By Marianne Kelly
Times Online
Vodafone Warriors cheerleader Danielle Miller has beaten her Aussie counterparts to claim the title of NRL Cheergirl of the Year.
The student teacher from Howick is the first person outside New South Wales and ACT to claim the crown.
“On my list of 100 things to do before I die was to one day have an article about me published somewhere,” says Danielle.
Her dream came true with an article and picture published on the NRL round 26 cover of Big League magazine.
She also receives an A$2000 leisure and adventure voucher from www.godo.com.au
“The Warriors are stoked. The girls in the [cheerleader] squad are excited and all the fans on the Vodafone One Tribe supporters’ website have been really behind me.
“So many people have backed me. Many of them saw the Times article and the voting was overwhelming. Now I want to do something to thank all the people who voted.”
Celebration plans included going out to dinner with her family and sharing her excitement with the Bendon Man Cheerleaders after the Warriors’ final home match on Saturday night against the Melbourne Storm.
[Vodafone Warriors Cheer Team]
By Christopher Hurley
The Stoneham Sun
The third time was the charm for Jen Grossi.
After narrowly missing out on her two previous attempts, the Stoneham resident and former Melrose Pop Warner Cheerleader was finally selected as one of the newest members of the New England Patriot Cheerleaders, March 17.
Grossi is one of the youngest members of the 29-woman squad. She joins 19 other rookies, chosen from a field of more than 300 hopefuls, who first began auditioning for the team back in February.
The Main Street resident will now spend her weekends on the sidelines in Foxborough, cheering on Tom Brady, Randy Moss and the rest of the New England Patriots in front of more than 68,000 screaming football fans at Gillette Stadium.
“Honestly, it’s amazing,” said Grossi, who was named to the team on her 21st birthday. “I’m still in shock about making the team. I can’t even believe it right now, but I love it.”
Grossi already got a chance to introduce herself to the Foxborough faithful during an exhibition game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Aug. 20. It was an experience that she won’t soon forget.
“At first I was really nervous,” said Grossi, who cheered on the Pats in a close 7-6 loss. “Right before we went out on the field I was shaking so much that I honestly wanted to turn around and run home, but once I got out on the field I felt like I’ve been doing it for so long. Everything kind of sank in and it was amazing.”
If anything, it only whetted her appetite for the Patriots regular season opener against the Buffalo Bills, on Monday Night Football, Sept. 14.
From Pop Warner to the NFL
A lifelong performer, Grossi studied dance for 12 years. She first picked up the pom-poms at the age of eight. Since her hometown didn’t have a Pop Warner Program, Grossi joined the Melrose Pop Warner Cheerleaders for two years. She headed back to Stoneham High where she cheered all four-years for the Spartans, serving as team captain her senior year.
Grossi’s local ties were firmly embedded in her hometown, working at the Boys & Girls Club in Stoneham for seven years.
After graduating in 2006, Grossi continued her education at Southern New Hampshire University, cheering for three more years and serving as team captain last season.
A three-year business major, Grossi felt trying out for the Pats was the next logical step in her career. But success didn’t come easily.
Grossi initially tried out for the Patriot Cheerleaders in 2007, but was among the first cut from the team. She returned the following year, making it all the way to the finals, before becoming one of the last girls cut from the squad.
“Luckily my third year I did it,” she said.
Once again, Grossi found herself competing against 300 other girls all vying for a spot on the team. The group was put through a rigorous 12-hour audition process on Day 1. This included a dancing segment, with each girl learning and performing choreography, high kicks and splits.
After making the initial cut, Grossi returned for the second round, competing in a swimsuit competition, taking part in a personal interview session and getting quizzed on football trivia.
By the third round, 55 women were selected to compete with the Patriots Cheerleader returning veterans in a two-week training camp, culminating with the final round of cuts on St. Patrick’s Day.
It was an all-to-familiar scenario for Grossi, who endured a similar wave of test the past two seasons, with one exception — she was one of the first girls selected for this year’s squad.
Are you ready for some football?
“I was completely shocked, because I didn’t make it last year and I went through the exact same thing,” Grossi said. “But I figured that if they had put me through to the finals for the second time, they were looking to see where I improved and how much progress I made. So I was really anxious, but excited too because I felt like they put me through it for a reason.
