One Saintsational Year: South Alabama Student Cheers NFC Champions on to Super Bowl
By Debra Braggs
al.com
When the Saints go marching into Miami for Super Bowl XLIV, Mobile resident Jessica McCray will be among those leading the pack.
The 21-year-old University of South Alabama student is a member of the Saintsations, the official cheerleading squad for the New Orleans Saints. And she said that the football players weren’t the only ones bringing their A-game this season. “This was a season of change for the entire organization. Everyone in the organization was working extra hard, and we certainly felt the pressure,” McCray said.
“But all this excitement is awesome. Just the thought of joining the team in Miami at their first Super Bowl is overwhelming.”
Jessica McCray.JPGView full size(Press-Register/John David Mercer)Jessica McCray at a recent Saints game. “Nothing less than perfection is what they wants from us, and we were happy to deliver,” she said.She said the extra-hard rehearsals and work to learn all the new routines for the playoff games was worth the sweat and effort.
“Nothing less than perfection is what they wanted from us, and we were happy to deliver,” said the rookie squad member, who is no stranger to hard work and success.
McCray graduated from Satsuma High School in 2006, where she was a member of the varsity cheerleading squad and the high school dance company. She was named first-runner up in the Mobile County Junior Miss competition and named Queen of the Prichard Mardi Gras Association the same year. In 2008 she was named Miss University of South Alabama while pursuing her degree in cardiorespiratory care.
“I tried out for the Saintsations last year, really at the spur of the moment,” McCray admitted. “I really didn’t expect to make the team at all. I just wanted to get a feel for the competition.”
She said she was studying and coaching at Ms. Daphne’s Cheernastics in Satsuma when she decided to make the trip over to New Orleans for tryouts.
“I didn’t tell anyone, except my fiancé, because I had decided that I would come back next year, seriously ready to compete.”
But after the die-hard competitor made the first and second audition cuts, she knew it was time to confess.
“I finally told my co-workers and family that I had made the finals. The day the official squad was posted online, my mom and I sat in her bed and looked at the results together. I think we did a little victory dance around the bedroom after we saw my name. ”
According to Saintsations team manager Lesslee Fitsimmons, McCray excelled in advance dance technical skills, public speaking and interview skills to earn a spot on the Saintsations squad.
“The Saintsations are influential role models to the youth in our communities and the judges felt that Jessica could live up to the expectations the fans have come to expect from these young ladies.”
Fitsimmons said the organization looks for young women who are committed to leading a healthy, productive lifestyle both on and off the field.
“Jessica, is a true representative of the youth and talent in and around the New Orleans area. We are proud to have her as a member of the 2009-2010 team,” she said.
In addition to performing at Saints home football games, the Saintsations have traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan to visit troops, and were recognized for their community service efforts by the Louisiana Legislature.
The squad supports community projects through the “Saintsations Inspiration Program,” which promotes positive initiatives geared toward women and children. They have worked with Angel’s Place in New Orleans, a non-profit organization providing care and comfort for terminally ill children.
One of McCray’s favorite squad activities is the Junior Saintsations camp. Held twice a year for girls ages 6 to 16, the camp encourages self-esteem and fitness.
“It’s so much fun meeting the girls and teaching them routines and just having rap sessions,” McCray said.
While commuting between Mobile and New Orleans has been tough, McCray said she has loved every minute of her experience as a Saintsation, and is considering doing it all over again next year.
“I would have to try out again. And yes, it’s very hard work. But it’s worth it.”
Even though she is among the 32 young ladies on the 2009-2010 Saintsations squad, McCray still has to earn her spot on the performing team at each week’s game. Only 28 young ladies are allowed on the field, so the team members face a cut before every appearance.
“It’s pressure, but you have to give it your all, at all times. And if you are not on the field during a game, you are selling the Saintsations calendars in the stands. So there is always work to do.”
Speaking of the very popular Saintsations swimsuit calendar, Jessica is featured on the month of May in the 2010 squad calendar, and she said she’s very humbled by the honor.
“I was so sick on the day of the photo shoot. I was just trying to make it through the day and look okay in the group shot. So, of course I never expected to be given my own month. On reveal day, it was total shock.”
Shocked isn’t the word Edith Witherspoon would use to describe her reaction to her daughter’s accomplishments.
“I know that she is a real go-getter. She is determined and she is going to give it her all at all times.”
And when it comes to the Super Bowl, Witherspoon isn’t sure if the family will be joining her daughter in Miami, because McCray’s younger sister, Loreal Witherspoon, is serving as Queen of the Prichard Mardi Gras Association’s festivities.
“It’s a little busy around here, but it’s fantastic. I’m very proud of my girls,” Witherspoon said, right after releasing a very big “Who dat!”
McCray said that despite the Super Bowl, she is hoping to catch some of the Mardi Gras activities in Mobile as well.
“This is the first time the Prichard Mardi Gras Association has ever had two sisters who have served as queens. I’m so proud of my sister and I want to enjoy as much of the festivities as I can with her.”
McCray isn’t the only Mobile connection to the Saintsations. Jasmine Smith, a graduate of Murphy High School, is also a member of this year’s squad.
