TopCat Captain Cynthia’s Emphasis on Education and Service Would Make Queen Charlotte Proud

Cynthia during the Panthers-Vikings game on October 30th

TopCat Captain Cynthia reigns supreme on the sidelines during Carolina Panthers games, and in fact, she shares some important interests with a certain queen of days gone by. The growing metropolis of Charlotte, North Carolina, is named for Queen Charlotte, wife of British King George III, who knew all about tea parties back during the American Revolution. Queen Charlotte, when she was not dealing with King George’s madness, founded orphanages and a hospital for expectant mothers, and emphasized importance of the education of women. In her own 21st century life, Cynthia is finishing graduate school, but her commitment to education will not end there, as she is on her way to being a teacher of the sciences. Plus, Cynthia’s devotion to causes that are part of the TopCat’s mission covers many charities. Cynthia even helped make a deserving little girl’s dream come true to be a TopCat for a day. Cynthia is certainly using the powers of her position for good. All hail Cynthia! In her third season on the TopCats, Cynthia shares her experiences, from shy girl to student teacher, and everything else along the way, with UltimateCheerleaders.com.

Born in Maryland, Cynthia’s parents knew they could not improve upon their first born. “I was born at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland,” explains Cynthia. “As a young toddler, I lived in Baltimore, but spent most of my childhood growing in Laurel, Maryland. I am an only child. My parents like to tease me by saying that they ‘stopped at perfection.’”

Asked about best recollections during her early years, Cynthia recalls, “My favorite childhood memories are those that I spent with my grandparents and family. My Gommy taught me how to cook, sew and be crafty, and my PopPop taught me his southern charm which has come in handy now that I live in the South. Because I was only child, I used to love family get-togethers and playing with my cousins.”

Dancing opened up a world of expression and friendships for Cynthia, as she was not an extroverted child. “I started dancing at a young age, around three, like most little girls do,” Cynthia shares. “But as soon as I started I fell in love. The older I became, the more I wanted to dance and perform. My Mom tried to get me to try sports but I knew dancing was my true passion. I was definitely VERY shy as a child. I wouldn’t even speak to my aunt until I was five or six years old. But on stage was the one place where I did not feel shy. And as grew older, performing and being on stage helped me come out of my shell so now I can perform in front of 73,000 with no problem. I met Arthur Mitchell and Debbie Mitchell as a child when I was a part of the Dance Theater of Harlem. I was in awe of these two amazing artists and they helped me strive to become a better dancer. Dancing was also a great social outlet for me and I have met many of my closest friends through dance.”

Asked if she has any memories of her first public dance performance ever, Cynthia responds, “This is a toughie, it was so long ago. I believe my first performance was a dance recital. I was one of those precious little girls in a tutu and a big bow in my hair and lip-syncing to the song. I remember practicing all the time for that recital, and I still remember some of the moves and words of the song. ‘Oh yes I am a beautiful baby, I really am a wonderful child. Before I even started, to go to kindergarten, I drove all the little boys wild!’” This early performance was the start of what would grow to bigger and bigger venues, as Cynthia explains, “Being on the stage with the lights and the costumes was a little scary at first, but I remember having so much fun dancing that eventually you forget all about the people watching you. Now I live to perform for people, and seeing smiles on the fans’ faces and enjoying our routines is what makes my heart smile at each game.”

But Cynthia is not just using artistic talents, as she pursues science as her field of study, and soon will be teaching science to others. After high school, Cynthia moved from Maryland to Rock Hill, South Carolina to attend college. “I am in my last year of graduate school at Winthrop University studying secondary education,” as Cynthia throws in a ‘woo hoo!’ that her own school days are winding down. “I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology, also from Winthrop University. I will be doing my student teaching in the spring and I once I graduate, I will be certified to teach in South Carolina. I am hoping to get a job in a great school district where I can teach either Biology or Chemistry. I want to share my passion of science with students and inspire them to strive for success.”

And any school district will be lucky to have Cynthia, who like Queen Charlotte, values education. “As a graduate student, and future teacher, I strongly believe that education is the key to success,” Cynthia explains. “A great education can open doors for you and provide endless possibilities. My parents always stressed to me the value of education and how it could help me achieve my dreams. As a future educator, I hope to promote this value within my own students and help them realize the importance of education.”

So it is natural that despite the demands of graduate school, Cynthia found time to pursue her own dreams of dancing on the sidelines of the biggest stadium in town. However, there was some drama along the way, first due to a moving age target. “Becoming an NFL cheerleader has always been a dream of mine,” Cynthia says. “I have always loved football and the NFL, and then add my passion for dance, and it’s a no-brainer. When I moved down to the Carolinas, I knew I just had to try out for the TopCats. I have a late birthday, so when I moved I was only 17 and not old enough to try out. I made plans to try out for the next year. Unfortunately the next year the age requirement was moved from 18 to 21 years of age. I was absolutely crushed! But I never gave up. When I turned 21, I tried out for the TopCats.”

