From Dansville Mustang to Buffalo Jill

By Jeff Miller
Genesse Country Express

A cheerleader since the age of 6, one Dansville native has made it to the big leagues – literally.

Jessica, a 2007 Dansville High School graduate, is now a member of the Buffalo Jills Ambassador cheerleading squad.

As an ambassador, Jessica has made an estimated 20 to 25 personal appearances since she joined the team in March, plus has so far participated in two Bills’ preseason games – one in Toronto and the second in Buffalo.

It was “amazing,” she said of her first opportunity to be a Jill during a game, commenting that it is remarkably more exciting than being at a game as a spectator.
An ambassador is a non-performing member of the cheerleading squad. As an ambassador, Jessica makes personal appearances at corporate and charity functions, plus meets fans during games.

She said having this opportunity has been a lot of fun and that she has met a lot of great people; among them some of the people from the different communities that she has visited as well as team players and alumni.

But Jessica said that the other Jills have been fabulous most of all. “All of the other girls are so awesome,” she said. “I met 40 best friends.”

As a rookie, Jessica has been assigned a “vet buddy” as a mentor to help coach her and available for questions on a more personal basis.

Practices are held Tuesday nights in Buffalo, and it’s there that Jessica learns the fundamentals of what it means to be an Ambassador Jill, as well as general knowledge of the Bills and at times has work-out sessions through one of the sponsoring agencies.

But Jessica isn’t the only one whose thrilled that she’s part of the team. Her friends and family are very proud, she said. “Everyone is so supportive, and so great,” she said. And the way word spreads in a small town, Jessica said she has even had strangers congratulate her on having this opportunity.

While being a member of the Buffalo Jills may seem like it’s the pinacle of success, it’s not a guaranteed career. Jessica will have to try out every year, competing against rookies and veterans alike. This season, she competed against an overall 150 girls, including 20 to 30 veterans.

“It was tough, but well worth it,” she commented regarding the three-week try-out and interview process.

Also, the cheerleading job is basically a volunteer position. The squad is funded by sponsors and fundraisers such as a golf tournament that was held Aug. 2.

Although Jessica is taking a semester off from college to focus solely on the Jills experience, she is planning on entering her junior year as a media and communications major.