Persistence is something for Hannibal woman to cheer about — with the Dallas Cowboys team

By Rodney Hart, Staff Writer
Herald-Whig
9/12/2009
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Brandi Kilby refused to give up when she didn’t make the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in 2008.

Her hard work and perseverance paid off when she was picked this summer for the 2009 team. One of 11 rookies on the elite squad, the Hannibal, Mo., native says making the world-famous squad is a life-long dream come true.

It wasn’t easy. And before her name was called, Kilby admits she was a bit afraid.

“It was scary to think that I was coming back this year, and I’ve come all this way, it was a definite possibility I might not make it,” says Kilby, 24, a 2003 Hannibal High School graduate.

More than 600 women tried out for the squad in Dallas this summer. Kilby says she used her experience from last year to provide motivation, and she came back more focused and determined.

The women go through several rounds during the tryouts, beginning with a dance routine with five other candidates. Kilby was picked for the 60-day training camp in Dallas, and she could hardly believe it when learning she’d made the team.

“It was kind of surreal,” Kilby said. “Everybody was crying and hugging and it was a huge relief, really.”

Kilby said she’s always wanted to try out for the team. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were formed in 1972 and are recognized as much as the iconic football team they support.

The daughter of Cyndi and Mark Kilby, Brandi graduated this year from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in criminal justice. She’s never been a cheerleader but does have extensive background in dance.

“The traditional way people think of cheerleaders is not what we are,” she says. “There are no chants or routines. We are more like dancers.”

Since being picked for the squad July 31, Kilby has spent her nights learning dance routines in rigorous practice sessions. She’s already appeared with the team during pre-season games in the new Cowboys stadium, and the home opener is Sept. 20.

“It’s the most energetic atmosphere you could ever imagine,” Kirby says. “There are 80,000 people in the stadium and they scream for us when they hear us announced. The energy is just amazing.”

Kirby made it back to Hannibal for Labor Day weekend, catching up with old friends and seeing family. Then it was back to Dallas to prepare for the Sept. 20 debut.

“It’s time to really buckle down and get the show ready,” she said.