Laker Girl Profile: Melissa
Melissa loves to read Harry Potter books
This is the fifth post of a weekly LA Times series that helps you get to know the Laker Girls
Mark Medina
LA Times Lakers Blog
January 1, 2011
Laker Girl name: Melissa
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
Years on the Laker Girls squad: 1 year
Area of Residence: Northridge, CA
College/High School: Oceanside High School, Graduated from CSU Fullerton, Currently doing graduate work at CSU Northridge.
What prompted you to want to become a Laker Girl? I wanted to become a Laker Girl because I wanted to be part of the premier dance team in the NBA! Most importantly, I wanted to grow as a person. I wanted to be more involved in the community and also improve my social skills, dancing abilities, and public speaking skills.
What do you think stood out to the judging panel, about you, regarding your audition? I think my confidence helped me stand out to the judging panel during my audition. I tried to show my confidence through my presence, my dancing, and the way I spoke to the judges. When trying out for the squad, for your first year, I think one needs to work extra hard to catch the judges attention. Gosh, there are hundreds of other girls competing for the same spot! So, confidence is very important when it comes to auditioning for the Laker Girls.
What do you think makes a good Laker Girl? There is not just one thing makes a good Laker Girl……I think it is a combination of many things. It consists of a whole package, which includes: excellent dance technique, great people skills, confidence, talent and enjoys being a philanthropist.
What is your dance experience? I started dancing at 5 years old. Since then I have studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and contemporary. My favorite styles of dance are jazz and hip hop! I have also danced for the Disneyland Resort, Los Angeles Clippers, several professional artists and television specials.
Favorite dance routine, while being a Laker Girl? My favorite dance routine is to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song “Higher Ground.” It’s a fun and up beat routine that gets our hearts pumping!
Favorite uniform? My favorite uniform is one of our newest ones this season called the “Gold Metallic.” It’s my favorite because, under the lights at STAPLES Center , the material it is made out of adds a great shimmer while we are performing on the court!
Favorite Lakers Player? Derek Fisher and Steve Blake!
Favorite Laker Girl memory so far? Getting the call from our Director, Lisa Estrada, saying that I made the 2010-2011 Lakers Girls Squad!!
What do you like most about being involved, as a Laker Girl, at local charity/community events? I love that as Laker Girls we have the opportunity to make a person’s day brighter at our charity events. It seems that when we spend time with people at community events, we make such a positive difference in their day……at times, maybe even their whole lives! I am very appreciative to be in this position and able to do that for others!
What would you say is your beauty secret? SLEEP! Being a Laker Girl and a full time student, I’m always on the go! So, for myself sleep is key to re-energize. It helps me maintain my health as well! (inside & out)
What diet/workout tips do you have? My Diet tips: Eat daily servings of fruits and veggies. Most importantly hydrate – Drink lots of water! Water and healthy nutrition is what gives you energy to work out and get through your day. Also, while working out, one major tip I go by is to sweat! Sweat is a great indicator that you are getting a beneficial work out.
What are your hobbies? Other than dancing, I love to read! It may sound dorky, but I love Harry Potter!! I am re-reading the last book in the series before watching the final movie. Other hobbies I have are….. going to the beach, kick boxing and spending time with my family & friends.
Career aspirations? I’m currently studying to be a teacher. I have a passion working with kids and look forward to starting my career in education!
