For senior Serena Buontempo, the fact that she has only been to “one Ravens’ game in her whole life” is about to change dramatically. Buontempo recently tried out for, and is now a proud member of the Ravens’ cheerleading squad.
Buontempo began cheering in eighth grade and has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team since the second half of her freshman year. She began cheering for St. Margaret’s School in eighth grade but, at the time, only cheered basketball games. “The only reason I did it was to be with my friends, and plus, my best friend’s mom was the coach,” said Buontempo.
Even though her cheerleading career just recently started, Buontempo has a long history of dancing, starting at age two. She originally wanted to be on a dance team, but, since JC doesn’t have one, cheerleading seemed like the closest match.
Cheering for the Ravens certainly comes with perks. “You get paid for every game, as well as appearances you make for the team. You get all of your uniforms for free as well as your warm ups,” said Buontempo.
Tryouts for Buontempo were scary at first because she didn’t know any of the girls, but she still managed to have a good time. Each cheerleader was taught a dance to perform. The first tryout began early in March, and the veterans received a free pass to the second round. The second tryout was a mix of former squad members and the prospective cheerleaders, where they did the original dance they were taught, but added more moves and effects to it.
The third round of tryouts consisted of an interview that required business attire. The final round of tryouts was a team practice. “The first tryout was March 7, and then my last one was the 24th, so it was a long process,” said Buontempo.
Team practices began in April, and training camp is the first week of June. On April 25, NFL draft day, the cheerleaders will be signing autographs, performing, and meeting the fans.
The Ravens’ cheerleading team has also recently begun a fundraiser – a calendar with pictures of 18 of the 24 team members. Buontempo has been chosen to be included in this fundraiser and to go to the Bahamas for eight days with the squad. They will do the photo shoot in the Bahamas, while having a built-in vacation.
“So far, I have not really gotten to know many of my teammates, but I am really excited about it. The only thing I am looking forward to is getting on the field on game days and actually getting to watch a game,” Buontempo said.