An NFL Cheerleading Journey - Overcoming “NO” in Past or Recent Auditions - Rachael
Rachael shares her dance journey, experiences, and advice as a two-year professional NFL cheerleader with dancers/cheerleaders that share in a similar journey.
“I hope this interview will provide some love/guidance to others who have been told ‘no’ in the past or during recent auditions.”
To make it as a professional cheerleader or a professional dancer is a dream come true. An iconic accomplishment that dancers dream of since they were young and work hard at for years with the hope of achieving. It is one thing to be an aspiring hopeful, having never yet spent a season with the team. It is another to have experienced the team of your dreams (however long it may have taken you) and then to not have your number called the next year, or even a few years down the road.
The reality is, you live each season to the fullest, not knowing if it could be your last. Auditions are held each and every year, with talented dancers from all around looking to hold this prestigious title, with no guaranteed spots for returners.
Rachael shares her journey as a 2nd year NFL cheerleader, the experience, feelings, and her advice to other professional dancers and professional cheerleaders (current, former, or aspiring) that may not hear that “yes” they are looking for when the final team is announced.
Welcome to my story!
My name is Rachael Soellner and I am a 24-year-old Colorado native. Long before I even dreamed of auditioning to become an NFL cheerleader on the team of my dreams, I dabbled in various sports and spent seven years of my childhood dancing as an Irish Step Dancer. I then transitioned to poms in high school and spent my four collegiate years dancing as a Colorado State University Golden Pom, where I was captain for one (GO RAMS!). I went on to dance for the Denver Outlaws during their 2017 season and just wrapped up my second season as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader.
During the 2021 auditions, I was not selected back to represent the organization for my third season. I hope this interview will provide some love/guidance to others who have been told ‘no’ in the past or during recent auditions.
Share your experience of making an NFL cheerleading team your very first year. Any standout experiences that you will never forget, good or bad?
The first year I auditioned for the team, I had the privilege of being selected to represent the organization as both a cheerleader and ambassador. I will never forget the feeling of my number being called, putting on the uniform for the first time, dancing out of the tunnel on game day, or the platform the uniform has given me to impact others’ lives in our community. I am thankful for every moment, especially the opportunities that have pushed me out of my comfort zone. I can confidently say I have stepped into the woman I have always admired/knew I’d become. From speaking on an (EM)POWER hour panel about my career as a social worker, traveling to Canton, OH for the hall of fame game, connecting with our fan base through Children’s Hospital visits, A Night to Shine with the Tim Tebow foundation, Boys and Girls club events, and various other community initiatives. Every moment in the uniform was something to be cherished.
Tell us about how the pandemic played out for you as a dancer and current NFL cheerleader?
What a whirlwind of a year dancing through a pandemic was! Everyone was navigating uncharted territory. This year brought its own special moments and opportunities to create a legacy that instilled perseverance, growth, and hope regardless of our ability to have 70,000+ fans in the Mile High stands. Even though this was my first year as a veteran, the year resembled a second rookie year in some ways. Just when I felt I had an understanding of game day, practices, and public appearances, the whole world was thrown a curve ball. I am thankful for the intention and flexibility that I presented as a veteran during my second season, and for the many unique and special moments that were created as a result.
How did the season, in the midst of a pandemic, look for you as a veteran?
Do you feel it went well?
Being an NFL cheerleader in the midst of a pandemic looked vastly different from any normal season. As a team, we had to adapt a mindset of flexibility and acceptance of the changes that seemed to present week after week. This season we practiced mainly via zoom and recorded all performances on the field in our designated lines, prior to game day. Thankfully, we had the opportunity to dance at a few games in the stands, amongst masked/socially distanced fans and cardboard cutouts. It was quite the experience!
After the shortened season ended, were you already preparing for auditions? Or unsure of how upcoming auditions would look?
After the COVID season unfolded, I knew I was going to return to auditions for my third season as a professional cheerleader. I felt in my heart I was not done dancing/cheering and knew I had more to contribute through the Junior Cheerleader program, through advocacy efforts on behalf of our sisters who identify with the BIPOC and AAPI communities, involvement within the Denver metro community, etc.
What did you do to prepare for auditions and how were you feeling going into them for the 2021 season?
