Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleader to lead EK Miners Dance Team

East Kentucky Media|CINCINNATI – An NFL cheerleader will lead the East Kentucky Diamond Girls as the dance team’s choreographer. Letcher County native Sarah Gilliam – a member of the Cincinnati BenGals dance team – has been named Diamond Girls choreographer. East Kentucky Miners President of Basketball Operations/Head Coach Kevin Keathley has officially announced Gilliam’s hiring. Gilliam is nearing her first season as a member of the Cincinnati BenGals dance team. A two-year member of the Diamond Girls (official dance team of the East Kentucky), Gilliam welcomed the opportunity to return to the East Kentucky professional basketball franchise for a third season.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the East Kentucky Diamond Girls out of a choreographer role,” Gilliam said. “It’s a great opportunity and I look forward to having the chance to return to the organization.”

Gilliam made the cut with the BenGals dance team earlier in the year. Her tryouts with the Cincinnati squad started in April and ran into early-May.

“We are so proud of what Sarah has been able to accomplish,” Keathley said. “To earn a spot on the Bengals dance team says a lot about her ability and passion for performing and entertaining fans. We as an organization welcome the opportunity to have Sarah back with the East Kentucky Miners dance team. She has proven over the last couple of years to be a professional in every sense of the word. I really appreciate her commitment to the Miners organization. We know Sarah’s role will be limited to some degree because of her new role with the Bengals. However, her expertise and input will be valued. Sarah is a great example for the youth of Eastern Kentucky.

She is proof that if you work hard enough and believe in yourself any dream is possible. She will be able to provide great leadership and mentoring to our new group of Diamond Girls. Sarah is a prime example of what this organization has been about – to give talented individuals the opportunity to hone the their skills in order to pursue their dreams at the highest level. Now, Sarah can come back and help make the next Diamond Girls’ dream come true.”

Tryouts for the East Kentucky Diamond Girls will be held during the second month of September. Gilliam will be present for the upcoming Diamond Girls tryouts. A date for the Diamond Girls tryouts is currently in the process of being finalized.