“I was one of the first names announced;” she added. “It was such a relief because I didn’t want to have to go though all that again.”
Her family was equally delighted with the news.
“I think my dad was more excited than I was,” said Grossi. “He’s been rooting for me since the very beginning. He’s my biggest fan. My whole family was happy for me. They’ve seen me go though it for three years.”
In April, Grossi traveled to Aruba with her team to shoot the New England Patriot’s Cheerleaders annual swimsuit calendar, spending 10 days in the tropical paradise. Not a bad gig, for someone who hasn’t ventured out of New England.
“I have never been out of the country,” she admitted. “I’ve never even been to another state before, so it was wonderful. It was such a great week. All the girls bonded. Going on the trip gave everyone a chance to get to know each other. It made the transition into the season so much smoother. It was really fun too.”
The rookie feels it’s only the beginning of what should be a very memorable campaign.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Pats make it back to the Super Bowl again,” Grossi said. “I’m looking forward to an exciting year.”
I know the P-R-O Convention was back in June. I ran into a little technical difficulties with the last batches of photos, but it’s all fixed now. Coming up later this week the Wizard Girls, the Charlotte Lady Cats and a final look back. But in the meantime, it’s the Houston Texans Cheerleaders!
This is Megan, a rookie NFL Cheerleader. But Megan’s no rookie when it comes to the world of professional cheerleading. She’s been an NBA San Antonio Spurs Silver Dancer and an AFL Austin Lady Wrangler. Most recently, she was an NBA Houston Rockets Power Dancer.
She’s on stage receiving a rose and recognition for the marvelous article she wrote about her journey from the NBA to NFL for Sideline Distractions Magazine.
[Texans Cheerleaders at AllPro3]
This week the Jets Flight Crew is featured at Maxim.com
Thanks to readers Rick and Kevin who sent us photos of the Carolina TopCats:
Once again thanks to Reader Kevin. This time Kevin was in Nashville and he sent us a few photos of the Titans Cheerleaders.
[Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders]
By Steve Mazzucchi
Esquire
For the past six years, Amy Mecca has been bringing Philadelphia Eagles fans to their feet, waving her pom-poms in front of 75,000 people as part of their cheerleader squad. But Mecca — and many of her fellow NFL cheerleaders — are more than just beautiful women. They’re beautiful women with untapped reservoirs of football knowledge, blessed with inside access to the teams and players, not to mention one of the best seats in the house come gameday.
In this debut edition of Monday Morning Cheerleader (which will run here, and occasionally on Tuesdays when there’s a compelling Monday Night Football game), we talked to Mecca about Michael Vick’s debut with the team (“I think he’s just looking to prove himself to the rest of the league.”), how the loss of Brian Dawkins will impact the Eagles vaunted D, and what her end zone move would be (“Some kind of booty-shake move. Everyone loves a good booty shake. I’d put Ochocinco to shame.”).
ESQUIRE: Before we get down to the football talk, set us straight: What’s the single biggest misconception people have about NFL cheerleaders?
AMY MECCA: People think that all we do is cheer, but I’m a full-time OR nurse specializing in orthopedic surgery — rotator cuffs, shoulder replacements. I’m in surgery from 7 A.M. until the day is over, sometimes 11 P.M. I’m up to my elbows in blood every day.
ESQ: You must have an interesting perspective on player injuries.
AM: I have a bit more of an understanding. I actually work with two of the Eagles team physicians. A few years ago, [offensive lineman] Todd Herremans had a meniscus tear, and I assisted in his surgery. So I’m an Eagles supporter in more ways than one.
ESQ: Okay, football time. With the loss of Brian Dawkins, the heart and soul of the Eagles D, along with starting linebacker Stewart Bradley, seems like the Eagles have some holes to fill. Your analysis?
AM: Dawkins was one of the most emotional players on the team — he got everybody fired up, so it’s sad to see him not wearing an Eagles jersey. But it gives other defenders a chance to step into that role. Bradley’s season-ending injury was terrible, but now we’ve got a nice battle for the middle linebacker position. Joe Mays is doing great, and Omar Gaither is also really talented. Somehow, we always get hot at the right time. I’m excited.
