"Most people don't realize the commitment it takes to be a member of the Patriots Cheerleading Squad. Fans see the finished product on game day but don't realize the steps/process it took to prepare not only for the sidelines but for their community service, representing the Patriots organization," Tracy said. "The ladies are all either students or have graduated and are employed full time. Balancing cheerleader rehearsals, physical training, promotional appearances and games, along with their full time jobs/school, requires not only exceptional time management skills but a lot of sacrifices."
Because of their willingness to dedicate themselves to the team, the 2015 Patriots Cheerleaders will cherish the memories both on the field and off.
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The 2015-16 Patriots Cheerleaders reunited in Foxborough Wednesday night to reminisce and celebrate the season that was. Before the 2016-17 begins, the Patriots cheerleaders looked back at a successful season, celebrating the outgoing squad's achievements with a banquet dinner at Davio's in Patriot Place.
While the night honors the team's work on the field, the squad's role in the Patriots community is more than its game-day responsibilities and performances. From appearances at community events to creating lasting bonds, the opportunities to excel off the field are endless, according to Cheerleading Director Tracy Sormanti.
"When women audition for the squad, game days are what they look forward to the most. By the time they finish the year, they've become or grown more community minded, proficient in public speaking situations, gained marketing skills and built life-long friendships along the way. Game days simply become the icing on the cake," Tracy said. "Representing the New England Patriots, a team known for excellence, the cheerleaders are held to a very high standard. They take pride in their affiliation and work exceptionally hard to be the best they can be as a team and as individual representatives, much like the players on the field."
Tracy commended the group's efforts throughout last season, and the banquet is just a way to "say thank you for their performance efforts and spirit for volunteerism." The banquet is hosted at the end of the summer so those cheerleaders who retired can reconnect with their former teammates. This year, five cheerleaders retired after completing four years with the squad, and those women were honored and given a diamond rings with the Patriots logo as a thank you.
Throughout the season, every game and appearance helps grow the team's reputation even further, but none of it would be possible without the dedication that goes in behind the scenes. Cheerleaders volunteer their time, often while balancing careers or classes, and this passion does not go unnoticed.
"Most people don't realize the commitment it takes to be a member of the Patriots Cheerleading Squad. Fans see the finished product on game day but don't realize the steps/process it took to prepare not only for the sidelines but for their community service, representing the Patriots organization," Tracy said. "The ladies are all either students or have graduated and are employed full time. Balancing cheerleader rehearsals, physical training, promotional appearances and games, along with their full time jobs/school, requires not only exceptional time management skills but a lot of sacrifices."
Because of their willingness to dedicate themselves to the team, the 2015 Patriots Cheerleaders will cherish the memories both on the field and off.
