By Tamas Mondovics
The phrase, “It’s a dream come true” is defined as something that has been desired for a long time that has happened as hoped for. The expression could not be more real in the case of the young women who are now living their dream by representing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as members of one of the premier cheerleading teams in the National Football League (NFL).
Joining the team this year, representing Brandon area communities, is Alex Nauert of Valrico, Allison Martin of Dover, both recent graduates of the University of South Florida, and Chloe Love of Riverview, a graduate of Florida Sate University.
The three talented dancers complete the group of 17 ladies who are staring as rookies on the 30-member elite squad, serving as entertainers on the sidelines of the Buccaneers’ home games while sporting a combination of beauty, intelligence, poise and dynamic personalities.
“I have been going to the games since I was a little girl and it was amazing to step onto the field as a member of the Buccaneers cheerleading team,” said Alex, a former Bloomingdale High School graduate, now a Mango Elementary School kindergarten teacher, who grew up dancing at Kim Hall’s School of Dance from the age of 3. Alex said that the hard work and busy schedule, “are all worth it.”
Alex’s enthusiasm and desire to give her best at every game is equally shared by her close friend and now teammate Allison, a former Newsome High School graduate, now a fourth grade math, science and social studies teacher at Tampa’s Channelside Academy School.
“I started dancing when I was 4-years-old,” Allison said. “Sharing this dream and being on the same team with my friends is just incredible.”
Much like her teammates, Chloe has been dancing since she was 3-years-old.
Expressing her excitement and appreciation she said, “It’s hard to even grasp that I am a part of this organization and represent something that has been a part of my whole life.”
As a season ticket-holder since she was 6, Chloe was confident of someday representing her favorite team.
“When I was about 7-years-old, I remember turning to my parents at one of the games and told them ‘I’m gonna be a Buccaneers cheerleader’,” Chloe said, adding, “Today, I am living out my dream.”
Like her teammates, stepping onto the field for the very first time as a Bucs cheerleader was something that Chloe will never forget.
“It was an amazing moment,” she said.
Interestingly, all three ladies admitted that, while cheering and entertaining the fans are a dream come true, being a Bucs cheerleader is more than just dancing on Sundays.
“Representing the Buccaneers organization also includes taking part in a number of events and being actively involved in community relations activities and programs generated by the organization,” Chloe said, adding that after an injury during last year’s tryouts she was unable to cheer, but had a chance to represent the team at a number of charity events including the Children’s Cancer Center 5K Run and Walk.
According to Bucs officials, the squad makes approximately 300 community appearances every year for both non-profit organizations and corporate events.
“Never give up on a dream,” Chloe said. Allison added, “Have the courage to pursue your dreams and execute them with confidence,” while Alex summed things up when she said, “Smile and have fun.”
For more information about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, visit www.buccaneers.com.