The step by step try-out process, and some technology issues, provided their own drama, as Cynthia shares, “I did not know anyone else trying out, and I did not know what to expect, so I went to the Audition Clinic that the TopCats hold every year. Here I met a few friends and learned about what it would be like. When tryouts came I was terrified. The TopCats were all so gorgeous, talented and extremely welcoming. I wanted so badly to be a part of that and become one of those fabulous TopCats. Round by round I made it through. Semi-final auditions came, and I got partnered with a TopCat legend, DeAnna Platt, and thought there was no way I could make it standing next to her. But I did! Then came the finals round. They announce the squad via email the following morning around 10 or 11 am. Of course I couldn’t sleep and I get up way too early. The only thing on my mind was refresh, refresh, refresh, hoping that they might send the email early. It finally comes, I open it, but my computer had some crazy virus, and I couldn’t see any of the names! I frantically call my mom and get her to check it. She starts reading all the names and I’m thinking, ‘Who cares, just tell me if I made it!’ And I did! I couldn’t believe that I was going to be a part of this amazing organization and that my dream was really coming true.”

In her third season, Cynthia describes her favorite parts of being on the TopCats, as “I absolutely LOVE player tunnel. No one has won or lost, and you can feel the excitement in the air. Cannons go off, the drum line is there, fans are cheering, and then you hear ‘Who’s in the House?!’ Nothing beats that moment of strutting out to that music and being a part of the Panther family.”

Cynthia is close to the action on gamedays, but luckily not TOO close. “The action does come our way sometimes, Cynthia says. “I have seen many a photographer get hit by player. Our very own photographer got hit badly one game, although he is okay now. We know that since we are so close to the action we have to keep an eye on the ball and the players, and make sure that we get out of the way!”

Cynthia now is one of the sideline captains as her TopCat career progresses, and she appreciates the opportunity. “It’s an honor to be a captain on this team,” Cynthia comments. “Every single woman on the team is amazing and I feel so blessed to be a part of it. Leading the team means more responsibility but I am more than happy to be there for my team. It’s now my job to pass down the traditions and legacy of the TopCats. The season goes by so quickly. We always tell the rookies to take in every moment in. Remember your first player tunnel, the first time your foot hits field, your first Panthers win, et cetera. This is our dream and we’re living it so it’s important to really absorb everything around you and take it to heart.”

And with new quarterback Cam Newton jumping onto the scene, there is a lot more to cheer about for the TopCats and Panthers fans. “We did not win to many games my first two seasons,” recalls Cynthia. “I can definitely see a difference in the fans with Cam as our quarterback. The fans are staying around longer, cheering louder, and much more spirited. Fortunately, this makes our job much easier, so thanks Cam! I think fans are beginning to realize the tremendous potential of our team and are excited to see what that means for our future. I know many of them, myself included, are anxiously awaiting another trip to the Super Bowl.”

But off the field, like Queen Charlotte herself, Cynthia makes a difference for the community. “We touch so many lives as TopCats,” explains Cynthia. “I love every minute of serving my community and giving back to others. We have been to military bases, homeless shelters, hospitals, animal shelters, and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.”

But one of Cynthia’s special moments to help someone was actually on the field. “Most recently, however, we met a young girl who has forever changed my life,” Cynthia shares. “Her name is Isabella and she was granted her wish to become a TopCat through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This little girl had a smile that could light up the whole room. She was so inspiring to all of us and taught us what bravery, courage, and love is really all about. Isabella has definitely become the highlight of my TopCat experience.”

So, if Cynthia could be queen for a day, how would she use the powers of her position? “If I had the power of royalty, I would say free Panther tickets for everyone!” laughs Cynthia. “In actuality, I would want to give to those in need. Whether it be a smile, a meal, or a monetary amount, I would try to give what I could to as many as I could. I would also encourage others to do the same and show the country how friendly and charming Charlotte could be.”

Currently residing in Charlotte, when asked about her favorites things to do in her current home town, Cynthia naturally responds, “Going to Panther games of course! I love to be in uptown Charlotte and take in all the beauty of the city. I love to walk my around, cup of Starbucks in hand, and enjoy all that uptown has to offer. The epicenter is a definite highlight of Charlotte and a great place to spend time with friends. When it’s warm, I love to enjoy summer days out on Lake Norman.” Does Cynthia prefer the mountains of Asheville or the beaches of the coast for a local getaway? “When it comes to mountains versus beach, I’d say it has to depend on the season, Cynthia answers. “In the summer, I love to go to the beach especially for the Fourth of July. But I also love to go up to the mountains and enjoy the fall foliage.”

With her own days of being a student winding down and a career in front of the classroom ahead of her, Cynthia certainly is at a new stage as she travels through life. And if Queen Charlotte could travel via the Back to the Future DeLorean DMC-12 to see the city named for her, it would be quite a change from her era, but she would find young women like Cynthia both living their dreams yet still focused on making the dreams of others come true. From dancing on the sidelines to making Isabella feel like a queen, Cynthia exemplifies the TopCats she admired during her first try-outs: gorgeous, talented and extremely welcoming.

We thank Cynthia for sharing her journey with us, and also thanks so much to the wonderful Richelle Grant and Tina Becker of the TopCats organization for coordinating this interview.

Here are a couple (or 73) photos of Cynthia during the October 30th home game. Left click on each photo once to see the entire photo, then left click on that image to see full size photos: