NLL Insider

We’re a day late on this, I apologize for the delay in bringing you another incredible NLLInsider.com Girl of the Week for another great week of NLL play. I think we more than compensated for the delay with this week’s selection. The Minnesota Swarm just knocked off the red-hot Washington Stealth, so we thought we’d pull a little bit of that magic into our Girl of the Week feature.

So we’re bringing you Laura of the Swarm dance team. She’s a former Vikings cheerleader that’s in her first year performing with the Swarm Performance Team. She’s down to earth and doesn’t think she’s seen you before, so don’t ask her.

Insider: What do you love most about your city and team?

Laura: What’s not to love? Minneapolis is an incredible city with so much to offer. Great schools, theatre and of course sports! The Swarm is such a neat organization, and even though it is very new, the Swarm already has a huge fan base! The fans are by far the best part of the team. They are loyal and absolute fanatics! Love them!

Insider: How did you get where you are today?

Laura: I have been a dancer since I was little, so it has always been a part of my life. I was extremely involved with my dance studio, high school dance team and was even a synchronized swimmer, so I danced under water! When I came to Minnesota, I knew that I needed to continue my passion, and at the end of my freshman year of college I tried out for the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders (MVC, also coached by Tami Krause, SPT coach).

I made the team and was on the team for six years, a captain for 3 years, and my last year I was selected to represent the MVC in Hawaii at the 2008 Pro Bowl. I “retired” after my sixth season, but again, the dance bug bit me so I tried out for the Swarm Performance Team and made it. It is so fun dancing and cheering on the best team in the NLL!

Insider: So you’re basically the most veteran rookie ever, how’s that been?

Laura: A little of both. It helps to have the professional dancing experience, knowing how to cheer and interact with fans from the field, and also the confidence in performing for more people than you ever have. I think the downside is you come in with that style, so it is a small challenge to adjust that.

Insider: What do you enjoy about NLL/indoor lacrosse, or lacrosse as a sport in general?

Laura: I am a new lacrosse fan, and I’m already hooked! I love how fast paced, exciting, and emotional the games are!

Insider: Do you have a favorite player?

Laura: Zack Greer is my favorite player. He is a fellow rookie, and already making his mark as one of the best in the NLL. I even follow him on Twitter!

Insider: Have you ever played lacrosse?

Laura: I have not. Unfortunately, I have never excelled at sports that did not involve dance! I enjoy watching versus playing.

Insider: What do you do outside of dancing (causes, school, other jobs)?

Laura: I work in Talent Acquisition at a local private corporation.

Insider: That’s a fun job; I was actually the head of Talent Acquisition for my college lacrosse team, I looked for a combination of desperation and audacity. What kind of talent are seeking out?

Laura: We recruit for the entire company – sales, marketing, finance, you name it!

Insider: What’re your hobbies?

Laura: I love walking my dog, watching movies, going to different restaurants, and going to my parent’s lake house in Iowa.

Insider: What would you change in the world?

Laura: I try to always be positive, so I would love to see more positivity in the world! Attitudes are contagious, so even if someone is having a bad day, they don’t need to put that on anyone else. Wow, that was a really cheerleader answer. I guess I am in the right sport!

Insider: Who in the world needs a hug the most? And Zach Greer isn’t eligible.

Laura: You spelled his name wrong. I swear I am not a stalker! Probably one of the Stealth players that lost in the fights last week

Insider: Worst pick up line you ever heard?

Laura: The “Don’t I know you from somewhere?” line. So annoying.

Insider: Well you know, you are a cheerleader on a very public stage, isn’t it possible they do know you from somewhere? In fact, I feel like I met you at a talent acquisition conference in Tulsa, let me type your number in my cell to see if it’s saved.

Laura: It is possible, but probably not likely. I am kind of a homebody so it doesn’t happen often.

Insider: So, what’s best pick up line you ever heard?

Laura: Is there such a thing? I always preferred set ups. Then you don’t have the awkward pick up line fiascos!

Insider: What can a guy do to get noticed (in a good way)?

Laura: Don’t be a tool! But for real, just be yourself! Attention seekers need not apply!

Insider: What kind of pets do you have running around?

Laura: I have two cats and a dog. My animals are all food named – Sushi and Coconut are my cats, and Sprinkles is my dog (Brussels Griffon). I was restricted with only being allowed one cat and one dog growing up so now I want multiples!

Insider: Favorite Book?

Laura: Too many to list! I prefer chick-lit, so pretty much anything by Jane Green I enjoy.

Insider: Favorite Movie?

Laura: I love movies and can really watch anything. Some of my all time favorites are Wayne’s World (1 & 2), Great Expectations, Sliding Doors, and Shrek 2.

Insider: Favorite Food?

Laura: I go through food phases, but I always love Mexican food and Asian. Chimichangas, sushi, and hibachi style cooking are some favorites.

Insider: Favorite TV show as a kid?

Laura: The Secret World of Alex Mack. So shameful, but I had all of her books, dressed like her, and wished I could morph into goo and go between rooms like her.

Insider: What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?

Laura: My trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl is definitely one of the best trips. I also loved Atlantis in the Bahamas. I have recently acquired a slight fear of flying, but love trips to warm places, so I am going to have to get over it!

Insider: Best date you’ve ever been on?

Laura: I don’t know if it is the best or worst because it was the most embarrassing, but I was on a first date and it was going very well, and after about 3 hours he got up to use the restroom. I instantly grabbed my phone to text my friend and all I wrote was, “I’m obsessed. Still on the date.” But it didn’t go to her, it went to my date!!!! It was maybe my most humiliating moment, but I say it was my best date because it must have worked – we are still together!

Insider: That’s a good story, was his confidence oozing over the table upon his return?

Laura: He is shy when you first meet him so I think it just gave him some confidence and eased that shyness.  I still wouldn’t recommend doing that to anyone!

Rate This Story: