Jillian Heffron

I have been doing flag for 4 years and this year I am a member of the flagline here at UGA. Flagline has been a very formative part of my life. Flagline got me through highschool. That team was like a family, a sisterhood, and, although there was occasional tension, we were always there for eachother. I love being part of such a tight-knit community. Friendship and camaraderie are very important to me.

When I first started flagline, I was very clumsy and uncoordinated, and it took a lot of perseverance and practice… and tears to get to where I am today. Flagline taught me hard work and discipline in a way that school could not. It taught me humility, poise, grace and confidence.

When I was a senior I dislocated my pinky tossing a rifle at band camp and could not perform for weeks. I was so scared that I wouldn't be able to catch up, and that I might not be able to perform in my last show. However, I continued to come to practice to learn and observe, and, with a lot of practice, I was able to get back on rifle and perform my flag solo by the second game. I realized that I am stronger and more resilient than I may give myself credit for.

I may seem like a very quiet and reserved person, but once you get to know me, I am much more bubbly and talkative. At practice I am quiet and observant, but on the field under the stadium lights, I lift my head up, put on a huge smile, and perform my heart out. Flagline taught me how to fake it till you make it because, if you smile big enough, no one will know you're nervous.