Gables resident chosen as Miami Dolphins’ cheerleader

By Ana I. Herrera / Staff Writer
Gables Homepage
June 14, 2011

To Lara Ryan, cheerleading is more than just dancing and looking cute.

A resident of Coral Gables, the 22-year-old was recently selected as one of the 42 young women making up the 2011-12 cheerleading squad of the Miami Dolphins.

“Cheerleading helps you be a more mature person, be organized, kind, work well with others, and be on time to everything,” said Ryan, adding that the best part about her job is getting to meet and serve the community.

Ryan was chosen among 76 women who competed in the final round. Approximately 300 applicants from different parts of the country had tried out in the preliminary competition.

Originally from Dallas, Ryan graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s in economics and minors in chemistry and psychology.

An only child, Ryan said not having brothers or sisters to show the way forced her to be very independent. She considers her main virtue to be honesty and said the person she admires the most is her mother, for her strength and perseverance.

A soccer player in her early school years, Ryan began her cheerleading career in middle school. She was also part of UM’s dance team.

“I feel so blessed to be given this opportunity,” said Ryan. “I’m truly grateful, so many girls seek this. What you learn from the choreographers and coaches is priceless.”

The Dolphins’ cheerleaders practice three to four times a week, for three to four hours each night. But their work is not limited to performing at games. Throughout the year, they participate in various charity events, parades and festivals.

“Lara was chosen not only because she is beautiful and talented, but because she possesses that special spark we look for when choosing the squad,” said Miami Dolphins staff assistant Katherine Milliken. “We look for ladies who are confident in themselves and who can bring a positive energy to the team.”

Milliken said that while the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders have transformed since their inception, the idea behind them has remained the same: to positively represent the diverse women of South Florida.

Ryan’s goals for the future include opening a studio where she can teach dance, as well as pursue a master’s in business administration.