For a color guard member, Saturday’s in the fall are not spent socializing in the Grove. They are doing a final run-through of some of the most anticipated routines of the year.

After hours of preparation, Mikayla Jekabsons and her fellow team members line up to head over to Vaught-Hemingway for a home football game. With colored flags and sparkle pom poms in hand, the team stands alongside The Pride of the South band as they march their way into the stadium. Muffled noise turns into roaring cheers as the tunnel opens up to field and passion fills every member.

When The Pride of the South band forms the iconic “Ole Miss” on the field, hours of rehearsal have gone into the formation. Each step and turn has been carefully practiced and learning new routines is just a part of the routine for senior members. New themes are introduced weekly - most focusing on pop culture or in honor of someone.

One of the most memorable performances was the Veterans Day show where they performed the “Armed Forces Medley” and the “Top Gun” theme song while the shape of a plane was formed by the members.

To many others like Jekabsons, being part of the Ole Miss color guard comes with a lot of responsibility and dedication.

“Being on color guard has helped me become a better student, especially with discipline, time management and teamwork. It has also been the foundation of my collegiate experience outside of academics - giving me experiences that I'll never forget and a family that I can always turn to,” she says.

However, the color guard team resembles a family to many. After spending hundreds of hours together polishing and perfecting routines, the members share a bond unlike any other. As the season comes to a close, saying goodbye to the senior members of the team was a bittersweet moment.

Despite the long and exhausting practices in the Mississippi heat, getting to represent The Pride of the South is more than enough reward.

“I've always admired and been really proud of this year's senior class. They have always shown up and put in the work throughout the past four years, and I've had a lot of fun working with them.”

As she wraps up her flag along with her fifth season as a member, Jekabsons will forever cherish the memories shared both on and off the field with her peers. Regardless of where her life may take her, she will always remember to take life one step at a time.