Meet Lauren: Colts Cheerleader of the Week

From Colts.com

My first year as a Sweetheart of the Horseshoe was in 2009 and I’m excited to be back on the team this year! I’ve had such great opportunities being part of this organization. I was able to travel to Miami for Super Bowl XLIV. Being in Florida the week before the big game was an experience I’ll never forget. I was also able to perform downtown when Super Bowl XLVI was in Indianapolis. That week was awesome and incredibly busy with appearances! I sang in front of thousands of fans on Georgia St. and performed on the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. This year, I traveled to Honduras with some of my teammates to perform for our military. We were able to zip line through the trees, site see, and perform two shows – all in less than 2 days! Another exciting trip I took this year was to Mexico for our calendar shoot. We had a blast being on the beach together.

I’m very thankful to have a strong support system off the field. My family and friends are so encouraging of me to reach my goals. My mom has been and always will be my #1 fan and I’m SO appreciative of everything she does for me. THANK YOU, MOMMA! She, as well as my mamaw and papaw, never miss a game! I’m lucky to have them in the stands cheering on their cheerleader! I also want to give a shout-out to my big sister and little brother, I love you! A big thank you to my Colts Cheer sisters. They are so motivating during practice, which makes it even more fun! They are sweet, talented, and smart and I’m proud of each of them!

I’m very grateful to be on the field again this year! Let’s make this year a great one, Colts fans! GO HORSE!

This past Sunday the Colts held their Breast Cancer Awareness game against the Jaguars. What part of this game stuck out to you most?
Sunday’s game was about so much more than football. It was truly inspiring to see the women in pink on the field knowing that they had fought or are currently fighting breast cancer. It brought tears to my eyes. I was able to meet a few of them before the game and talking with them was very humbling. My life has been forever changed by cancer so this game meant a lot to me. My mom and dad were both diagnosed with cancer. My dad went through numerous rounds of chemo and, sadly, passed away three years ago. Cancer has affected so many lives. It was wonderful to see Colts fans (and cheerleaders!) dressed in pink to bring awareness to breast cancer.

How long have you been dancing?
I have been dancing since I was three years old. I started at a dance studio on the south side of Indy called The Dance Refinery. I took dance there until I was a senior in high school. I trained in many styles of dance including tap, jazz, pointe, and ballet. Ciara and Natalie also took dance classes at TDR so it’s fun to be dancing with them again as Colts Cheerleaders. Ciara was actually my trio partner and now we are on the same squad! Aside from dancing, I also sing and have been in numerous musicals. At the age of nine, I toured in The Sound of Music across the US and Asia as Brigitta Von Trapp on the Broadway Tour!

Aside from being a Colts Cheerleader, you are a full time Emergency Department RN. What is your favorite and hardest part of this career?
I love working in the Emergency Department because each day is so different from the last. I have learned a lot working there the past year. I’m able to see and meet all types of people. One patient can come in with a sore throat and the next patient might need electrical cardioversion because of an irregular heartbeat! It’s all very exciting. I work from 7pm-7am so the hardest part of my job is the schedule! It can be rough after working a long night, sleeping only a couple of hours and then having to be ready and focused for practice. But all those hours of sleep lost is definitely worth it!

Your favorite dish to cook is…
My mamaw’s homemade banana bread. It’s a secret recipe and it is delicious!

What is your favorite song to dance to right now?
I went to the Taylor Swift concert a couple weeks ago when she was in Indy so right now I enjoy dancing to her 1989 album!