Hi I’m Audrey and I am a 1st year on the Raiderettes! I am a driven, resilient, hardworking girl with a passion for dance and caring about my teammates. When I’m not dancing I enjoy my gym time, studying nutrition, and working in corporate as a Digital Marketing Coordinator. The most important thing I value is to have an identity, make an impact, and motivate others to be the best versions of themselves, inside and out.
Grit and Glamour: The Road to Success
By Audrey Alavi
Success has never been easy for me—it's been a journey built on grit, determination, and the constant drive to be better. From playing multiple sports growing up to becoming a professional cheerleader in the NFL, my story has been shaped by hard work, sacrifice, and a relentless passion for improvement.
What is Grit?
Grit, to me, is the ability to keep pushing forward when everything seems difficult. It's that inner fire that keeps you going, even when the challenges feel insurmountable. My journey began not in one sport, but many. Growing up, I had high energy levels that needed an outlet, so I threw myself into everything from soccer, basketball, and softball to gymnastics, ice skating, and more. Each sport gave me a new challenge, a new way to push my limits, and the chance to cultivate a mindset that never settles for less than my best.
Playing multiple sports allowed me to learn the power of perseverance. Whether I was sprinting down a soccer field, or perfecting a gymnastics routine, I understood early on that success isn’t handed to you. It’s earned with every drop of sweat, every practice, and every moment of doubt that you push through. Those sports didn’t just teach me athletic skills—they taught me mental toughness. The grit I developed in my childhood playing all kinds of sports is the same grit that carries me through every audition, every dance practice, and every game day with the Raiderettes.
Grit as a Lifestyle
The reason I’ve been able to grow and succeed in dance—particularly as a Raiderette—comes from years of hard work and determination. As a child, sports were more than just activities for me. They were a way to release my energy and challenge myself to be better every single day. Soccer was my first love, but I quickly found that my passion for sports extended far beyond that. I fell in love with competing on stage as a competitive dancer, and I quickly became addicted. I was always eager to try new things, which helped me develop a strong foundation in multiple athletic disciplines.
From basketball to gymnastics to ice skating, each sport pushed me in different ways, but they all shared one common theme: the importance of effort. No matter the sport, I always gave it my all. That mindset didn’t change when I made the transition from being a multi-sport athlete to becoming a dancer. I still carry that same work ethic with me to this day. As a Raiderette, every day is a chance to improve, push myself further, and keep refining my technique.
I work a full-time 9-5 job with a global nonprofit company, and then head straight to rehearsals to practice as a Raiderette. It might seem like a lot, but for me, this grind is my lifestyle. I love it. Working during the day keeps my mind sharp and allows me to contribute to something meaningful, while practicing and performing as a Raiderette brings out my physical and creative strength. It's that balance of hard work and passion that makes me feel fulfilled and ready to tackle whatever comes next.
The Glamour Behind the Grit
The glamour of being a Raiderette is not simply about the spotlight or the performance. It’s the reward for the years of hard work and grit that it took to get here. Every dance move, every routine, and every game day moment comes after hours of practice and sacrifice. To reach this level of excellence in dance and athletics requires not just skill, but a fierce commitment to your craft.
Being a Raiderette means being at the top of my game. But that doesn't happen without the same resilience I learned in soccer, basketball, and all the other sports I played growing up. That is what makes the glamour feel so rewarding—knowing that my success is the result of my hard work and perseverance. The uniform, the performance, and the recognition are incredible, but they are earned through grit, resilience, and pushing myself to keep getting better every day.
Inspiring Others
Throughout my journey, my goal has always been to inspire others to push beyond their limits. Whether you’re a dancer, an athlete, or someone chasing any other dream, I want you to know that you can achieve it. No matter where you come from or what your skill level is, you have the ability to succeed with grit and determination. I didn’t get here because things were easy—I got here because I was willing to put in the work, day in and day out.
For me, soccer was the fire that ignited my passion for hard work. Dance is where I’ve channeled that energy into something powerful and beautiful. Along the way, I’ve learned that no challenge is too great if you have the will to overcome it.
Apolla Performance Socks have made a huge difference in my workouts and sports. They offer great support, cushioning, and breathability, keeping me comfortable and energized. Whether dancing or playing sports, these socks help reduce foot fatigue and provide stability, allowing me to perform at my best.
Becoming a Raiderette wasn’t a simple journey—it was years of sweat, sacrifice, and resilience. But it’s been worth every moment. I hope my journey can be a reminder to others that anything is possible if you stay committed to your goals, no matter the obstacles. The grit you cultivate in the toughest moments will carry you through to success. Keep going, keep striving, and keep believing in yourself. Because with grit, the impossible becomes possible.
