The Copper Hills Azurettes have started off their 2019-2020 campaign with a very devastating setback. One of their Captains, Shaela Crespin, broke her collarbone right before the season was about to begin. Not only has drill lost one of their amazing seniors, but Shaela must sit out for most of her senior year. 

“When I first felt the break all I could think about was Drill, and what was going to happen and how my team was going to react,” said Crespin. Once she got to the hospital, doctors confirmed that the bone had in fact been fractured. Considering all the hard work she had put in the past three years and in the build-up to this season, Crespin was completely devastated. The doctors provided her with a couple of routes to rehabilitation. She hopes the option she chose will get her back in time for state but she knows there is no guarantee.

After one of the winningest coaches in state drill history, former head coach, Shannon Mortenson moving on after the 2018-2019 season, the Azurettes have been under the microscope. The pressure to prove the talent of the current coaching staff as well as the current team has been immense. Losing a captain definitely didn’t help.

New Head Coach Kylie Erickson said, “She (Crespin) has worked very hard to be in all three competition routines for her senior year, so as you can imagine, her injury has been devastating to Shaela, the coaches, and the team as we prepare for our competition season.” 

In her senior and final year as an Azurette, and as Captain, Crespin more than anyone wants the opportunity to bring another state title to Copper Hills. But Crespin says the team will not be broken and neither will she.

Shaela’s goal after high school is to dance for UVU, which is a very competitive team. With the injury, it will be a very big setback for Crespin reaching her goal, but there’s still hope. Shaela’s mom, Melissa Crespin, said, ”She is very strong-willed and determined to come back. This Azurette Drill program has taught her to be a fighter, to work hard, and to never give up.” 

Some of the new sophomores have already been prepped to step into Crespin’s spot while she is out. Shaela doesn’t know how long she is out for, but for now, she’ll still be at every practice pushing her teammates, doing partial routines, while also going to rehab, prepping herself for if and when she can step back onto the competition floor. 

Shaela’s goal after high school was to go dance for UVU, who is a very competitive team. With the injury, it will be a very big setback for Crespin reaching her goal, but there’s still hope. She starts physical therapy within the next few weeks and is hoping she can be back like she never left. Shaela’s mom, Melissa Crespin, said, ”She is very strong-willed and determined to come back. This Azurette Drill program has taught her to be a fighter, to work hard, and to never give up.” Shaela still continues to go to every practice and learn her routine even though she can’t do it full out. 

Even though she can’t be on the floor with the girls when they begin the season, Crespin is not taking her title of Captain lightly, nor is she making excuses for herself or the team. The tears are gone now; her contagious smile is back and she’s determined. “I’ll still be there to support my team and do anything I can to help and get them to the state title.”