Singing, dancing, violin and debate — Seven Lakes High School student Niya Shirsat has never been short on talent. But it was the precision, choreography and storytelling of color guard that captured her heart and transformed her high school experience.

“What I love about color guard is performing with the people I love the most,” Shirsat, a color guard captain, said. “I've been with a lot of these girls for many years, and to see them grow and to see them become such wonderful women has been amazing.”

Shirsat's journey began in sixth grade when her mother encouraged her to try color guard after years of dance. What started as a new creative outlet became a passion, helping her rediscover a love of performing and lasting friendships with teammates.

Seven Lakes Color Guard Director Stephanie Click has witnessed that growth firsthand. Click began coaching Shirsat in sixth grade before becoming director of the Spartans' program.

“She has a natural gift,” Click said. “I’ve loved being able to mentor her and see her grow. “She does all the little things on her own time outside of rehearsal. To see that and see her gift just accelerate and blossom has been special for me.”

As captain, Shirsat helps lead one of the state's most accomplished color guard programs. Seven Lakes has earned seven Color Guard Circuit state championships, while the school's marching band has made eight appearances at the UIL Marching Band State Championships.

For Shirsat, however, the relationships behind those accomplishments mean just as much as the performances.

“It's a really enjoyable feeling to get on that field with them and know that they have my back, I have their back and we're just creating an amazing show for people to watch,” Shirsat said.

While color guard commands much of her time, Shirsat's ambitions extend beyond the field. A former orchestra student who continues to play violin and sing, she has also discovered another passion: law.

As a member of the varsity debate team, Shirsat competes in congressional debate and dramatic interpretation. She also studies law through the practicum program at the Miller Career and Technology Center, building on her natural confidence in public speaking and desire to advocate for others.

“I gravitated towards law because I like debating, and I also love helping people in need,” Shirsat said. “It's a big passion of mine. I don't like when injustice happens and I'm not able to do anything about it. That's something that's always pulled me towards law.”