For seven years, Serenity Fields dedicated herself to color guard. Now, the Tavares High School graduate is taking that passion from Lake County to the University of South Florida, where she has earned a spot on USF’s 2027 Winter Guard team.

Serenity began color guard in sixth grade and remained committed through her senior year of high school. Along the way, coaches Brian Ogle, Matthew Epp and Autumn Welt became instrumental in her development. The trio coached Serenity from sixth through 12th grade and continue coaching color guard at Tavares High School.

They watched her grow from a young student learning the fundamentals into an accomplished performer ready to take her skills to the collegiate level.

“Seven years means countless practices, routines, performances, corrections, early mornings and long evenings. It means learning how to perform as an individual while understanding that every movement contributes to the success of an entire team,” Serenity says.

Color guard blends athleticism with artistry. Performers combine dance and choreography with highly technical equipment work, including flags, rifles and sabers. They must possess strength, coordination, flexibility, timing and endurance while remembering intricate routines and maintaining synchronization with their teammates.

“I definitely want people to understand that color guard is a sport and that these individuals are performers,” Serenity’s mother, Stacy Fields, says. “There’s definitely not enough light on the sport.”

Serenity’s accomplishments weren’t limited to the performance floor. She also excelled in the classroom, graduating from Tavares High School summa cum laude.

While balancing the demands of school and color guard, Serenity completed a Certified Nursing Assistant program and earned her CNA credential before beginning college.

When it came time to determine what would come next, Serenity had options. She was accepted into several universities, including Louisiana State University, Xavier University of Louisiana and Florida A&M University.

Ultimately, she chose the University of South Florida in Tampa. But there was still one question: Would color guard remain part of her journey?

Serenity decided the answer would be yes.

After arriving at USF, she auditioned for the university’s Winter Guard program. There were no guarantees, but Serenity brought seven years of experience, lessons instilled by her coaches and confidence developed through years of performing.

Her audition earned her a spot on the 2027 USF Winter Guard team.

Winter guard takes the performance indoors, combining movement, equipment work and theatrical expression into choreographed productions.

For her parents, Chris and Stacy Fields, the accomplishment represents another milestone in a journey they have watched unfold since their daughter was in middle school.

For her former coaches, it is another example of what can happen when young performers are given the instruction, encouragement and opportunity to develop their talents. And for Serenity, it’s an opportunity to continue doing something she has loved for nearly half her life.