Meet the 2013 Charger Girls
Ricky Henne
Managing Editor
Chargers.com
April 12, 2013
Photo Gallery: Charger Girl Final Auditions
Video: Finals
With the talent level constantly increasing, the competition for the coveted roster spots keeps getting harder and harder year after year.
“It gets more difficult each year because we keep raising the bar,” said Charger Girls Director Lisa Simmons. “The talent is extraordinary. The beauty is extraordinary. There are so many incredible women, and because of that it becomes difficult. We’re looking for the complete package when making our decision. It’s all about talent and performance and entertainment. Were we entertained and intrigued by what she showed us? If she was, she scored extremely high.”
Simmons and the entire judging panel believe they found that “complete package” and are thrilled with the makeup of the 2013 Charger Girls.
“Every single girl that made the team this year is extremely talented,” she continued. “We want to do the best job we can do in putting together a team that’s diverse and will work together as a cohesive unit. We need a great team all around, so it’s difficult to make those choices, so we took quite a bit of time to deliberate tonight. But we’re confident that we put together the best possible team of 28.”
One of those 28 is Meredith, who is returning for her second straight season as a Charger Girl. For her, auditioning this time around was far more nerve-wracking than a year ago as she knows what she’d be missing had she not made the team.
“Last year I didn’t know what to expect, but now that I know what I had to lose, it was my scariest experience ever because I wanted to be on the team so badly,” she said. “Getting to dance in front of thousands of fans, be an ambassador for the Chargers organization and being out there in the community, it changes your life for the better.”
Including Meredith, there are 17 returning members while there are 11 newcomers, including Karissa. The newest Charger Girl represents the dedication, passion and work ethic that epitomize the dance team.
“This is my fourth time auditioning,” she said. “This is what I wanted. I have the perseverance and dedication to be on this team. I know the ins and outs of it. There was no way I wasn’t going to come back and try again. I’m still in shock. It’s so surreal right now. My hands are shaking I can’t get it under control. Hearing my number was like fireworks going off. It’s the best thing I could ever hear. I worked so hard for this. I woke up at 6:00am every morning Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to practice and make sure my choreography was on point. It was all worth it!”
Another newcomer to the Charger Girls is Nicole, but she’s no stranger to dancing for an NFL team. She was a member of the Seattle Seahawks dance team for three years, but decided to move to San Diego to audition for the Charger Girls. The decision paid off.
“This audition more than other ones I’ve been in had so much more talent that it was intimidating,” she said. “The women are stunning, well-rounded dancers, so I was on edge all night. I still feel like my number hasn’t been called. I’m trying to soak it all in. I’m so excited. I can’t wait to meet all the girls. They seem like such a family with great bonds.”
The Charger Girls play an important role for the organization, representing them on the field as well as out in the community. Thus, each and every one of the 28 members is expected to excel as ambassadors not only for the team, but for the entire city of San Diego. If Thursday night’s announcement is any indication, it appears they will do just that.
