Tell us about where you grew up.
I grew up mainly in Natick, Mass. but I also moved around wherever my father played football. I've lived in Canada, Buffalo, N.Y. and San Diego. I have one sibling, a younger brother, Dougie Jr., who just turned 20.
What was it like to move around so much?
I loved moving around. I went to high school in California, but my parents always had a house in Natick where we could always come back. I always had my stable place and friends in Natick that I could come back to that I know and absolutely love. It was comforting living elsewhere, but knowing I could definitely come home.
What do you do now in addition to being a Patriots Cheerleader?
I just graduated from Dean College last year with a degree in dance. Currently I am a high school cheerleading coach at Tri-County High School in Franklin and also a hip hop dance choreographer.
What are your career aspirations?
I would love to be a performer. My goal is to be able to go on stage and dance backup with a performance cast like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears or Janet Jackson.
What was it like growing up with a father as a professional football player?
It's bittersweet to have a father with that type of status. Around the New England area it's more nonchalant that it's my dad. But when we go elsewhere it seems to be a much bigger deal. My boyfriend plays football in Canada and I was up there for a visit recently and they were very interested that my dad was Doug Flutie. It was a very big conversation piece. We get support wherever we live or travel, but Canada was definitely very interesting. New England fans are also very supportive.
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
I've always thought about New Year's resolutions but I don't really have one off the top of my head. I always try to make one but it never works out. I haven't thought of one I can keep yet. Last year I made a resolution to not drink as much soda. I cut that down and I drink water now.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love the beach. I love surfing. I love jet-skiing. We have a beach house in Melbourne Beach, Fla. that I absolutely love to go to. Also being in New England, I love to snowboard.
Tell us about your involvement in the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation.
At age 3, my brother was diagnosed with Autism. When my parents started looking into it, they realized how expensive it was and how hard it is to take care of a child with Autism. They decided to begin the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. We do fundraisers like golf tournaments and bowling tournaments to raise money and awareness. I've been involved since I was six and it continues to grow. This year I ran in the road race and went to the golf tournament. I got to work as a cheerleader at the tournament. That was very exciting – being involved in my own way along with the Flutie Family.
How does your dad feel about you being a Patriots Cheerleader?
My dad is very, very supportive. He knows how hard I've been working the past couple years to make the team and he's very proud of me. There's also the talk about the fans and what they might say, but my dad knows I'm doing it because I absolutely love it and it's part of my profession. Ever since I was in high school he has supported me in cheerleading and dancing. He knows all the terminology. He can criticize and critique everything. He's 100 percent there and he loves to come to the games.
For more information on the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation, visit: http://www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org/
