Titan cheerleaders reach out while in South Walton

By Kristiana Scott
Walton Sun
May 28, 2014

Behind the blue and white uniforms, the Tennessee Titans cheerleaders are women with impressive resumes. Kiara Y., a two-year veteran with the Tennessee Titans, recently graduated with a master’s degree in public health and plans to begin med school next fall.

“Being a pro-cheerleader was a lifelong dream of mine,” Kiara said. “But it wasn’t my only dream. And I want girls to know that if they work hard enough and follow their dreams, anything is possible.”

Kiara and three of her teammates took time out of their busy schedule to share their stories with the Emerald Coast Middle School ’s cheerleading team May 21. The Titans cheerleaders are in town shooting their swimsuit calendar, but say they always make time for a little community outreach.

“Giving back to the community is my favorite part of this job,” said Tandra C., seven-year Titan’s cheerleader. “We get to be a role model for these girls. We get to show them we were just like them and if they work hard enough, they can do anything they want.”

During their visit, the ECMS cheerleading team performed a routine for the Titans cheerleaders, and then learned some moves from the professionals.

“My favorite part was learning the dance,” said Ella Losee, 7th grader at ECMS. “It was awesome, kinda hard but really cool.”

The Titans cheerleaders also had the opportunity to tell the girls a little about themselves and how they, too, can “have it all.”

“If you follow your dreams and go for it, anything is possible,” Tandra said. “Just never give up — never lose that passion or dedication to go after what you want.”

And although they admitted that being a Titans cheerleader is “challenging” at times and requires “very good time-management,” they wouldn’t change a thing.

“It’s a dream come true,” Kiara said. “Being a pro-cheerleader and having the opportunity to reach out to younger girls like this… it’s an amazing experience.”