From starting dance at the age of three at Pam’s Academy of Dance to representing McAlester High School’s Pom team, sophomore Elli Bass has built an impressive athletic résumé. In addition to dancing, Elli is also a dedicated member of the McAlester volleyball team, balancing her time and energy between her two passions.

When asked about her beginnings, Elli shared, “My mom signed me up, and I’ve done it ever since.” With supportive parents and inspiring Pom coaches guiding her journey, she’s continued to grow, becoming a key part of McAlester’s dance community. “Most of us have danced together for at least ten years,” she said, reflecting on the deep bond with her teammates.

While Elli doesn’t hold a specific role on the team, she prides herself on setting an example for the younger girls by showing them a strong work ethic. Her daily schedule demonstrates this dedication: “Morning Pom practice from 6:30/7:00-8:30, then workouts from 8:50-9:50, next I go to school, then I have volleyball practice from 3:30-5:30, and some extra dance classes throughout the week.”

Even with all that hard work, Elli isn’t immune to challenges. She vividly recalls the time she fell and forgot her routine at nationals: “It was really challenging for me, but I knew that I had another dance to perform, so I pushed through the hurt for my team and danced again.” Her resilience paid off, and one of her most cherished memories is hearing her team’s name announced while sitting on the national’s floor.

Looking to the future, Elli plans to attend Ole Miss and pursue a degree in the radiology field, though she doesn’t expect to continue dancing competitively after high school. Still, her time with McAlester Pom will leave a lasting impact. “Winning state twice and placing fourth at nationals” are just some of her proudest achievements, and she is grateful for her family and everyone who has supported the program.

For those aspiring to join the Pom team, Elli advises, “Be prepared to make a big commitment to the team and the hard work that goes into winning.”