Laker Girl Profile: Jessica
Jessica is a student of dance and a fan of Stephen King
This is the 15th post of a weekly LA Times series that helps you get to know the Laker Girls
Mark Medina
LA Times Lakers Blog
April 23, 2011 
Laker Girl name: Jessica
Hometown: Grapevine, Texas
Area of Residence: Downtown Los Angeles
College/High School: Grapevine High School and Oklahoma City University with a bachelor of arts in performing arts and a minor in history.
What prompted you to want to become a Laker Girl? My dream was always to be a dancer. When I moved out to California and began auditioning, around the same time every year the buzz around the dance world was about the Laker Girls audition. The prospect of being able to dance, be a member of the premiere NBA dance team and represent the most recognized/talented team in the league was exciting to me. I was determined to audition until I made it!
What do you think stood out to the judging panel, about you, regarding your audition? I do not know exactly what it was that made me stand out to the judges, there are so many talented and beautiful ladies who audition each year. I believe that my dance training had something to do with it and maybe that I just kept smiling the whole time.
What do you think makes a good Laker Girl? To be a good Laker Girl, it takes much more than looks and good dance ability. Professionalism is one of the most important qualities in all of us. There are many rehearsals, games and community events that we take part in that we must be on time for -– not to mention, be ready to put our best foot forward.
What is your dance experience? I have been dancing since I was 3 years old — mostly jazz, ballet and tap. I also have a degree in dance performance from Oklahoma City University, where I studied pas de deux, choreography and theater dance.
Favorite dance routine, while being a Laker Girl? “Mercy” stands out in my mind because it was a fun dance but also because it was what we performed at the audition the first year I made the team. But I think this year my favorite dance is “For Your Entertainment.”
Favorite uniform? I love wearing our Sunday whites! When we walk out and everyone is all in white it makes me feel connected to the Lakers tradition! I particularly liked the sparkly white one from last year.
Favorite Lakers Player? I would have to say that Shannon Brown is one of my favorite players. He’s such a dynamic player and always very exciting to watch. I also think he always shocks us all with how high he can jump!
Favorite Laker Girl memory so far? Of course my favorite memory as a Laker Girl was being on the floor as the buzzer announced the end of Game 7 in the Finals last year. The feeling was indescribable. Being able to share in that moment in NBA history, with everyone at Staples Center, and the whole city of Los Angeles was incredible!
What do you like most about being involved, as a Laker Girl, at local charity/community events? I like that our status in the community helps us make more of an impact at charitable events/functions. If being there as a Laker Girl helps the charity raise more funds or have more success in getting their message out, then I am happy we had the opportunity to help.
What would you say is your beauty secret? I do not really have any secrets. I would have to thank my mother for her genetics and a good diet.
What diet/workout tips do you have? I think it is important to have a well-rounded workout regime. Basic cardio and weights should be used in conjunction with Pilates or resistance training. Yoga and stretching is good for you too. When it comes to diet, I am a believer in “all things in moderation” and that you should watch out for sugar (although I admittedly have a huge sweet tooth).
What are your hobbies? I love to read, I enjoy Stephen King and am a huge Harry Potter fanatic. I enjoy puzzles and I am also learning to golf!
Career aspirations? There are so many things that I am interested in. I obviously would love to keep dancing for as long as I can and one day hope to open a studio where I can develop my own teaching method. But also, being a Lakers TV host has peaked my interest in broadcasting, public relations and the sports world in general. Who knows what will come next….