ESQ: Which Eagles draft pick should we keep an eye on this year?
AM: Jeremy Maclin. With the ball in his hands, he is dynamite. Once he gets acclimated to the offense, I think he’s going to be great. Rookie receiver Brandon Gibson has had some pretty good games in the preseason so far. Between DeSean Jackson and Maclin, plus the veterans Hank Baskett, Reggie Brown, and Kevin Curtis, McNabb has plenty of options.
ESQ: Who needs to have a good season for the Eagles to play in February?
AM: Definitely Westbrook. He’s one of the most electrifying running backs. Once he’s healthy, he’s going to be crucial. McNabb, obviously. With McNabb, Westbrook, Jackson, our offense is going to be really good.
ESQ: What was your first thought when you heard the Eagles signed Michael Vick?
AM: When I first heard, I was shocked, but excited. He’s such a talented athlete, such a playmaker. To have McNabb and Vick playing together, other teams’ defensive coordinators are not going to have a clue. I see him having a big impact. Our offensive coordinator is so excited about all the things they’ll be able to do. He can’t contain himself. It will be interesting to see how they use him — in the wildcat or as a running back. I can’t wait to see it all go down.
ESQ: What was it like being on the field the first time Vick played as an Eagle?
AM: When I first came out, I thought, “Oh my gosh, the stadium is packed for a Thursday night preseason game.” Everybody was excited. The reaction from the crowd was insane. It was kind of surreal. You could see how pleased Vick was. He had a huge smile on his face. It was a good feeling, to get such a great reaction from the fans.
ESQ: What takeaways do you have from his first game?
AM: I don’t think you can make too many judgments right now. It’s preseason, kind of the time to test out different things. I think it’s going to be shown in the regular season what we can really do having McNabb and Vick at the same time. This was about getting him back into the game. For all these ESPN guys to make predictions, I think it’s kind of far-fetched right now. Commentators just need something to talk about. We’ll see in the regular season.
[Amy at PhiladelphiaEagles.com]
Thanks to Reader Kevin who was at the Patriot-Redskins game last week and sent us a few photos of the Redskins Cheerleaders
[Washington Redskins Cheerleaders]
Yes, I am terribly behind. I was a the Eagles pre-season game against the Jaguars last month(!) and just getting around to posting the photos now.
Okay, let’s meet the Eagles Cheerleaders Captains:
Amy is a 6-year veteran and was the squad’s 2009 Pro Bowl Rep. She’s a graduate of Drexel University and an Operating Room Nurse.
Amanda B. is a four-year veteran and will receive her BS in Criminal Justice at the end of the year.
Five-year veteran Krystle was the Eagles Cheerleaders 2008 Pro Bowl Rep. She’s a graduate of West Chester University and a second-grade teacher.
Jennifer is a five year-veteran of the squad. She’s a graduate of LaSalle University and works as a Financial Data Systems Analyst for the Department of Defense.
And the game was the first chance for me to see a few friends of the blog on the field as Eagles Cheerleaders:
Cheryl is a former Philadelphia Soulmate.
Amanda C. was a Baltimore Blast Cheerleader for the 2008-09 season.
Erica is another former Philadelphia Soulmate.
More photos here.
[Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders]
The Syracuse Crunch announced today that they will be holding open auditions for the Quickway Ice Girls, the club’s official promotional team. The tryouts will take place on Sunday, September 27 from 11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Syracuse Renaissance Hotel Convention Center, located at 701 E Genesee St.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to audition. Interested candidates will be asked to sit with judges for a brief interview to showcase their personality. In addition, the hopefuls will be taught a short routine which they will be asked to perform.
All performers must wear form-fitting clothing in good taste and sneakers or dance shoes. No jewelry except engagement/wedding rings are to be worn. Make-up and hair must be performance ready.
The Crunch seek outgoing, friendly, physically fit girls to make up this year’s Quickway Ice Girls team, as they play a key role in enhancing the experience of Crunch home games by assisting with on and off-ice promotions and fan interaction.
