Seven Lakes High School Color Guard Captain Niya Shirsat Balances State Championship Success, Debate and Dreams of a Career in Law
For Seven Lakes High School student Niya Shirsat, some of the most meaningful lessons of high school have happened outside the classroom, surrounded by teammates who have grown alongside her for years. As captain of the Seven Lakes Color Guard, she has found more than a place to perform. She has found friendships, confidence and an opportunity to help others succeed.
The Katy ISD student is also building an impressive list of accomplishments beyond the football field. Between varsity debate, advanced academic courses, Girl Scouts, Bollywood dance and an interest in pursuing a legal career, Shirsat has learned to make room for several passions without losing sight of what matters most to her.
Her story is part of Katy ISD's Encores student spotlight series, which recognizes the talents and accomplishments of students throughout the district. For families in Katy, Fulshear and surrounding communities, Shirsat's experience offers a closer look at how extracurricular opportunities in local schools can help students discover their strengths and prepare for life after graduation.
From Sixth Grade Dance Student to Seven Lakes Color Guard Captain
Shirsat's introduction to color guard came in sixth grade, when her mother encouraged her to try something new after years of dancing. With its combination of choreography, precision, movement and visual storytelling, color guard gave her another way to express herself through performance.
What began as an extracurricular activity eventually became one of the most important parts of her high school experience.
“What I love about color guard is performing with the people I love the most,” Shirsat 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.”
Those relationships have become especially meaningful as Shirsat has taken on the responsibilities of team captain. Along with performing, she helps guide younger members, support her teammates and contribute to the close-knit environment that has kept her involved in the program.
Seven Lakes Color Guard Director Stephanie Click has had a front-row seat to that development. Click began coaching Shirsat in sixth grade, years before becoming director of the Spartans' color guard program.
Click describes Shirsat as a naturally talented performer whose progress reflects the work she puts in beyond scheduled rehearsals. She credits the student with taking initiative, practicing independently and continually looking for ways to improve.
A Leadership Role in One of Texas' Accomplished Color Guard Programs
Shirsat's leadership comes within a Seven Lakes High School color guard program with a strong record of competitive success.
The Seven Lakes Color Guard has earned seven Color Guard Circuit state championships, while the school's marching band has made eight appearances at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Marching Band State Championships.
Those accomplishments reflect years of dedication from student performers, directors and the families who support the program. Color guard combines dance, equipment work and synchronized movement to create visual performances, often alongside a marching band during football season and in separate competitive settings.
For Shirsat, being part of that tradition carries a responsibility to the students who will follow her. She wants younger performers to feel supported while developing the confidence to take on challenges of their own.
The experience has also taught her that successful performances depend on more than individual ability. Trust, preparation and knowing that teammates can rely on one another are equally important.
That sense of teamwork has become one of the defining parts of her time at Seven Lakes, giving her friendships and leadership experience she expects to carry well beyond graduation.
From the Color Guard Field to the Debate Lectern
Although performing remains a major part of Shirsat's life, her interests extend into a different kind of competition.
As a member of the Seven Lakes High School varsity debate team, she participates in congressional debate and dramatic interpretation, activities that challenge students to research, communicate effectively, think critically and present their ideas before an audience.
Congressional debate involves students debating proposed legislation in a simulated legislative setting, while dramatic interpretation emphasizes storytelling and performance through an individual presentation. Both activities draw on skills Shirsat has developed through years of performing.
Her interest in public speaking has also helped shape her plans for the future.
Shirsat is studying law through the practicum program at Katy ISD's Miller Career and Technology Center, where students can explore career pathways and gain experience related to their professional interests.
For Shirsat, law represents an opportunity to combine her communication skills with something she considers equally important: standing up for people who need help.
“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.”
Her participation in both debate and the career-focused practicum reflects a growing interest in a profession where preparation, advocacy and the ability to communicate clearly can make a difference in people's lives.
Balancing Advanced Academics, Girl Scouts, Bollywood Dance and Music
Shirsat's schedule would be demanding for almost any high school student.
In addition to her responsibilities with color guard and varsity debate, she maintains an A average while taking three Advanced Placement (AP) courses this semester. She also completed two AP courses over the summer.
Outside those commitments, she participates in Girl Scouts and Bollywood dance, continuing to pursue activities that reflect her interests in leadership, service and the performing arts.
Keeping up with so many responsibilities requires careful planning and communication, particularly when rehearsals, competitions, academic assignments and other activities overlap.
Click says Shirsat has become skilled at coordinating those commitments with the adults who support her. Rather than treating each activity as a separate obligation, she works with her coaches to manage her calendar and make thoughtful decisions about where she needs to be.
That cooperation allows her to remain involved in several programs while meeting the expectations that come with each one.
When she does find some free time, Shirsat often returns to two longtime interests: violin and singing.
A former orchestra student, she continues to play violin and enjoys singing as another creative outlet. Music provides a welcome change of pace from her demanding schedule while allowing her to maintain a connection to the artistic interests that helped shape her childhood.
She hopes to continue both pursuits through high school and college, even as her academic and professional interests develop.
Leaving a Legacy of Confidence at Seven Lakes High School
With so much of her high school experience centered on teamwork and leadership, Shirsat has spent time thinking about what she hopes younger students will remember after she graduates.
Her goal is not simply to be remembered for successful performances or competition results. She wants the students who follow her to recognize their own potential and understand the importance of putting in the work to achieve their goals.
“There's a difference between other people believing in you and you believing in yourself,” Shirsat said. “Things will only happen whenever you start trusting that it'll happen for you and putting in that effort. I want to leave that legacy here for all the girls after I'm gone.”
It is a message shaped by years of balancing demanding commitments, learning from coaches and discovering how much she enjoys encouraging others.
For Katy ISD families, Shirsat's experience also illustrates the range of opportunities available to students at Seven Lakes High School, from fine arts and competitive performance programs to academic competitions and career and technical education.
Programs such as color guard, debate and the Miller Career and Technology Center practicum give students opportunities to develop skills that extend beyond grades and test scores. They also provide settings where students can build relationships with mentors, discover new interests and begin exploring possible careers.
Shirsat's path has brought together pursuits that might initially seem unrelated. Color guard has strengthened her teamwork and leadership skills, debate has encouraged her interest in advocacy, and music continues to provide a creative outlet.
As she looks toward college and a possible future in law, she remains focused on making the most of her remaining time at Seven Lakes High School and supporting the teammates who have become such an important part of her life.
For the younger Spartans who look up to her, Shirsat hopes to leave behind more than memories of performances and competitions. She wants them to recognize their own potential, trust in their abilities and know that with dedication and the support of those around them, they can accomplish more than they might have imagined.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Katy ISD student achievements, Seven Lakes High School news and stories celebrating the students, educators and families making a difference across the Katy community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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