Hey all you Colts Fans! It might be getting a little cold out there, but I'm Brookelyn, here to warm you up as your Cheerleader of the Week!
This is my second season as a Sweetheart of the Horseshoe, and let me tell you, the second audition to make the team was almost scarier than the first! I feel absolutely blessed to have another year on this team with these amazing women. I'm extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such inspiring women week in and week out. There is no other group like the Colts Cheer family. I know I could go to any of my teammates for support and understanding. That is something I will never take for granted on this team!
Just this summer I moved in with three other cheerleaders! It has been a crazy ride and I love it. It's so nice to come home from a long day and be able to vent, laugh, and talk with my best friends. We all have such different work lives so sharing those experiences is always a good time. This year I am also coaching a high school varsity dance team. I work with them on dance technique, performance routines, and competition season is almost here. I love that dance is part of so much in my life; I definitely do not think I'll be able to give it up anytime soon.
I want to thank my family for always believing in me and always making sure I knew they were proud of my accomplishments. I also want to thank my best friend CC Cassia for convincing me to try out two years ago when I was so scared and unconfined in myself. And finally, a big thank you to the Colts Organization and our Colts Fans for treating the cheerleaders so well; I feel extremely appreciated and supported!
You were a rookie last year. Now being a veteran, how has this year been different for you?
This year is much different from last year! I feel much more relaxed and confident. As a rookie, everything is new and a little overwhelming. This year I have really enjoyed knowing what to expect at practices, games, and other events we do. Also this year I feel much closer to my teammates, of course we all have good relationships, but now I feel an even stronger connection with my team. This year is different because I finally understand and take to heart what our coach preaches often, "Dreams work when the team works." I now know what that truly means; put the team before yourself individually. I hope to continue being a veteran for a few more years!
Tell us how you spent your bye-week!
You would think bye-week would be a good break, but I feel like I was as busy as ever! From teacher meetings, to coaching dance team practice, to a Colts College Tailgate Tour at Hanover, to extra workouts, it went fast!! As weird as it sounds, I missed practice. I love seeing my best friends and catching up on their lives every Tuesday and Thursday.
You had a birthday last week. How did you celebrate?
My birthday was so great this year. My boyfriend took me to dinner at Ruth Christ; I felt so fancy! Also, my roommates, CC Sammie, Jessica, and Leslie Ann got me the cutest gifts. They found Cookie Monster pajama pants, and since my nickname is Cookie, it was a perfect fit.
Alongside being an English teacher, in 2014 you were named Purdue's Most Outstanding English Education senior. Is there a particular reason why you chose the English major?
I actually tried two other majors before I decided on teaching. As I went into college I thought about being a teacher, but with all the negativity surrounding the profession, I decided to try a few other things. But I soon realized that teaching was my passion. I picked English because the degree allows me to teach 6th grade to high school seniors; so many opportunities to move around in age groups. Also, I absolutely love reading. When I read I can put myself in the stories; and I feel the character's emotions. Reading has always been an engaging experience for me that I wanted to try to instill in students.
Your favorite appearance as an Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader has been...
My favorite appearance was dancing in Honduras on July 4th this last summer. We were there less than 48 hours, but it was a jam-packed blast. I fed off the crowd's energy, and they were super excited. I love performing, and this opportunity to travel out of the country and entertain fans was a once in a lifetime experience.
