I am so grateful to have grown up going to Houston Texans games. I could have never imagined the family and memories I'd create as a Houston Texans fan, but I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to call NRG Stadium a home away from home. My life has been full of so many special moments because of the Houston Texans.

One of my first special moments as a Texans fan was being a Junior Cheerleader! As a seven-year-old, I looked forward to each home game because of the cheerleaders. I couldn't wait to watch them and follow along from my section! It was a dream come true to get to interact with, learn from and dance alongside the Houston Texans Cheerleaders who I admired and looked up to!

Nothing could have prepared me for the excitement that came with the first practice in the Houston Methodist Training Center, from the uniforms and poms to dancing in formation for the first time. It was joy in its purest form. I was the happiest dancing and performing and getting to do it as a Junior Cheerleader was incredible. The part that changed my life for the better was the moment, I stepped onto the field of what was then Reliant Stadium to perform at the halftime show. The energy, the fans, the stadium - everything about it was massive and exhilarating!

I remember feeling in my element even as a seven-year-old. I could not wait for the music to start so I could perform for the number one fans in the NFL. I was truly at my happiest, I've been dancing and performing ever since. I knew from that moment that it could not and would not be my last time feeling the energy, of the stadium, from the field. I knew I wanted to be a Houston Texans Cheerleader. My experience as a Junior Cheerleader has given me a feeling to hold onto and strive for, in not only my journey to become a HTC, but also in other areas of my life. It is that feeling of pure joy and happiness that I strive for in everything I do. It's that football feeling!

To be able to do what I love in the place, for the team and the fans that I love most, is truly a dream come true! My HTC family consists of some of the most kind, confident, passionate, dynamic and hard-working individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm so excited to dance and represent the Houston Texans alongside my incredible teammates. I look forward to creating new friendships, meaningful memories and special moments as a HTC! Go Texans!

- HTC Emma

To register for 2021 Junior Cheerleaders presented by Texas Children's Hospital, visit here.