Top awards recently came rolling in for the Azurettes, Copper Hills High School’s drill team. Head Coach Shannon Mortenson was named as Utah High School Spirit Coach of the Year, while her team won its third straight state championship Feb. 6.

“We have put so much work into this season. I figured we have practiced for 580 hours since June of last year. This award makes me feel extremely honored. I know there are several coaches that have done this far longer than I have and are more deserving,” Mortenson said.

Mortenson was named the 2014 National Federation of High School Coaches Spirit Coach of The Year for section 7 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada. and Utah). She received the award during the state drill competition at Utah Valley University.

The Azurettes also captured their third-straight 5A drill team title. In the competition, they placed second in military routine, first in dance, first in kick and first overall.

“Shannon is the best coach. She is definitely the reason for our success. She always encourages us. She lights a fire under our butts to do our best in practices where it starts,” team co-captain Kirsten Davis said.

Mortenson attributes the team’s success to creating an atmosphere that teaches the team not to have regrets.

“I try to help them to make decisions that affect the overall goals, not just what they want right now. It takes a lot of time, but I love these girls,” she said.