Endicott Grad Joins Patriots Cheerleaders
From WickedLocal.com
Endicott College Dance Team - Karen, Top Row, Far Left
The New England Patriots Cheerleaders recently announced their 2014 squad and Endicott alum Karen Link has been named to the roster.
Link, who graduated summa cum laude in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in hospitality, is one of just 11 rookies to join the 28 woman roster and was chosen following a rigorous audition process. The audition, which began in February, included preliminary and final auditions, interviews and a two-week boot camp that culminated in the roster being announced in early May.
“I’m so excited and honored to officially be a New England Patriots Cheerleader,” said Link. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was young to continue dancing post-college and I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to do what I love for a living. The fact that the stage is Gillette Stadium rooting for my favorite sports team is an extra plus!”
Under the guidance of Endicott dance coach and Coordinator of Dance Nicole Sao Pedro-Welch, Link competed with both the dance team and performed in the repertory ensemble classes while at Endicott and spoke highly of both her experience at Endicott and the tutelage of Pedro-Welch.
“I could not have gotten to where I am without continuing my dance education at Endicott College. Throughout my four years at Endicott I participated in the repertory ensemble classes and Endicott Dance Team, both under the direction of Nikki Sao Pedro-Welch,” she said. “I experienced a well-rounded growth in my abilities from the dance program which fully prepared me to dance professionally post-college. I can’t leave out the fact that some of my fondest memories from college were dance-related. I’m so grateful to Nikki for her direction, guidance, and friendship throughout my college career.”
Sao Pedro-Welch, who has guided the team to top a 10 national finish and to the top ranking in New England, is extremely happy and proud of her alum that has been able to achieve her goal of performing professionally.
“I am so happy for Karen because this is something she has wanted to do for a long time,” said Pedro-Welch. “Her talents, personality and beauty will truly shine on the field. I look forward to seeing her dance during the football season.”
The Patriots Cheerleading squad has already been busy getting right to work as they held the Junior Patriots Cheerleaders camp in May, helped host the Best Buddies: Tom Brady Football Challenge and traveled to Cancun, Mexico for the 2014 Patriots Cheerleading Squad calendar and video shoot, as well as various other charitable events.
