Blue Band featured twirler Rachel Reiss is competing in the National Baton Twirling Association’s world competition next Thursday in Italy.

In order to qualify for the competition in Lignano Sabbiadoro, participants needed to win a title at a national competition. Reiss individually earned the position of Team USA alternate for the division “16 + Strut,” but she will be competing with her team, the Dynamics.

Reiss began twirling with the Dynamics her freshman year of high school. The team, based in Elkridge, Md., qualified for the world competition by earning first place in the “Small Dance Twirl” division at the National Baton Twirling Association’s national competition. Next week, the team will perform a three-minute Spanish-themed routine to a song called “Maleguena.” Reiss will be featured in several solos, performing a triple illusion and three baton juggling.

On top of an impressive season as Blue Sapphire, Reiss has accumulated many accolades since she began her twirling career. She was named Advanced Senior Champion at Penn State’s Blue Sapphire Classic as a senior in high school, as well as Miss Majorette of the North Atlantic. Reiss is the World Open Strut-Off Champion, in addition to many other national and world titles.

Reiss was re-selected as the 15th featured twirler for the Blue Band on March 14.

Congratulations to @Reisspieces on being chosen to be the Blue Sapphire for the ’15-’16 season! #ForTheGlory pic.twitter.com/SX59Q60WxH

— Touch of Blue (@BlueBandJettes) March 14, 2015