Alyson S.

Bengals Cheerleader

What advice do you have for an aspiring cheerleader?

If you want to become a cheerleader, get in classes or meet with a former cheerleader.  Work on cheer motions, dance moves, flexibility and confidence.  Cheerleading is a big commitment, so work hard, smile and most importantly have fun!
 

Who were your heroes growing up?

I have always admired my parents for their hard work in their careers and the love they have provided as a family.  I also admired great preformers like Madonna, Janet Jackson and Britney Spears because they were such strong dancers and wore glittery costumes.
 

What is the most difficult part about being a cheerleader?

Cheerleading is both mental and physical.  You have to be flexible and perform complicated routines while remembering the choreography and formations of where you are on the field.  

What do you do when you are not cheering?

I teach elementary school.  I love being in the classroom and advancing my students in their learning abilities.  I like to spend time with my family and friends.  I also like to go to concerts, Cincinnati Reds games, Broadway shows, all-star cheer and dance competitions, and theme parks.  I like to travel too. 

What was your favorite subject in school?  And why?

English/Language Arts.  I have a passion for writing and reading.

What is the most bizarre thing that has happened to you in a game?

During a Bengals game in 2008, Cincinnati had a windstorm.  We cheered through the windstorm.  We could barely stand up the wind was so powerful.  During this time the wind would collect debris on the field.  I saw a twenty dollar bill floating in the air.  It was something random to see on the Bengals field.

How did you get into cheerleading? Why cheerleading?

I tried out for my school team when I was eight years old.  I didn't make the team.  So, I enjoyed the thrill of working harder to get better.  I joined an all-star cheerleading gym and practiced hard.  The next year I made cheerleading.  I ended up cheering all the way through high school, then in college for the University of Cincinnati, and then for the Cincinnati Ben-gals.  Cheerleading is always an adventure.  I have cheered many events like, football, basketball (mens and womens), soccer, wrestling and volleyball.