Golden Starlettes represent Xavier during Saints’ Homecoming celebration 

By Cameron Speed, Contributor

October 19, 2026

Xavier University of Louisiana’s Golden Starlettes took their talents to one of New Orleans’ biggest stages Oct. 5, performing during halftime of the New Orleans Saints’ game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Caesars Superdome.

The nationally televised game commemorated the anniversary of the Saints’ historic return to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. The original “Domecoming” took place Sept. 25, 2006, when the Saints defeated the Falcons 23-3 in their first home game after the storm. For the Golden Starlettes, Xavier’s official majorette-style dance team, the performance was an opportunity to showcase their talent and represent the university’s HBCU culture on a national stage.

Meika Haywood, a senior member of the team, said the dancers were excited when head coach Krystal Holmes shared the opportunity.

“Our immediate reaction was, ‘Yes, we have to do it!’” Haywood said. “It felt really good to know that the work we put in as a team, both as dancers and athletes, was being recognized.”

Preparing for the performance required the dancers to learn choreography in a short period while balancing classes and exams. The team worked with choreographer Charm La’Donna during rehearsals leading up to the game.

“We had to trust our training, work together, and show up ready to represent Xavier and the Golden Starlettes,” Haywood said.

The halftime celebration featured Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue alongside several artists, including Eric Church, Kirk Franklin, Juvenile, Cyril Neville and Ivan Neville. For Haywood, performing before thousands of fans and a national television audience was particularly meaningful during her senior year.

“Seeing the crowd, experiencing the production, and realizing that the Starlettes were on national television gave me chills,” Haywood said.

Holmes, a former member of Xavier’s Gold Star Dance Team who later danced professionally for the New Orleans Pelicans, described the performance as a full-circle moment.

“It was truly an honor to see the Golden Starlettes be part of such a historic and meaningful celebration for our city,” Holmes said. “As a former Gold Star, it meant even more to see the program represented on such a big platform.”

Glenn A. Caston, deputy chief inclusion officer in Xavier’s Division of Student Affairs, said the performance demonstrated the university’s connection to the New Orleans community.

“This performance shows that Xavier is more than a university — it’s a part of the heart and culture of New Orleans,” Caston said.

“Seeing Xavier on a national stage brings pride, visibility, and inspiration to the city while showcasing the talent and excellence that New Orleans has to offer.”

Holmes hopes to continue creating opportunities for the team to perform beyond Xavier’s campus while strengthening its connection to the New Orleans community. She noted that “dance is more than a performance; it’s a bridge that brings people together and allows us to celebrate the pride, culture, and traditions that make New Orleans unique.”