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Our first spotlight with our 2008 squad is Lindsey H., a six-year veteran and
line captain. Lindsey is a student and also works part time freelancing in public
relations and event planning.
This is your 6
th year on the squad and your first year as captain. What leadership qualities
do you think you will bring to the squad this year?
I want the ladies who are rookies and veterans of the squad to look to me for
guidance and understanding because they know that I have been through the same
situation. I would not critique someone without first giving her positive feedback
on what she is doing well. By voicing my opinion, it is not my intent to make
a team member feel bad about herself or get down, but instead, my goal is to enrich
their lives and help the ladies become a better NFL cheerleader. I have nothing
but respect and admiration for my previous captains, from whom I have learned
so much. I hope that when it is time for me to retire as a Titans Cheerleader,
my successors will have the same things to say about me.
Why did you decide to try out for the squad six years ago?
I was a senior in high school who had taken a year off from varsity cheerleading
and dance, but being a cheerleader was something that I missed. After knowing
that I was missing being a performer, my Mom and Dad mentioned to me about trying
out for the Titans. I thought, “why not?” I thought that if I made it to finals,
I would be very fortunate. There I was, 18 years old, thrust into the world of
NFL cheerleading. I had no idea what to expect, but all I can say is how honored
I was to be a part of such an incredible organization. All my life I have wanted
to help people and make a difference in their lives, and working with the Titans
has given me that opportunity.
Describe your three most memorable moments during your tenure as a Titans Cheerleader.
Well, my first one would have to be making the squad my first season, May 4,
2003. When they announced my number, I just stood there as if it were someone
else’s name, people were saying, “Go on out there! That’s you”! I was in a state
of complete shock, absolutely speechless. Making the squad that day was one I’ll
never forget. What’s even more important, that day is also my Mom’s birthday.
I like to think I gave her a one-of-a-kind birthday present that year.
Next, I’d have to say one of my military visits. I’ve been fortunate enough to
get to travel to travel to Texas, Washington State, and our local Ft. Campbell
in order to boost the spirits of those who are so bravely defending our country.
It is such a rewarding experience to meet the soldiers and their families, hear
their amazing stories, and send out our thanks on behalf of the Titans organization
and the NFL. If it wasn’t for our military, we would not be able to do so many
of the things we have become accustomed to, and for that, being able to visit
them is an honor and a privilege that I will never forget.
Finally, I’ll never forget looking up in the stands during each home game to
see my parents supporting me. I’ll always see my Mom smiling and my Dad waving
his Titans hat in the air. No matter what the weather may be like or if we are
behind in the game, seeing them up there always keeps me smiling and in great
spirits in order to help cheer the team onto victory. Even though I've been a
cheerleader with the Titans for six years, they've been mine all my life.
Which actress would you play in a movie and which actress would you want to play
you in a movie?
Okay, now I know that we don’t necessarily look alike, but I like to think we
have similar backgrounds and family values, so I’d love to play the role of Reese
Witherspoon. She’s such a great role model, and a very talented actress. Having
such a strong southern accent myself, playing the role of a Southern Belle would
be an easier transition.
Now if I were casting for the actress to play me in a movie, I’d be honored to
have Jessica Alba take on the role. We have the whole exotic look going for us,
and judging from some of the movie roles she accepts, she doesn’t take herself
too seriously, and neither do I. I take myself just serious enough to enjoy life
to its fullest, and making people laugh.
My coolest experience in life so far has been:
Building solid relationships is so important in my life. Whether it is my relationship
with God, my parents, family, or friends, I value each and every one of them.
It’s very important to surround yourself with good, positive people, and I feel
as if I have accomplished that.
Best pick up line you’ve ever received:
Well, let’s be honest. “Pick up lines” don’t really work. My advice to guys reading
this, just be yourself. Don’t play games because in the end, the good guy does
get the girl.
What do you find most attractive about a guy?
Usually this can be a tad confusing. Sometimes it just depends on what type of
mood you are in, or who the guy might be, but now, this is an easy one for me.
My boyfriend is exactly what I was missing in my life, so now I know what I find
most attractive. I’d definitely have to say someone with a lot of class who is
kind and compassionate, someone who possesses a quiet confidence, who makes me
laugh and will laugh at my jokes, has a great personality, loves sports, and who
cares about how they look. There’s also nothing more attractive than being with
the person you feel comfortable introducing to your family, who enjoys spending
time with them and who looks forward to the two of you spending time with his
family as well.
Who is your favorite Titans player and why?
This was very difficult for me to answer. I think all the players are not only
great athletes, but great role models. Over the years, I have gotten to know several
of the Titans through our many charitable appearances, and I know that each and
every one of them is my favorite, but since I have to pick one, it would have
to be Keith Bulluck. Think about what he does for not only our community, but
also his hometown. Many thanks go to people like him who use their position to
raise money and awareness for a good cause. Also, they don’t call him Mr. Monday
Night Football without good reason. He’s an incredibly talented football player,
team leader, and has been with the Titans for nine seasons.
Reality show you’d like to be on:
My life is a reality show. Always entertaining, and full of comedy, that’s for
sure. My friends have always said people would love to watch me just living my
life on a daily basis, but if I had to choose a reality show to be on, I’m going
to say, either “Man vs. Wild” or “Dirty Jobs”; both are on the Discovery Channel.
They’re one-hour shows about survival in the wilderness and handling the not-so-clean
sides of various occupations. Wouldn’t you want to tune in to see how I would
deal in those types of situations? I know I would; I might surprise you.
Another one of my favorite shows is NASCAR’s Angels. Instead of participating
in this show, I’d really like to be a guest host because they go around the country
helping families in need, but with a fun NASCAR twist. I just love helping people,
and helping race fans is a plus!
If I could spend one day doing anything, it would be:
Because I’m so busy with cheerleading and school, I do appreciate any downtime
I can get. I would love to spend the morning by sleeping in a little later than
usual, then going out for brunch with my boyfriend and some of our friends. From
there, I’d like to take a drive to Gallatin where my boyfriend and I could spend
time with my family and my dog. Afterwards, I would like to curl up on the couch
watching a NASCAR race or other exciting sporting event, and catching up on some
of my favorite television shows. Now I know that sounds boring, but that’s what
is relaxing to me and helps make me feel at ease.
What advice do you have for anyone interested in trying out for professional
cheerleading?
Trying out for the Titans was a life changing decision that I am still experiencing
to this very day. I cannot tell everyone how fortunate I feel to have been able
to be a part of such a distinguished organization for 6 seasons.
If you are a huge football fan and looking to make a difference in people’s lives,
then I recommend this experience for you, but let me warn those interested in
trying out to become an NFL cheerleader. It is very time consuming. We practice
5 days a week during our Summer Training Camp, and practice 3 days a week during
the season, which takes time away from our families. Not to mention the numerous
charity appearances on top of that which continue well past when the season ends.
Unfortunately being a cheerleader is not a full time job, and I sure do wish it
was. All of the girls on the squad either have a full time job, or like myself,
are going to school full time.
Believe me, the decision to tryout for the team is one that I will definitely
never regret. I have made some of my dearest friends through cheerleading, and
had the opportunity to meet some incredible people. However, the best thing is
being able to put a smile on someone’s face, and being a Titans cheerleader has
given me the opportunities to go to some amazing charitable appearances in the
community and throughout the United States in order to make a positive impact
on people’s lives, and I am so grateful to be able to say that.
I definitely encourage anyone who has the slightest itch to tryout, to go for
it! |