Ultimate Cheerleaders

Lightning Girls Cap Another Fine Season

It was bitter sweet at the Lightning Girls’ final home contest this week. The game was sweet that a victory came against the rival Capitals on fan appreciation night and bitter that the season is shortened without a Playoff appearance. The Girls no longer sweep up the ice during intermissions but now spend more time and energy mingling with the fans throughout the Forum. The Lightning is a classy organization and these young ladies exemplify that class with their continuous inter-action with the fans and community. They probably pose for a thousand photos a night.

Lightning Girls pregame greeting of fans

Lightning Girls pregame greeting of fans

Megan S., a University of South Florida graduate, is captain this year and describes herself as outgoing, happy and spontaneous. I would add “good looking” to that description---her eyes are mesmerizing.

Megan S., a University of South Florida graduate, is captain this year and describes herself as outgoing, happy and spontaneous. I would add “good looking” to that description---her eyes are mesmerizing.

Crystal R. is an extremely busy young lady---during the day a demure Tampa area kindergarten teacher and at night an energetic dancer at some 40 hockey home games. Did I also mention that Crystal is an active and successful model appearing in numerous print ads, commercials and runway shows?

Crystal R. is an extremely busy young lady---during the day a demure Tampa area kindergarten teacher and at night an energetic dancer at some 40 hockey home games. Did I also mention that Crystal is an active and successful model appearing in numerous print ads, commercials and runway shows?

 Brooklyn (left) from Covington Georgia, aspires to teach history upon graduating from USF. Brooklyn loves “seeing a young fan smile and excited because of a simple hello or high five from me”.  Brooklyn, us old male fans smile too you know!

Brooklyn (left) from Covington Georgia, aspires to teach history upon graduating from USF. Brooklyn loves “seeing a young fan smile and excited because of a simple hello or high five from me”. Brooklyn, us old male fans smile too you know!

 Photogenic Courtney was a member of the “Rays Team” fan squad. Courtney’s poster size images from the Lightning marketing photo shoot done on the beaches of Tampa Bay are hung throughout the Forum. Glamour modeling should be in her future. Marissa is studying Biomedical Sciences at St. Petersburg College and hopes to have a career as an Orthodontist. Don’t sneak up behind Marissa or you may feel the wrath of her black belt in Tae-Kwan-Do. Desiree is enjoying her rookie season while meeting so many Bolts fans.

Photogenic Courtney was a member of the “Rays Team” fan squad. Courtney’s poster size images from the Lightning marketing photo shoot done on the beaches of Tampa Bay are hung throughout the Forum. Glamour modeling should be in her future. Marissa is studying Biomedical Sciences at St. Petersburg College and hopes to have a career as an Orthodontist. Don’t sneak up behind Marissa or you may feel the wrath of her black belt in Tae-Kwan-Do. Desiree is enjoying her rookie season while meeting so many Bolts fans.

Second season veteran Crystal F loves line-dancing to keep in shape.

Second season veteran Crystal F loves line-dancing to keep in shape.

22 year old Heather is in her second season as a Lightning Girl and she claims country music as her genre.

22 year old Heather is in her second season as a Lightning Girl and she claims country music as her genre.

Ever smiling Isabel is enjoying her second season while studying criminology at St. Pete College. Megan is another member of the fine rookie class.

Ever smiling Isabel is enjoying her second season while studying criminology at St. Pete College. Megan is another member of the fine rookie class.

 Lindsey is in her fourth season and considers the Bolts fans as the “best in the entire nation”. Lindsey uses swimming to relax and keep in shape.

Lindsey is in her fourth season and considers the Bolts fans as the “best in the entire nation”. Lindsey uses swimming to relax and keep in shape.

Golden tanned Tricia is completing her first year as a Lightning Girl and will be moving from the coolness of the Times Forum ice rink to the “ultra coolness” of being a NFL cheerleader. She will be cheering for the Bucs this fall.

Golden tanned Tricia is completing her first year as a Lightning Girl and will be moving from the coolness of the Times Forum ice rink to the “ultra coolness” of being a NFL cheerleader. She will be cheering for the Bucs this fall.

Brittany can’t live without family, friends, dogs, food and SPORTS—-you go girl!! Favorite movies: Mighty Ducks and Blindside. Favorite quote: “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” –Wayne Gretzky. Donna is a senior at St Leo University majoring in Biology/Chemistry pre-med. She played youth hockey.

Congrats to the Lightning Girls for another fine visual year. Maybe Stephen Superman can score 80 goals next season to get you back into the playoffs—enjoy your offseason.

[Lightning Girls Gallery]

[TB Lightning Girls]

About the Author

Jackson, Florida Correspondent