Where is She Now? Devon Williams

Last weekend at Sideline Prep’s DMV Workshop I had a chance to catch up with former Wizard Girl Devon Williams.

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A three-year veteran of the Wizard Girls, Devon was a two-time captain, Wizard Girls Member of the Year in 2012, and the 2013 Wizard Girls MVP. She capped of her career by being the 1st Wizard Girl to have her uniform number retired.

Now Devon and her college friend and Syracuse University Dance Team teammate, Alanna Simpson, have started Fanciful Entertainment. Their company provides dancers for events and brands. They are growing quickly in the DC, MD, and VA area; and will be expanding to NYC very soon.

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And Devon could use your assistance. She’s been nominated for Radio One’s Top 30 Under 30 Award. So help her out and give her a vote!

[Fanciful Entertainment]

[Vote for Devon – Radio One: Top 30 Under 30]

Redskins cheerleader, Wizards dancer battles rare form of tumor

By Autria Godfrey
WJLA
September 4, 2014

LEESBURG, Va. (WJLA) – We’ve all heard about the success of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Now, a local woman is seeking to raise awareness for another cause, after a harrowing battle of her own.

Lindsey Murray had a life many young women only dream of—she was a Wizards dancer and then a Redskins cheerleader, all while maintaining a professional sales career. Then, she heard the words that changed it all.

“I was not expecting to hear the word ‘tumor’ and ‘chemo’ to come out of my specialist’s mouth,” Murray said. “To be honest, I was in a state of shock.”

Doctors told Murray not to worry about the lump she found in her breast, that it was just an enlarged rib or inflammation. She went undiagnosed for six months until, finally, an oncologist classified her grapefruit-sized lump as a desmoid tumor. It was benign but rare, aggressive and difficult for surgery.

“It’s typically seen in young patients, so most patients are actually fairly healthy with a good lifestyle,” said Dr. Alex Spira. “Nothing we know can cause this.”

Murray underwent five months of chemotherapy, only to discover the tumor had grown by 25 percent. Dr. Spira tried something new—nearly a year of an oral chemotherapy typically only given to liver and kidney cancer patients.

“At that point, every phone call I was getting from him was, ‘It’s growing a little bit,’” Murray said. “My phone rang and I was shaking. And he goes, ‘Lindsey, good news!’ And I literally just, like, fell to the ground.”

The tumor had shrunk by 82 percent, then 99 percent as of April. So grateful, Murray has joined a “Dizzy for Desmoids” Challenge, inspired by the success of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. She hopes to raise both awareness and funds for a cure, and has nominated the current Washington Redskins cheerleading squad to participate.

Because desmoid tumors often re-occur, Murray must now be closely monitored. But she says she wants to turn a negative into a positive and help others with the disease.

Murray’s dancing days aren’t over just yet—she’s just hung up the professional pom poms for now.

Washington Wizard Girls Auditions

Hopefuls on the court at Trinity University where the opening rounds of the Washington Wizard Girl Auditions took place.

Wizard Girls Manager Derric Whitfield

Wizard Girls Michelle and Michell are hanging up their poms after 4 seasons. They were on hand to help with the choreography.

Former Philadelphia Soulmate and Sixers Dancer, India was up at 3am for the drive down to DC.

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Wizard Girl Veterans…Oops.. .minus one!

Here’s WG Jalina who was missing from the group photo

 

Chimere is a former Charlotte Lady Cat

Kelly graduated with a degree in journalism from Hofstra and spent last year as a member of the NY Jets Flight Crew. She moved back to the DC area and is looking at going to grad school.

Catherine cheered for the University of South Carolina and the Baltimore Ravens

I thought Wizard Girl Amber had the best, hottest and most color-coordinated audition outfit

 

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The Wizard Girls Finals Showcase is this Monday (August 4th). Details here.

[Wizard Girl Audition Gallery]

[Vote for your favorite Wizard Girl Finalist]

2014 P-R-O Convention All Star: Washington Wizard Girl Emily

The Wizard Girls brought nearly their entire squad, which was quite an accomplishment because their season had ended and their auditions were upcoming soon (actually, they’re going on right now!). I guess that’s the problem with the NBA team and the P-R-O convention…the timing can be an issue.

But the Wizard Girls always make a splash and it doesn’t hurt their their director, Derric Whitfield, is one of the most popular instructors. That means great dance routines and their squad members always help out with the instruction. And one of Derric’s Wizard Girl instructions caught my eye for her beauty, dance ability and emotion. She is our next 2014 P-R-O Convention All Star and her name is Emily T.

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