Highline High School’s Drill Team is celebrating a historic season after earning a third place national finish, securing college scholarships for graduating seniors and preparing to welcome a new group of student athletes.

Coach Helena Caldwell reflected on the season in a message to the Burien and Highline communities, describing the year as “a historic, bittersweet journey.”

Out of the team’s 15 athletes this season, 11 were seniors.

“For most of this team, this season was the culmination of years of sweat, discipline, sisterhood, and dedication,” Caldwell said. “And they left it all on the floor.”

According to Caldwell, several graduating team members earned full ride scholarships to the University of Washingtonand Seattle University.

“They proved that the discipline learned in the dance studio translates directly into academic excellence and life changing opportunities,” Caldwell said.

The Highline Drill Team finished second at district championships and earned first and second place finishes at regional competitions, qualifying the team for nationals in Anaheim, California.

At the USA Championships, the team placed third nationally.

“We were absolutely thrilled to show California exactly who the Pirates of the CARI BURIEN ARE, bringing that undeniable ‘HIGHLINE’ energy, pride, and heart to the national stage,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell credited community organizations, families and supporters for helping make the season possible, including:

Hilda Ramos and the team at La Costa Mexican Restaurant: For Letting us have a “Pirate Takeover” and donating to the team.
The Highline Schools Foundation: For your steadfast belief in our students and providing the resources to help them soar.
The Highline Exchange Club: For your incredible support and investment in our youth. To our Athletic Director Lori Box thanks for all your hard work!
To every parent, alumni and neighbor who cheered from the stands or sent words of encouragement—you are the wind in our sails.
And to my amazing Assistant coaches Nicole Young and Lizeth Rosas, Thank you for all that you do! We did it!

Looking ahead, Caldwell said a new team of 17 athletes is preparing for the next season as the program enters what she called “a new era.”

“They have big shoes to fill, but they possess the grit and passion to keep the Highline tradition alive,” Caldwell said. “Thank you, Burien, for standing by us through thick and thin. We can’t wait to make you proud next season.”

Popcorn Fundraiser

The team also announced efforts to support the program, including an online popcorn fundraiser and ongoing donations through the Highline Schools Foundation.