Like any year, I began preparation for auditions months in advance. Prep classes this year were partially virtual due to the pandemic and moved to in-person (with masks and social distancing) as auditions approached. I spent the nights I was not dancing, working out at home, eating meals that fueled my body, and studying up on my Denver Broncos football knowledge. Entering any audition, even as a veteran, is simultaneously nerve-wracking and exciting. I knew I could control my preparation going into the audition process and my actual performance, but from there on, the decisions made by the organization were ultimately out of my hands.
How did auditions for the 2021/22 season look and did you feel any different than the previous years?
I entered this year’s audition with a newfound confidence that seemed to build upon my rookie year audition and the year to follow. With two years of experience, I became more self-assured, knew what I wanted my legacy to be, and the contributions I was going to make during my tenure with the organization. I was overjoyed to see we were bringing rookies onto the team this year, as the organization decided against during the pandemic. Rookies always bring a freshness, excitement, and their own unique skills/contributions to any team.
Everything happens for a reason! But is there anything you wish you could go back and do differently knowing the end result of the audition? Or do you feel as though you showed up your best self? Any thoughts on the results?
I would not change anything about my audition experience this year. I entered the week feeling confident in who I am, my public speaking skills, football knowledge, and performance. I am so proud of my contributions to my previous years with the organization and to my 2021 audition for the team. Nothing but immense gratitude and appreciation over here.
Talk about the experience of being in the stands while the team was being announced.
This part of auditions comes with a plethora of emotions. You are a part of this monumental moment for so many women. Some dreams are coming true for the first time, others are entering their 5th or 6th season with the organization…all something to be celebrated. I recall feeling immense joy for the women who were making the team for the first time, knowing the journey they were about the embark on. It was a full circle moment for me, seeing some of the women whom I had previously mentored or grown-up dancing with, be selected to wear the same boots/chaps I had the privilege of donning.
What was your immediate reaction when you didn’t hear your number called and were you thinking about your outside reaction while processing emotions?
I think any veteran who has danced for a professional team and has not been selected back to represent the organization, initially feels a sense of shock, confusion, disbelief. At the time, I had not previously had conversations with my director around outwardly expressed concern with my performance, readiness for game day/community events, attitude, physical appearance, etc. In that moment, it didn’t make sense and I knew it was best for me to gather my belongings and exit the stadium, as graciously as possible.
“After the final no there comes a yes, and on that yes the future world depends. -Wallace Stevens”
How did you decide to handle leaving the stadium? Were there other reactions you saw or have seen that you wanted to avoid?
I exited the stadium that day with my beautiful sister and former 5th year veteran, Annie. We walked out together, and I will forever be thankful to her for the support in that moment and in the weeks to come, as I have continued to process this outcome. We met with another veteran in the parking lot who was also not selected back to the team for the 2021 year. We shared in the sadness of that moment and embraced one another. It’s overwhelming to solely process this outcome, but when your heart is also breaking for another former member of the team, you feel compassion and empathy for your sister on a new level.
What happened after you left the stadium and how did you handle the news?
After leaving the stadium that day, I let the emotions come and go with zero judgement. I was grieving, and I knew in my heart, I would be for quite some time. I still am and that is okay. I called my loved ones, shared in the news, and was blanketed in an outpouring of love from all.
Explain the process from the start of the day to the final announcement of the cheerleading team. How did you get through it and what were your support systems?
Following the announcement of the 2021 team, I knew in my heart I had led with my best self during the audition week and found immense comfort in the legacy I was leaving behind. I have never felt as supported and loved as I did on that day and, in the weeks to follow. I am thankful to everyone who has extended their word, kindness, and love to me.
How have you dealt with everything as time has gone on? What has ultimately got you through the hardship?
Thankfully I am a dedicated Licensed Social Worker and Clinical Case Manager for the non-profit, The Mental Health Center of Denver. My work keeps me busy, as I am supporting 35+ individuals on my caseload who are navigating persistent mental health issues, suicidality, substance use, homelessness, and other co-occurring physical health concerns. My passion is my work and living a life of service. Being a DBC was simply the cherry on top of a profession that I am proudly dedicated to. I am also going to begin coaching at the very high school that I began my dance journey with, several years ago. I have always wanted to expand upon my teaching/coaching skills, and this opportunity presented itself at the perfect time!
What is your advice to other pro dancers, NFL cheerleaders, or NBA dancers who will or have gone through this experience?
