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- You took a year off from professional cheerleading. Why did you decide to take off and what prompted your decision to try out again?
My decision to take off last season was made for me by school. I'm in nursing school, and I started my clinical rotations last year which took up a considerable amount of time. Now that I graduate in May, trying out this season was not even a question in my mind. I missed cheering last year, and I couldn't wait to cheer again this season.
2. What moments in your professional cheerleading career do you remember the most?
My most memorable games would have to be the Halloween games because we usually do a fun dance to a Halloween themed song in costumes. This year we are doing a special dance for breast cancer awareness and I'm really excited to be a part of it. Almost every game has a memorable moment for me, whether it is doing a dance or seeing someone in the stands, I make it a point to have fun every time I'm on the field.
- Describe a day in the life of Stefanie.
A typical day consists of school or work, followed by practice or going to the gym to run. If there is time between the two, I come home to see my dog or study. I'm hoping my days will be more exciting after I graduate, since I should have more free time to see my friends and family.
4. What style of dance describes you the most and why?
The style of dance that best describes me would be line dancing because it is simple, fun, and a little flirty. I am pretty easy to get along with and I love having a "girls' night" of going out and dancing when I have the chance.
5. There are 26 young ladies on the squad. How well do you all get along, and what characteristics do you feel make for a successful squad?
Everyone gets along great for the most part. Obviously some ladies have more in common than others do, but that is the great part of being on the squad. You have the chance to meet 26 other women that have come from all over, have great careers or are in school studying to have a career.
As far as characteristics that make for a great squad, one thing we all have in common is that we are all very driven. We all want to be the best in what we do and we support and care for each other. After a week break, we usually take the first few minutes of practice to go around and say what we did, and it is always interesting to hear because we all live such busy lives.
6. What do you do in your spare time?
I don't have much spare time, but when I do I just like catching up with my friends. Generally we just have a cook-out, we may watch a movie, or we occasionally go downtown.
7. Describe your most memorable game.
My most memorable game was actually this season at the Hall of Fame game. This game was the first time we had the chance to cheer at an away game, and we danced with the Buffalo Bills cheerleaders. The whole trip was memorable from the nine hour bus ride there and back to cheering at the game.
8. Who do you admire most in your life and why?
That is a tough question, and I know it might be cliché, but I admire my parents. They both have worked so hard to give my brother and me everything and they are always trying to help others whether they are family or not. They have always encouraged me to do my best in school and in dance; if it was not for them I would not be where I am today.
9. Making a professional cheerleading squad takes a lot of hard work. Describe what you believe it takes to prepare for tryouts.
The audition process is tough. To be prepared, you need to be in extremely fit condition, have confidence in yourself dancing on the stage, have a costume you feel great wearing, and most importantly, you need to have a great smile.
