Knoxville, TENN (TVC) — For the first time in over a decade, The University of Tennessee Pride of the Southland Marching Band will have an all female drum major team.

Sydney Flemmiken will lead the band next season as drum major. A role that comes with both pressure and pride.

“It’s daunting, it’s a lot of weight on the shoulder, like I can’t mess up. But I’m also more excited than anything to get to be in this role.” said Flemmiken.

Flemmiken also said the moment isn’t just exciting, it’s rare.

“The only other time that I know it’s happened was with Rebecca Percy and her assistant. I actually took lessons from Rebecca. So her and I have talked about it and it’s just super exciting that both those opportunities have happened with two people that know each other already”

She’ll be joined by assistant drum major Grace Dobrescu, who says this opportunity came as a surprise.

“I had never auditioned for drum major before, so I feel really honored. And I’m just so excited to step into this role next year.” said Dobrescu.

So this season they are not only preparing for next season and getting ready to take the field, they are making history.