The Houston Texans Cheerleaders program has changed my life already and I just made the team, I can't imagine what a whole season will do. I have lived in San Antonio pretty much all my life, and only lived 45 minutes away while I attended Texas State University. I knew I wanted to move and I wanted to keep dancing, so what better place to go than Houston. Even though it is far from home, I was captivated by the Houston Texans Cheerleaders and couldn't wait to tryout for the team in March and hopefully be a part of this great community. The tryout process I imagined resided in the Houston Methodist Training Center next to over 500 dancers, dancing their hearts out on the field for the judges. Sadly, part of that dream was quickly shut down only a few weeks before the big weekend due to COVID-19. Uncertainties were flying left and right at that point for me. Should I still move to Houston? Are tryouts still happening? What am I going to do? If I don't make it, do I stay in Houston with COVID-19 being a factor? As soon as I found out that tryouts were going virtual I knew this was going to be a different experience than what I had prepared for. I was going in with all my eggs in one basket and ready to move to Houston by the end of the summer. It was certainly a wakeup call to how things are really changing and how everyone is adapting to the new ways and regulations.

The tryout process was different with emails, videos and a lot of technology based instructions being our main communication hubs. The proceedings as a whole were a learning experience and not only learning dances but also making sure the video submissions were perfect, clear and submitted on time through YouTube, which I had never done before. With all the uncertainty, seeing Coach Casey teach us during Round 1 through the first video was the motivational pivot point and the first click in my head that this is really happening; you are trying out and learning from 'The Coach Casey.' Going through the process and making it to the interview round was the point where I knew that I needed to start looking for places in Houston. With a break until the team announcement, I was able to find a place to live and made proper arrangements if I were to make the transition to Houston. After watching the team announcement video, my life was in shambles, but in the best way possible! I was about to move to a new city and now be a part of the best organization I can possibly imagine.

I am looking forward to seeing how this season unfolds and how we adapt our gameday experience for our fans. I am excited to perform for the best fans in the nation and cheer on the best team in the league. I am looking forward to meeting Texans fans; learn what Houston has to offer and being able to dance alongside my teammates, who have already made me feel at home!