Alumni Cheerleaders is excited to share this week's "After the Poms" feature story with one of our newest members, Leslie Anderson!  This  super talented young lady is a former Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader!!

Were cheerleading and dancing a part of your life when you were younger?

Absolutely! I have been dancing and cheering since the age of 3. My inspirations were Janet Jackson and Paula Abdul!

You were a member of the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders and that you recently retired.  We understand you may have a record for cheering a long time on the squad. Please tell us about your amazing experience cheering for the Ravens.   

I was a member of the 2 time World Champion Baltimore Ravens for 11 seasons which apparently set an NFL record for the 2^nd longest consecutive cheerleading career in the NFL. While cheering for the Ravens, I was a choreographer for the team, traveled the world on military tours, served as captain for 8 years, was the 8 time recipient of the Raven’s MVP cheerleader award, appeared in numerous magazine articles and commercials, graced the cover of the Swimsuit Calendar, and was chosen to represent the Ravens at the 2007 All Star Pro-Bowl game in Hawaii. I also had the great opportunity to coaching the Lil Ravens Cheerleading team. 

Above all though the most humbling experience was serving my community through charitable appearances and the lifelong friendships I made on the team. The Ravens organization is truly a family.

What your most memorable moments as an NFL cheerleader?

My most memorable moment was winning Superbowl XLVII in New Orleans! There are no words to describe how I felt when the clock hit triple zero and the purple confetti dropped. I just remember dropping to my knees, crying, and thanking God for allowing us to overcome so many obstacles and to be victorious in the end. The feeling was indescribable. It was absolutely the best experience ever.

What advice would you give to a current or future cheerleader/dancer?

Work hard and have faith YOU WILL reach your goals. The truth is life will present many obstacles but the test of one’s character is how well you recover and keep pressing forward. I auditioned for two NFL teams before I made the Ravens and then went on to cheer 11 seasons and complete my career as a Superbowl cheerleader. Anything is possible. Keep the faith.

Tell us what you are doing now and what you do in your spare time. 

I currently work for Epic Brands as an Event Planner/Dance Director. I am also choreographing for the Baltimore Ravens and Chesapeake Bayhawks cheerleaders. My future plans include writing a book about my experience as an NFL cheerleader as well as starting my own consulting firm.

Leslie’s Favorites:

Travel destination: La Maddalena, Italy (really any beach!)

Movie(s): Goonies and Scarface

Quote: “Dancing is how I say the things I want to say”

Thank you so much Leslie for your time and interview.  Cheers to continued success with your career!!