One member of the ETX Rangerettes Forever 26th Line will join in on the performances at the Cotton Bowl Jan. 10. (Contributed Photo)

Twenty women from Tyler and 15 women from Kilgore and Overton will sparkle again at the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the 89th Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

As alumnae of the Kilgore College Rangerettes dance team, the women previously were part of the Cotton Bowl Classic when they wore the iconic red, white and blue uniform as active members.

As the world-famous team celebrates its 85th anniversary, these former Rangerettes are among nearly 800 returning to the Cotton Bowl Classic, in which the troupe has been featured annually for more than seven decades.

The 2025 game marks the Rangerettes’ 75th consecutive appearance. Current Rangerettes will showcase their traditional high kick, while alumnae have learned choreography to be performed by women ranging from their early 20s to age 93. That most senior dancer, from the 11th line of the Rangerettes, performed at the Rangerettes’ first Cotton Bowl Classic appearance.

Returning alumni represent 33 states and 275 cities. Women are traveling from across Texas and as far as Alaska and Hawaii for the opportunity. Among those slated to perform are mothers and daughters who both made the team, decades apart. Triplet sisters who made the team together in the 2000s also are planning to dance.

Rebecca “Becky” Henderson, a local attorney in Tyler and former Rangerette from 1987-1989 is excited to be performing again at the Cotton Bowl. It’s extra special this year for Henderson, whose daughter is a current Rangerette.

“My daughter Mallory Craft is a current Rangerette, so we will get to perform together on the field,” she said.

This year’s team has logged thousands of miles of travel. The group’s sophomores danced at Radio City Music Hall and in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, and the team returned days ago from performing in London’s New Year’s Day Parade.

Debuting in 1940 under the direction of founder Gussie Nell Davis, the Rangerettes — the first collegiate dance/drill team — has had only three directors. Deana Bolton Covin took the helm after Miss Davis retired. Dana Blair has directed the team since 1993. Shelley Wayne is assistant director and choreographer, and Angela Aulds is assistant choreographer and dance technician.

No. 8 seed Ohio State vs. No. 5 seed Texas will play at 6:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Radio.