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](http://www.embarque.com/)

Hey Colts fans! My name is Megan, and I am thrilled to be your Cheerleader of the Week and share with you a little about myself.

I am honored to say that this is my first year as an Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader, and I am privileged to be a part of the Indianapolis Colts organization and Colts Nation! I truly love being a 'Sweetheart of the Horseshoe' and to have the opportunity to cheer on our boys in blue!

I began dancing when I was three years old, and it has been one of my biggest passions since day one.  I have been a dancer for The Indiana Youth Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, and The Crown Point Dance team, along with other teams and studios. Being trained in all disciplines of dance has allowed me to learn so much throughout the years.

Aside from being a Colts Cheerleader, I have a very busy schedule. I am a full time college student studying Speech Language Pathology. I love children, and I hope to one day be able to help change their lives with my future career. I also work at The YMCA in the Child Care Program, where I coach for the dance and cheer programs and work in child watch. I love going to work because if I am having a bad day, the kids always seem to turn my day around. I also get to share something I love and am passionate about with the younger girls.

With my very busy schedule, if there is any free time, I am usually studying, crafting, or traveling home to spend time with my family and friends. I love crafting because I get to decorate my apartment with DIY Pinterest ideas!

I would like to thank my family and friends for all of your love and encouragement throughout my journey! I would not have achieved the things in my life so far if it wasn't for you. I would also like to thank all of the amazing Colts fans out there! My experience as an NFL cheerleader would not be the same without you all. I am very excited to continue cheering for the best team in the NFL with you!

You're our first rookie Cheerleader of the Week! What is something about the rookie class that not everyone knows about the Colts Cheerleaders?

Being a rookie on the team can be stressful at times, but the vets are always there to help us. The first year on the team is a year to learn the ropes and soak it all in. The rookie class still attends as many appearances as the vets, learn all of the same choreography, and work just as hard as the rest of the team. Getting used to everything and learning the ropes is very exciting for us because it seems like there is always something new to learn! And soaking it all in is the best part! There are so many opportunities that we are blessed with that I would never have thought would be possible for me.

Why did you decide to audition for the Colts Cheerleaders?

Dance has always been a huge passion of mine and always will be. During my senior year in high school, my dance team was at state finals, and I pulled my hamstring during our first routine. At that time, I thought my dancing days were over. I had taken two years off and missed dance so much. Not knowing what I was still capable of after two years off, my heart found its way back to dance when I auditioned for the team. And I thank god for that! I have always loved to perform for others and work hard for something that I am passionate about, and being a Colts Cheerleader gives me an amazing opportunity to do that.

What are you doing in your free time when you are not cheering?

I am usually spending time with my family, friends, and boyfriend. I love to travel home to Crown Point when I have a few days off and am able to spend it with those who mean the most to me. When I haven't been able to visit home for a while, it always feels good to return to the comfort of just being home and to have a break from everything. Being three hours away, it can get a little hard at times when you don't get to see your friends and family for a while.

As a junior at Ball State, what is your favorite thing about the university?

My favorite thing about Ball State is the campus. When I went on my first visit, I fell in love immediately, it's not too big and not to small, it is like the perfect size! My favorite time of year to be on campus is in the fall, which is also my favorite season, or in the winter. I think that the campus looks beautiful with all the different color leaves and when there is snow falling.

You performed with the Joffrey Ballet before the Colts Cheerleaders! How long were you there, what did you do, and what was that experience like?

I had the opportunity to dance with the Joffrey Ballet for two years. I was casted for their production of "The Nutcracker." My first year I was a soldier during the mouse battle scene, and my second year I was a little girl in the party scene. It was truly an amazing experience for me at that age. It being the beginning of my dance journey, I had the opportunity to work with professional ballerinas who I wanted to be like one day. It opened my eyes and showed me that whatever goals you set out for yourself, you can reach them if you work hard towards them.