Workspace: Christy Stechman Zynda, Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleading Program Manager

By Max Marbut
Jacksonville Daily Record

In many ways, being an NFL cheerleader is like being an NFL player. There’s an intense selection process and if you’re one of the chosen few, it boils down to hours of practice and preparation.

For the players, it all comes down to game day. For the cheerleaders, there’s that plus being what Christy Stechman Zynda, the Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleading program manager calls “being an ambassador for the team and for the community.”

She was a member of The Roar from 1998-2000, and then became assistant manager for three seasons before taking over as manager in 2004.

It’s a year-round job with many facets, Stechman Zynda said.

She’s the choreographer, music editor, costume designer and the stylist and producer of The Roar’s annual calendar. Plus, she schedules an extensive calendar of activities in the community for the squad.

In addition to performing at Jaguars home games, members of the squad make about 500 personal appearances each year.

Most are in North Florida, and about half of the appearances are for the benefit of area nonprofit organizations. The Roar also helps the Armed Forces Entertainment program that travels all over the world.

“Whenever they call, we go,” said Stechman Zynda.

Auditions for The Roar begin in March and the new 32-member squad debuts during the NFL draft in April.

After that, it’s practice and rehearsals while the players are in training camp and everyone prepares for opening day.

The Roar’s season always lasts well past the end of the year. Members participate in the Senior Bowl and often are invited to the Super Bowl.

The Roar members practice three times each week during the season, in addition to having full-time careers or being full-time students with part-time jobs.

“It’s a big commitment, but it’s very rewarding,” Stechman Zynda said.

She said what makes this season different is that the candidates who auditioned for the 2011 squad don’t remember a time when the Jaguars weren’t Jacksonville’s NFL team.

“All the women grew up taking tap, jazz and ballet. They tell us all they’ve ever wanted to do is be a member of The Roar. This is taking it to the next level,” said Stechman Zynda.

“We never really realized how much we have done until we look back at the end of the year. It’s a big program. We’re always getting ready for something,” she said.

Stechman Zynda said fans can follow The Roar on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheROARoftheJaguars.