Celebrating Women Who Marched Their Way Into History

This Women’s History Month, the College Football Hall of Fame is celebrating trailblazing women who made history as drum majors at their schools’ marching bands. Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede (Florida A&M), Ellie Sheehan (Penn State), and Natalie Holder (Texas A&M) each broke barriers — with Oloyede becoming the first female head drum major at Florida A&M, Sheehan the first female drum major in Penn State Blue Band history, and Holder the first female head combined drum major at Texas A&M. Artifacts from their historic achievements are now featured together in a special online display, honoring their leadership and inspiring future generations.

From classrooms to stadiums, each of these remarkable women brought dedication, talent, and trailblazing leadership to their bands. Below, we share their individual stories and accomplishments, highlighting the impact they’ve made on and through their music and leadership.

Natalie Holder – Texas A&M Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band

In 2025, Natalie Holder became the first female head combined drum major in the history of Texas A&M’s Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band — the nation’s largest collegiate military marching band with over 400 members. A senior biology student and bassoonist, Holder led the band after a multi-day audition testing precision, stamina, communication, and leadership, alongside academic performance and Corps of Cadets participation.

Holder began with the band in 2021, aspiring to one day assume a leadership role. “I’ve always loved drill — teaching drill, doing drill,” she told KYTX-TV. “I knew I wanted to be leader of the best drill unit in the country, and that’s Texas A&M.”

Artifacts from Holder’s historic achievement are on display courtesy of herself and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, giving visitors a firsthand look at her groundbreaking leadership.

Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede – Florida A&M Marching 100

In 2025, Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede made history as the first female head drum major of the Florida A&M Marching 100. The senior theatre major from Southwest DeKalb High School led the band on gameday for the first time at Hard Rock Stadium during the Orange Blossom Classic.

A saxophonist, Oloyede followed fellow Southwest DeKalb alum Cori Bostic, who was the Marching 100’s first female drum major in 2018. She credits both Bostic and her Atlanta upbringing for preparing her for the challenges of the role. “Growing up in Atlanta, all we see are boss women running the enterprise,” she told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “So, when people say, ‘Girls can’t do this and girls can’t do that,’ I’m like, ‘What do you mean?’ I was raised to say you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

The Hall of Fame collaborated with FAMU to produce a video interview of Oloyede, who also visited the Hall to see her display in person. Items from her historic achievement are on display courtesy of herself and the Marching 100.

Ellie Sheehan – Penn State Blue Band

Ellie Sheehan became the first female drum major in the 125-year history of the Penn State Blue Band. A fifth-year senior and former piccolo section guide, Sheehan led her first march to the stadium before the Nittany Lions’ game against Nevada on August 30.

“Being a guide has taught me a lot about supporting others, communicating and leading by example,” Sheehan told the school. “That leadership role gave me a foundation of trust and compassion, which I brought into my role as drum major.” In addition to conducting the 300-member band during halftime, Sheehan mastered multiple front flips during gameday performances — a true display of both musical and physical precision.

Artifacts from Ellie Sheehan’s historic achievement are on display this March, generously shared by Sheehan and the Penn State Blue Band. Watch the Hall’s social media reel celebrating her story here.

See History in Action

For Women’s History Month, the College Football Hall of Fame is showcasing these remarkable achievements in a special online display, available only through March. Visitors can explore the stories of these trailblazing drum majors and gain insight into the dedication, talent, and leadership that helped them break barriers. Their accomplishments honor tradition while inspiring the next generation of leaders in marching bands and beyond.