Submitted photo Youngstown State University featured twirlers Kaylynn Egan, left, and Madeline Huff brought home two gold medals and one silver medal after representing Team USA at the International Baton Twirling Federation World Championships in Turin, Italy, this summer.

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University featured twirlers Madeline Huff and Kaylynn Egan brought home two gold medals and one silver medal after representing Team USA at the International Baton Twirling Federation World Championships in Turin, Italy, this summer.

Huff, a junior biochemistry major, and Egan, a sophomore exercise science major, competed against performers from more than 25 countries during the two-week event. For both, stepping onto the international stage was unlike anything they had ever experienced.

“It was definitely an amazing opportunity, first of all, just being able to represent the United States and YSU on top of it,” Huff said. “Going out there, hearing our names called, is just an unforgettable feeling.”

The twirlers earned their first gold medal as part of the majorette corps, with their large ensemble performance featuring 25 athletes and a “Blues Brothers” theme. The following day, they took home a second gold medal in the Nations Cup, competing as part of a smaller, eight-member team that finished first in both the preliminary and final rounds among 15 other national teams. They capped the competition with a silver medal in the prestigious World Championship, going up against the top five teams in the world.

“For me, it was definitely winning gold for the first time,” Huff said. “Because I’ve never won gold before, and knowing we accomplished something like that as a team was probably my most memorable moment.”

Egan said the Nations Cup was her highlight.

“It was so amazing to be with the girls and compete with a small team to bring home the gold for YSU and America,” she said.

Both athletes acknowledged the difference between performing at Stambaugh Stadium and competing overseas.

“Twirling on the football field in front of the whole stadium is more of a performance,” Huff said. “The difference was in the fact that we were actually being judged in Italy, so the pressure was a little more intense at that level.”

Despite the pressure, Huff and Egan credited their preparation at YSU for helping them rise to the occasion.

“Twirling on the football field in front of a whole stadium of people definitely gets you prepared for nerves at a level like that,” Egan said.

She also added that the support from the university community made a difference.

“All the professors and coaches are so amazing and supportive, especially in my program,” she said. “The band director, the Penguinettes; everyone was so happy for our success.”

Both Huff and Egan also highlighted the guidance of mentors, including past featured twirlers who introduced them to competitive opportunities.

“Without YSU and the people I’ve met here, I wouldn’t have been able to go overseas and twirl with this team,” Huff said.

“Hard work pays off, and dreams really do come true,” Egan said. Huff added, “Anything is possible. If you keep pushing and working hard, then it will come to reality.”