By Kendyl Kirtley
SMU athletes take the field in style! Meet Ashley Pitts, a sophomore and a member of the SMU Pom team. For those who aren’t familiar with Pom, they are SMU’s dance team, who perform at football games and other sporting events. I had the opportunity to sit down with Ashley to gain an inside look into her life on Pom, her favorite performance looks, and more.
KK: Describe a day in the life on the SMU Pom team.
AP: “We have practice everyday during the week, either in the morning before classes or in the evening. So my routine typically consists of going to practice, followed by heading to class. Throughout the day I try to prioritize eating well and staying hydrated, especially if we have a game coming up. In the evening, I’ll do schoolwork and then I’ll spend time reviewing dances, and prepping for football and basketball games throughout the week.”
KK: What inspired your passion for dance and performance?
AP: “I’ve been in dance since I was little and my passion for it has only grown since. I think it’s the people in my life that have inspired me to dance, specifically my teachers as well as performers like Misty Copeland. I also love that it’s a way for me to escape from the stress of school and social life.”
KK: Tell us about your favorite outfit you’ve worn while on Pom.
AP: “The team got a ton of new uniforms this year, which is super exciting. Although I’d have to say that my favorite is our signature uniform. It’s all white and inspired by a tennis uniform, which is super cute. I especially love the details of the top, it has a blue collar embellished with rhinestones and the red SMU ‘D’ on the back of the uniform. I also love the cowboy boots we wear during our appearances on the Boulevard.”
KK: How has Pom influenced your fashion sense?
AP: “I feel like every look we have is clean, classy, and put together which has definitely inspired me to accessorize my outfits and make them more cohesive. The emphasis on always wanting to look your best on the field has also motivated me to try and always put my best foot forward in my everyday life. As they say: look good feel good.”
KK: What are your go-to brands?
AP: “I’m all for comfort and athleisure. I love quality basics from places like Lululemon or Alo, and also Aritzia for nicer going-out type pieces. A current favorite of mine are my Lululemon shoes. They’re so comfortable and go with basically anything.”
KK: What are your future goals?
AP: “I would absolutely love to have the opportunity to continue dancing after college, but you never know where life is going to take you. As of right now I’m taking things as they come and enjoying my time on Pom. It has been such a fun and unique experience. “
Photos 1, 2, and 3 by Ashley Pitts.