To anyone entering the journey of auditioning for a professional dance or cheerleading team, kudos to you. Any audition process takes immense bravery, confidence, and a willingness to be vulnerable around other women/men, professionals, and athletes who shine in their own way. My former director always shared that on any given day, a different team would have been selected with a different panel of judges. I truly believe when the stars align for you and it is your year, it will be. Whether you make a team or ultimately have to come back the following year, know there is a blessing and lesson in it all. I have now experienced both making an NFL team and being told ‘no’, both of which have taught me immense compassion and appreciation for what’s to come.
What are your tips for dancers and cheerleaders who have gone through this experience or will in the future?
To the dancers currently going through this or who will experience this in the future, allow yourself the grace and time to process. You will likely go through the stages of grief, as I am currently navigating, and it’s a journey that is not linear. Celebrate the days and the little/big moments that bring you happiness, and on the days where you are emotional, lean into it. No judgment.
Knowing what you know now, is there anything that you would change or do differently? Auditions, in past seasons, mentality, etc.
Knowing what I know now, I would not wish to change my decision to audition for the Denver Broncos, my tenure with the organization, or the outcome of this previous audition. The last two years have provided me with incredibly special moments in our Denver community, awarded me lifelong and meaningful friendships, and ultimately granted me the experience of a lifetime. I grew as a mentor, public speaker, woman, and advocate for our marginalized communities – something I am very proud of.
What were reactions from friends, family, teammates after the announcement?
The reactions of my family, friends, and teammates varied, but ultimately came from a place of love. My family members were saddened they would not see their daughter retire from the dance world on her own terms but additionally expressed they are so proud to have witnessed me fulfill my dreams thus far. Since, I have also been embraced with the most thoughtful and meaningful texts/messages/phone calls over the past few weeks. I am grateful to every single person that has uplifted me in this time. I feel more connected to my community than ever before.
Did you get any feedback on the final audition decision or anything to help ease your mind with the final outcome?
I had a conversation with my former director the following day, after the 2021 cheerleading team was selected. Not much could be shared due to HR, but ultimately, she voiced I was in the top 26 leading up to the final day of auditions and fell below the cut when other judges’ input was included in the decision. I know there is nothing I could have changed and find peace in that.
When you think about your experiences as a dancer and NFL cheerleader, what stands out the most or things you will miss most? What are you most grateful and excited for moving forward?
When I think about my experience as a dancer, I think of the rich and meaningful relationships and connections I have formed. Whether it be with former coaches/mentors, the kiddos I have coached through the Juniors program and Colorado State University Ramettes, the teammates I have had the privilege of learning from and dancing next to, and the connections I have made in our community through various promotional events. I am thankful for every single interaction. Moving forward, I am elated to expand upon my previous experience with coaching, as a high school game day coach for Cherokee Trail High School.
What does it mean to be an NFL cheerleader to you? Even though the result may not have been what you had planned, share the opportunity and growth it created for you.
To me, being an NFL cheerleader was a dream come true. A dream I didn’t believe possible for a long time. Being a Denver Broncos Cheerleader meant cheering for the best team in the NFL and achieving a life-long dream of performing at this level. In this position, I was given the opportunity to be part of a legacy that connected me to all of the women who have donned the chaps before me. It gave me the platform to connect with our youth through Juniors program, Children’s Hospital, Boys and Girls Club appearances…as well as many other opportunities to connect with Broncos country in Colorado, Mexico, and with our troops overseas. It was the highest honor to have been selected to represent the Broncos organization the past two years.
Do you feel your professional dance career is accomplished with this or do you plan to audition for different teams?
I feel fulfillment in my contributions to the professional dance world, but don’t want to write off any future opportunities. Where one door closes, another opens, and right now that door is leading me to be a high school poms coach. It feels right and I am very thankful!
Sum up this experience and advice to anyone, past or present, that may share in a similar journey. Something you wished was already out there that you could lean on after the audition day outcome.
To all who share in a similar story to mine, remember you are worthy. You bring so much value and light to any space you are in. Being a professional cheerleader/dancer is not your identity and does not speak to the qualities you possess. Remember you are not enough, you are MORE.
A motto that you tend to live by now:
Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly. The risk is
always worth the reward.
Instagram: rachael.soellner