Welcome to the Professional Cheerleader column, where I tell you about the lives of the professional cheerleaders you see at your local sports games.
Maris LaPointe is a 20-year-old professional cheerleader, dance teacher, and full-time student at the University of St.Thomas. In balancing her workload, being an NFL cheerleader has been both her escape and motivation to continue to inspire young athletes.
Growing up, LaPointe faced many challenges with her mental health, specifically with feeling the constant need for purpose and confidence. She felt that she had no reason in her life and no motivation to keep going. LaPointe relied heavily on her coaches’ and teammates’ support to encourage her throughout the years. “In my head even with all the other things that I had accomplished in dance, I never thought that [professional cheerleading] was something that I would be able to do,” LaPointe said.
Trying out for professional athletics is a long process consisting of many challenges, such as confidence and physical endurance, however, she always felt supported by teammates and coaches. “Trying out for professional cheerleading in Minnesota is scary, but having [inspirational people] gives me comfort in anything that I try,” LaPointe said.
Being on the team has been a learning experience for LaPointe. LaPointe has learned that, on game days, she likes to start the day by going for coffee with her roommate and listening to worship music to get in the zone before performing. Every game, she is expected to perform multiple sideline cheers, a pregame dance, and a halftime performance. This is a very unique experience that very few dancers get to experience. The tryout process is long and rigorous, so when a dancer is finally able to join the professional world, walking out onto the stage, or in this case, the field is an unreal experience. “The first time I walked onto the field it felt surreal,” LaPointe said.
Trying out for professional cheerleading in Minnesota is scary, but having [inspirational people] gives me comfort in anything that I try.”
— Maris LaPointe
Along with game days, LaPointe is also expected to make appearances throughout the season. Appearances are events dedicated to promoting a positive reputation for the brand and oftentimes help raise money for the season or selected charities. “Being a public figure shows how you react in certain situations at appearances and game days,” LaPointe said.
As a first-year professional cheerleader, LaPointe looks up to her teammates and hopes to be someone that others can aspire to as well. Being a cheerleader is more than gameday, it’s about precision, dedication, and strong personal values. LaPointe applies this in managing her education and career as a dance teacher. “All of the girls on the team are so inspiring and they all have their lives outside of cheer, so I look up to everyone on the team,” LaPointe said.
Maris LaPointe’s first year on the team has been successful as she has gained not only experience but also comfort and confidence.