Aniecea Pickitt is one of the senior captains of the Tarleton State University Texan Stars Dance Team. From Gilmer, Texas Aniecea became a dancer to have fun doing something she truly loved. She danced at Northwest High School in Justin, Texas on the SideKicks drill team for three years until she moved her senior year to Gilmer High School and danced for the Gilmer Stars. Now she is a part of the Texan Stars Dance Team.

“The Texan Stars, like any team, [are] like a family; there are ups, downs, lefts and rights but in the end we are a family,” Pickitt said. “We all learned that you can’t dance for yourself, you have to dance for those around you, and you have to dance for your team. Being a Texan Star is not only an honor, it’s a privilege.” 

Due to medical reasons Pickett had to step away from the team this semester, but has been eager to get back into step with her fellow Stars. 

“I came here to Tarleton almost two years ago starting life here as a Texan Star, now that I’ve had to step off the court and the field, Tarleton has still been such an amazing school to attend,” Pickitt said. “What I loved the most about being a Texan Star is being able to participate in almost every school function while performing for such a great crowd. Being right in the middle of Tarleton’s School spirit is such a rush and is what I truly miss the most.”

While out of her dancing shoes, she’s a sophomore psychology major who plans to become a college professor and coach at a collegiate level. 

“What I’ve learned from Coach Carr and the Texan Stars Dance Team [is that] I am determined to graduate from school and start on a pro/semi-pro dance team here in Texas,” Pickitt said. 

Pickitt hopes to dance for the Texas Legends Dance Team, the d-league team to the Dallas Mavericks, then move up to dance for the Dallas Mavericks Dance Team.

“For those that have a passion for dance and want an amazing experience while attending a great school, the Texan Stars is the spirit organization you want to join,” Pickitt said. “I advise them to never take for granted the time and the memories you make while doing something you love at Tarleton. These truly are the people that you will cherish for a lifetime.”