The 2019 season was a busy year for the Patriots Cheerleaders and as 2020 begins, we wanted to take a moment to look back on a memorable season.
2019 began in an exciting way with a trip to Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII. For some of our veterans, it was the third Super Bowl that they had attended! The squad made appearances on Good Morning America, Inside Edition, The Today Show and Fox & Friends in addition to dozens of fan events, concluding with the Patriots winning their sixth Super Bowl championship! The Patriots Cheerleaders joined in on the celebrations back home in Boston in another famous Duck Boat parade.
Soon after the Super Bowl, auditions began for the 2019 Patriots Cheerleaders. Preliminary Auditions took place at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, March 3. At the end of the day, the panel of judges selected a group of contestants to move on finals which were held on Sunday, March 16 at Foxwoods Resort Casino. The pageant-style contest was open to the public, where candidates showcased their dance skills and personalities throughout the night. Former Patriots Cheerleaders Camille Kostek, Bailey Medeiros, and Julia Scaparotti, as well as Bryan Morry, Executive Director of the Patriots Hall of Fame, and Scott Zolak, former Patriots quarterback, hosted the event. 50 candidates were selected to move on to cheerleader boot camp where they learned and performed routines, participated in BMAX fitness workouts, received valuable public speaking and media practice, and participated in team unity drills. At the end of the two week session, the 2019 squad was announced.
In May, the Patriots Cheerleaders hosted Cheer for Dana-Farber, a cheerleading clinic for six youth squads from the New England area. The clinic was a prize for teams who raised over $45,000 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since its inception in 2013, the Cheer for Dana-Farber program has raised over $400,000.00!
May also was an important month for several members of the squad who graduated from college and graduate school! Jenna graduated from Worcerster Polytechnic Institute with her Master of Science in Power Systems Management. Adrena graduated Summa Cum Laude from Dean College, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Steven also graduated from Dean College with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Victoria M. graduated from University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Public Health. Daisy received degrees in Pastry Arts and Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales University.
In June, Courtney and Laura cheered at the Tom Brady Best Buddies Football Challenge. They loved having the opportunity to be a part of the event and supporting a great cause. June also brought several chances for team bonding as many of the cheerleaders participated in the Color Run at Gillette Stadium. The squad also had the unique opportunity to perform during the New Kids on the Block concert as part of their Mixtape Tour.
In July, the squad made their annual trip to shoot the 2019-2020 Patriots Cheerleaders Fitness Calendar. This year, the team traveled to Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia. In between photo shoots, the cheerleaders performed for and met resort guests, participated in resort activities and explored the beautiful island of St. Lucia.
Soon after returning from the calendar trip, Patriots Training Camp began. For the rookies, it was their first chance to perform for fans of Patriots Nation. The Patriots Cheerleaders held their annual Junior Patriots Cheerleaders Clinic. The team spent the day teaching the Junior Cheerleaders routines that they would later perform on the Gillette Stadium field prior to a New England Patriots publically viewed practice.
After months of practicing, the squad took to the sidelines in August with the start of the preseason. For the rookies, performing on the Gillette Stadium field for the first time is a memory that they will never forget. At the end of the month, the 2019 – 2020 Patriots Cheerleaders Fitness Calendar was released. The cheerleaders, their families, and many great fans all came out for the Fitness Calendar Launch Party on August 30. The party included an on-field dance performance, autographs and even a steel drum band!
The season home opener was on September 8. It was a fun and exciting night, especially when the sixth championship banner was revealed. As always, Patriots Nation showed up with incredible energy and excitement that made the night one to never forget! A few days after the home opener, Jenna, Jamie, and Pat Patriot joined Patriots Alum, Jarvis Green, on a trip to Montreal. Jenna and Jamie met many Canadian Patriots fans and volunteered in the community.
Throughout the year, the Patriots Cheerleaders made appearances at various events in the New England area. Some of the their favorites are the community relations events organized by the Patriots Foundation. This fall, Driss, Alyssa, Emily, and Kendall led a demonstration for Special Olympics Massachusetts Cheerleaders at the Special Olympics State Flag Football Tournament. Michaela and Nicolette attended a Halloween Party for children who were unable to to go Trick or Treating. Laura, Jenna, Courtney, Kaitlyn, Victoria S, and Emily met with the families of fallen soldiers the day before the Salute to Service Game. In December, Alicia, Andrea, Jamie, and Jenna helped children in need shop for clothing and presents during the annual "Gifts from the Gridiron" event.
The squad performed for Patriots Nation during every home game this season. While each game is special, some definitely stand out more than others. Two of them in particular were wearing Halloween costumes during the game against the Cleveland Browns and having the honor of wearing the initials of fallen soldiers during the Salute to Service game against the Cowboys.
From a squad outing at Boundless Adventures to long rehearsals and traveling to beautiful destinations, the team formed an incredible bond this season. We're thankful for the support of Patriots Nation throughout the year and can't wait to see what 2020 brings!
