Texans cheerleader has beauty, brains and a black belt

By Mike Damante
Houston Chronicle
September 14, 2011

Being in front of cameras and flashing lights is not a foreign concept for second-year Texans cheerleader Nicole. She is currently pursuing a communications degree from the University of St. Thomas to be an on-air reporter and broadcaster. Cheery disposition aside, you don’t want to mess with this second-degree black belt in Chun Kuk Do – a hybrid of Japanese and Korean karate made famous by Chuck Norris.

Q: Being a martial arts enthusiast, do you watch any mixed martial arts like UFC?

A: I do watch it, but not really. I like to spar with pads on to keep my body parts intact. It is kind of a comfort thing to the other cheerleaders to know they have a bodyguard on hand.

Q: Are guys more intimidated by the fact you are a cheerleader or the fact you can probably beat them up?

A: Probably, more of me being a black belt just because I know how to defend myself, and that could be a little intimidating. The cheerleader thing, guys think we are like mini-celebrities, but I don’t see myself as that. I’m just pursuing what I love, which is dance.

Q: I assume you get this a lot, but you look like Rihanna. What do you think of those comparisons?

A: My hair was actually cut this length to look like Rihanna. My coach sent me pictures of all of Rihanna’s hairstyles, and we went with that CoverGirl commercial look and I’ve been rocking it since.

Q: Who is your celebrity crush?

A: Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays soccer, is beautiful.

Q: Where are you on a typical Friday night?

A: If I’m not hanging out with my friends, I’m probably just enjoying a movie at home. It is very rare that I get to relax and stay at home. I take advantage of it.

Q: Is this the year the Texans make the playoffs?

A: Yes. I think it is our time!