Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders: ‘Part-time job with Full-time Responsibilities’

By Tim Hawk
South Jersey Times

Standing in the north end tunnel waiting to walk onto Lincoln Financial Field for the first time, Philadelphia Eagles rookie cheerleader Pilar Martin, from Washington Township, was more excited than scared.

“A dream come true,” the 19-year-old La Salle University sophomore said. “One of the happiest moments of my life.”

But to be one of the 39 women ready to face 70,000 screaming fans on a sunny September day, it began with an audition process that stretched from March into May.

Six days after the final auditions, on Mother’s Day, many of the cheerleaders gathered for the first day of the trading card photo session at Lincoln Financial Field.

“Putting on the uniform for the first time, I was shaking,“ said rookie Alycia Guzman, a 21-year-old Rowan University junior from Deptford.

For the 14 rookies, that day was the beginning of a new way of life, juggling the responsibilities of family, school or a career, and cheerleading.

“You really have to be dedicated to the team to be on the squad,” said Alicia Marie Parks, a third-year veteran from Philadelphia.

That perseverance began in June, with 3-hour practices twice a week that continue through the end of the season. For some squad members, learning a new dance a week required additional work outside of scheduled practices.

You can’t help but smile when you are standing there and everyone is cheering.

“What we learn Tuesday and Wednesday, I’m usually practicing throughout the week,” said Deonna Baquero.

The second-year veteran from Marlton added that she had less formal dance training than many of the other women on the squad.

“There really were no off days for me,” said Guzman, who practiced wherever and whenever she could because she wanted to be perfect on the field. “We want to be the best for our fans.”

But being a cheerleader is much more than practice and performing during Philadelphia Eagles’ games. They make approximately 350 appearances a year that include community, charitable and civil appearances, as well as fan engagement activities and corporate events.

“It’s a part-time job with full-time responsibilities,” said Parks.

Gameday begins with a quick on-field practice several hours before kickoff. After a second, longer practice in the service level of the stadium, many cheerleaders visit season ticket holders and sign calendars. They also make their way through a few of the crowded tailgating lots, having their picture taken with fans every few minutes.

Just before taking the field, choreographer Suzy Zucker fires up the squad with a quick cheer. Moments later, they burst out of the tunnel to perform their pre-game dance routine.

“It’s a little nerve-wracking, but it’s really exciting too,” said Martin. “Being out there is incredible.”

One common reward shared among the cheerleaders is how being a part of the squad has helped them develop both personally and professionally.

“Being a cheerleader has forced me to have a confidence I never had before,” said Parks, who works for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, creating educational programs for students and teachers.

During the last home game of the season, with her family standing on the sidelines in awe at being so close to the players and the action, Parks remembered that she has the best seat in house. Her family had been brought down onto the field for the announcement that she was selected to represent the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders at the 2015 Pro Bowl in Arizona, and she realized that she had been taking all those things for granted.

“You can’t help but smile when you are standing there and everyone is cheering,” Parks said. “It’s just this beautiful moment.”