How did you get to where you are now in the sports industry?
Coming from a Texas family, I was raised watching sports, and of course, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. My mother enrolled me in dance at a young age and I was immediately hooked. I took studio dance for years but also started trying out for cheer and dance teams as early as sixth grade. I was a cheerleader or dancer for my school's sports teams from that day forward. After high school, I made The University of Arizona Pom Line, as well as being accepted as a Dance Major, earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts. The first team I made professionally was the Phoenix Suns dance team. During my 6 seasons of dancing and choreographing for the Suns, I knew I wanted to coach an NBA dance team someday. While in Phoenix, I also continued to dance for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, The AFL's Arizona Rattlers, and the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. Then my dream of becoming an NBA dance team coach came true when I was hired as the Manager and Choreographer of Dance Teams for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Luckily, I walked into a three-year program that had been started by another former dancer. I continued to build an elite, professional program for the next decade. These young women were respected on the court for their high-level talent but also through the community of Oklahoma. Although bittersweet, I knew it was time to move on once the pandemic change the direction of our organization's view of live entertainment teams. I was very fortunate to be brought on as the role of Cast Director for the Vegas Golden Knights, where live entertainment teams and entertainment production is a staple of the VGK game day experience.
What is your role within the Foley Entertainment Group organization?
Cast Director. Director of all live entertainment and entertainment teams. I manage the overall look, training, and theme of our live entertainers with the assistance of coaches and entertainment production staff. Cast and entertainers are not only assets for game day but also necessary to fulfill needs for the majority of departments within VGK as brand ambassadors.
What is one of the greatest challenges of being a woman in sports?
Starting off as a dancer in sports, people often assumed that dancing was my only skill and the only quality I could offer to a sports team. I had to consistently prove that I wasn't a "dumb" cheerleader but instead, was educated, a business owner - holding down multiple jobs, as well as talented in a skill I spent a lifetime learning.
What are the most rewarding things about working in sports?
The experiences and friendships. I have had the opportunity to perform in packed arenas, see some of sports' most exciting games, entertain the best fans, witness all-star athletes in their prime, travel internationally, and most importantly; mentor young women to become the best versions of themselves both professionally and personally.
Any advice for other women trying to break into the sports world?
Put in the work and work harder than everyone else! You are not owed anything in life or in sports. You will have to exceed expectations to be noticed and appreciated, but it builds character and self-respect. Stay humble and always be kind to everyone.
