 a.m.