Cheerleader Profile: Ladies of Ontario Fury Dancer McKenzie

This is McKenzie, a second year member of the Ladies of Ontario Fury. Let’s take a moment to get to know her.

Why did you become a professional cheerleader?

Performing has always been a huge passion of mine ever since I started dancing when I was 3 years old. As I grew older I began competing on my dance studios team, then moved onto cheerleading through high school, and then continued onto the collegiate level for two years. When the opportunity to audition for a professional team came across my path there was no doubt in my mind that I had to jump on the opportunity. Being a professional cheerleader for the past two years has been one of my biggest accomplishments. Being able to perform on the field and to be able give back to my community has been more than a dream come true.

What was your favorite experience as a professional cheerleader?

My favorite experience, hands down, has to be the very first time I stepped onto that turf, looked out into the crowd, and took a deep breath in. I remembering being able to hear my heart beating so loudly I could hear it in my ears. Seeing all of the fans, including my family, and hearing the roar of the crowd and our music still to this day gives me chills. That moment is something I will forever cherish.

What is your favorite dance move? What is your go to dance move?

Just one!? That’s not fair, I have so many! For me, my favorite dance move is anything that I can do a hair flip, shimmy, and shake. My go to dance move, technically speaking is a left high kick, but I can also do a pretty mean hand jive! ;D Ha ha.

What are the three words that describe you?

Adventurous, supportive, and courageous.

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

Something most people don’t know about me is that I am a huge gym junkie. I go to the gym 5-6 times a week. If I don’t go, I legit get sad. Lifting, cardio, yoga, I love it all! Challenging and pushing myself is definitely a hobby of mine. Before I go to bed I plan my workouts and it makes me excited to wake up in the morning.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Donuts and those cheesy wedding videos on Vimeo. They definitely make me cry but that’s when the donuts come to the rescue! Haha.

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

My family and friends! They’re my support system! They let my dreams run wild yet they keep me grounded. Without them I’d be lost. Oh and coffee! Without that I’m a grumpy zombie.

Facebook, Instagram or Twitter? Or some other app. What’s your favorite app?

Instagram, Instagram, INSTAGRAM! I love taking pictures, sharing pictures, and seeing other peoples pictures! I’m definitely that annoying girl that constantly asks to take pictures!

Who is the one person that inspires you the most?

My Grandpa. He is by far the most kind hearted person I have ever met. He would do anything to see his loved ones healthy, happy, and successful. I truly admire that and hope to by like him one day. Quite literally, if it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be able to be doing the things I’m doing today. Everything I do, I do for him, and to make him proud.

What is your motto to live by?

“Those who don’t jump will never fly.” I’m a huge believer in taking the risk, even if it scares you, you never know unless you try. It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. Sometimes you have to trust the unknown and take the chance.

What advice would you tell someone who aspires to become a professional cheerleader?

Never give up! It’s definitely a long and tricky road but it is 110% worth every bit of it. Set a goal, work hard every day, stay true to yourself, and just have fun! Pay no mind to the fear of failure, just keep doing your thing. Keep an open heart and a strong spirit. You’ve got to go out and fight for it. Nobody knows what you want except you, and nobody will be as sorry as you if you don’t get it. So don’t ever give up on your dreams.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Ten years? Oh man! I don’t even know what I want for dinner! Haha. In ten years I’ll hope to have my Bachelors and Masters in Communications. Maybe be working as an entertainment news anchor for E! News. I hope to be traveling the world or living in Dublin with my two future dogs. I hope to still be happy and healthy and I could never ask for more!

You can see McKenzie and the rest of the Ladies of Ontario Fury at their next home game on February 21st at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. For more information about the Ontario Fury, please visit their website here.

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