Think making it to the NFL is tough?
Try being a cheerleader for any NFL team.
Just within the last two months, the Miami Dolphins were all over the face of the globe searching for talent to make their cheerleading squad. The organization’s efforts led them on an unheralded and unique international trip that featured Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico looking for women for their new squad.
“Miami is the gateway to Latin America. This seemed like the true step for us to become a true international team. We’re excited to bring in these other cultures and mix them in with the girls who are already on the team and have a super diverse squad.”
– Dorie Grogan, Miami Dolphins Senior Director Entertainment and Brand Impact
After the international tryouts were held, the domestic tryouts for the team were held on April 23, in South Florida as over 300 women participated with passion in order to get into the hearts of judges so they could make the squad. Inside of the Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern, you saw the women gathered around practicing, dancing and smiling as they waited to see if they were given the opportunity to make the squad.
The women weren’t socializing too much because though they were all unified inside of the building, everyone knew what was on the line. These women might’ve looked very friendly and welcoming, but best believe that all of them knew that they would have to fight, and fight hard in order to make sure they got a spot.
Some of the participants such as Anais Roman knew how difficult it is to make the squad. It was her fifth time in the last five years attempting to make the squad. Thankfully for her, April 22, was the day that she finally broke-through.
“It makes the competition more fierce, but we’re fighting for a spot. We’re fighting to be in one of the most prestigious teams in the NFL and we’re here so we have to fight for it. If the girl next to me is dancing hard, I’m going to dance ten times harder. That’s only going to make me better.”
– Anais Roman
For those who were wondering about what would happen to the cheerleaders they fell in love with last year, don’t worry too much. The women who were selected last year and represented the Dolphins had to audition again in order to make the squad. The best part of the Dolphins auditions is that there are no favorites and that everyone who stepped foot inside of the training facility had an equal opportunity to make the squad. With the Dolphins are taking this type of cutthroat approach with their cheerleading squad, it shows they’re really serious about making an effort to find the best people for the position.
D’Joumbarey A. Moreau covers sports in Miami-Dade & Broward County. You can follow him on Twitter @DJoumbarey
