True Life of a Bostonista: I Want to Be a Patriots Cheerleader

Boston Magazine
March 6th, 2009

The auditions for the 2009-2010 season Patriots cheerleading squad were held on Saturday at the Dana-Farber Field House At Gillette Stadium. Thanks to some prodding from her sister, Boston magazine online designer Casey McNamara decided to try out even though she had never cheered before in her life.

“My sister literally knocked on my door with coffee in hand that morning,” Casey says. “I knew she was serious, so I quickly got myself glamorized.”

Here’s what Casey’s experience was like.

Bostonista: How did you prepare for the tryouts?

Casey: Shots of Tequila. Just kidding. I couldn’t prepare too much. I was never on a cheering squad or a dance team. I just went for fun. When I got to the stadium, I realized how hardcore all the girls were. All of them had organized dance routines, with moves straight out of So You Think You Can Dance. I had planned to bust some moves just like when I’m out with friends.

Bostonista: What did the crowd look like?

Casey: There was a line of pink, pink, and more pink…and Uggs. Even though it was a windy day, every girl’s hair was in place. I was second-guessing this idea of ours when I looked down at my black workout pants and sweatshirt.

Bostonista: What did you need for the audition, besides Uggs?

Casey: I had to bring my application, resume, and a photo. While the girls had professional pictures, I had a silly photo of my boyfriend and I at the beach. We stood in line while everyone shared previous cheerleading experiences and practiced dance moves. I just stretched awkwardly. Once I registered, they took my photo. I had to strip down to my workout clothes (gray booty shorts and a red sports bra). Other girls wore sequined undies, shiny tights, and sports bras.

Bostonista: What did you have to do for the audition?

Casey: We had a stretching session with a veteran cheerleader, and then learned the choreographed dance for Britney’s “The Circus.” You can see one of the dances here. There was quite a bit of hair flipping going on. I quickly picked that up.

Then girls were taken one-by-one into the judge’s room, where they prepared a freestyle dance in front of a handful of judges, including Ramiro from 94.5, Pat the Patriot, Tracey the cheer coach, and a few others.

Bostonista: How did you feel about your performance?

Casey: My performance wasn’t as great as the trained cheerleaders and dancers. I may have had a few uncoordinated attempts–but I tried my best and had fun doing it, and now I have great stories to tell to family and friends, and readers of Bostonista.

Bostonista: What would you do next time, to improve your audition?

Casey: I’d practice a choreographed dance routine–so I can pull out some real moves during the one-on-one session.

Bostonista: What’s one tip you would give to other women who may want to try out?

Casey: Go in there with your fun personality, meet people, and have a blast. Even if you don’t make it, you will have fun stories to tell. I have a new respect for the hair flipping, high toe touches, and splits. I am still sore!