17 Dec Raising the Bar: How the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders Are Redefining What’s Possible After All Star and College Cheer
When the final competition music fades or clock runs down on the last college game, many cheerleaders find themselves wondering, what’s next? For some, the next stage isn’t about leaving cheer behind but taking it to new heights. The Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders offer athletes the chance to continue their passion on one of the most exciting stages in professional sports: the NFL. As the first team in the league to feature a coed stunt team, the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders have redefined professional cheerleading by showcasing strength, athleticism, and showmanship. Inside Cheerleading sat down with Tina Galdieri, Director of the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders, to talk about what it’s like transitioning from All Star to the NFL, what sets this team apart, and what aspiring athletes should know about taking the leap into professional cheerleading.
Many Ravens Cheerleaders come from both All Star and collegiate programs. What qualities or skills from those experiences tend to prepare athletes best for cheering in the NFL?
Cheerleaders who transition from All Star and collegiate programs typically arrive with an exceptional foundation, and the qualities they bring such as performance endurance, dynamic showmanship, and a strong sense of accountability and discipline translate seamlessly to the demands of the NFL stage. These attributes not only elevate their performance but also prepare them to thrive in a high-visibility, high expectation environment.
The Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders made history as the first NFL team to include a stunt team. How does that coed dynamic influence the team’s performances on gameday?
Our team is a true blend of talent, female stunters, male stunters, and dancers, all working together to create the full Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders experience. As we celebrate 30 years of the Ravens and 28 years of our cheer program, we are incredibly proud that we were the first NFL team to include male cheerleaders from day one, and we have carried that same tradition, standard, and spirit ever since.
Balancing elite athletic stunting with high-level dance performance is part of what defines us. M&T Bank Stadium holds about 70,000 fans, and when the Ravens are on defense the noise level has hit over 120 decibels, which is as loud as a jet engine. The energy in our stadium is unmatched, and with M&T recently ranked third overall for best gameday experience, our team knows we have to rise to that level every single week.
That is why we combine stunting and dance to create nonstop, high-energy moments that match the intensity around us. And we have expanded the way we engage with fans. Instead of only being on the field, we now rotate throughout the stadium so a huge portion of the team is always visible. Whether we are on the field, in the concourse, the suites, or the clubs, our goal is the same. Bring that infectious Ravens energy everywhere and make sure every fan gets a true gameday experience with us.
What are some of the biggest adjustments former All Star or college cheerleaders face when transitioning into the professional world of the NFL?
There are several key adjustments that All Star and college cheerleaders must make when transitioning to the NFL, both physically and mentally. In the All Star and collegiate arenas, athletes are driven by competition, scoring, and performance rubrics. In contrast, the NFL environment is rooted in entertainment; routines and performances exist to elevate the gameday experience rather than to earn points. The roar of the crowd, the energy of the stadium, and the joy on fans’ faces become the true “trophies” of an NFL performance.
The mental transition is equally significant. NFL cheerleaders serve as brand ambassadors, where soft skills carry as much weight as technical ability. Professionalism, punctuality, and balancing team responsibilities with careers and personal commitments are essential. Cheerleaders must be able to navigate a wide range of appearances, from high-energy performances to speaking engagements. As representatives of the organization, adaptability is vital, whether traveling abroad on Military Tours or participating in Purple Friday caravans to support local schools and sponsors. Ultimately, the transition to the NFL is about embracing a broader purpose, bringing energy, connection, and professionalism to every moment, both on and off the field.
Watching former All Star and college cheerleaders evolve into professional athletes must be rewarding. What stands out most about that transformation for you?
It’s not just about refining techniques or mastering a skill or even choreography, it’s about witnessing true personal growth.
They mature into leaders. You see it in how they carry themselves, how they support their teammates, and how they rise to challenges with grace. The poise they develop on the field, in interviews, and in the community, this is a reflection of their growing confidence and character.
What stands out most is their shift from receiving to giving. Many come in with incredible talent and drive, but over time, they begin to see their role as bigger than themselves. They become mentors, ambassadors, and advocates. They start to give their time, energy, and heart to others. Whether it’s inspiring young athletes, volunteering locally, or lifting up a teammate, they embody the spirit of service.
That transformation from individual excellence to collective impact is what makes them truly professional. It’s a privilege to witness, and even more of an honor to help guide, mentor and teach.
The Ravens Cheerleaders are known for excellence both on and off the field. How do you encourage leadership, community involvement, and personal growth among your squad?
At the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders, excellence is more than performance, it’s our mindset we cultivate and teach every day. Leadership starts with accountability and heart. We empower our squad members to lead by example, whether they’re mentoring rookies, representing our team at community events, or speaking up for causes they care about. Everyone has a voice, and we make sure it’s heard.
Community involvement is woven into our identity. We attend over 250 appearances yearly, from youth clinics to charity, to partnerships, we show up with purpose. Our cheerleaders are role models for our community and part of our job is engaging with fans, uplifting local organizations, and inspiring the next generation through outreach that’s both meaningful and fun.
Personal and professional growth is a priority for our team. We foster an environment where confidence, resilience, and authenticity thrive. Whether it’s through leadership workshops, wellness check-ins, or celebrating milestones off the field, we support each other’s journeys. Being a Ravens Cheerleader means growing as an athlete, a teammate, and a person.
We’re proud to be a squad that shines in uniform and in character. Excellence isn’t just what we do…. it’s who we are.
For athletes finishing their time in All Star or college cheer, what advice would you give them as they consider professional cheerleading as their next step?
If you’re wrapping up your All Star or college cheer career and eyeing professional cheerleading, the key is to shift your mindset from competitive performance to brand representation, community engagement, and polished professionalism. It’s not just about stunts and dance, it’s about embodying the spirit of a franchise.
What characteristics—beyond technical skill—do you look for during tryouts?
While technical skills are essential, we’re looking for something deeper during tryouts, individuals who embody the full spirit of the Ravens. We seek well-rounded athletes who bring more than talent to the mat. Character, drive, and heart matter just as much as skill, athleticism and precision.
We’re drawn to those who are striving to be better, not just in cheer, but in life. Whether they’re pursuing higher education, advancing their careers, or setting personal goals, we value ambition and growth. It’s inspiring to see candidates who are committed to bettering themselves and lifting others along the way.
Giving personalities stands out. We look for teammates who radiate positivity, support their peers, and understand that being part of this squad means contributing to something bigger than themselves. It’s about service, humility, and showing up with purpose, on the field and in the community.
Ultimately, we’re building a team of leaders, role models, and ambassadors. The ones who shine are those who bring excellence in every dimension, mind, body, and spirit.
For athletes thinking about trying out in the future, can you share any details about upcoming prep clinics and tryouts for the 2026/2027 season?
The 2026 Ravens Cheerleader Tryouts will take place on Saturday, March 7, with callbacks on Sunday, March 8. Candidates who advance will be invited to the next round of interviews, followed by the final physical round in mid-March. Be sure to follow @brcheerleaders on Instagram for all prep clinic and tryout updates!
Breaking Barriers:
The Male Athlete Experience in the NFL Cheer World
The men of the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders bring powerhouse athleticism, teamwork, and leadership to the field. We asked Cory G. and Sean S. what it’s like representing male athletes on the NFL sidelines—and what advice they have for others considering the leap from college or All Star cheer to the pros.
How has your background in All Star or college cheer helped prepare you for the NFL?
Cory: Having experience in both All Star and Collegiate cheerleading has prepared me for the big crowds, big energy and the high level performance aspect of the sport. As a cheerleader, you are a natural ambassador for the organization you represent. In college, there was a major expectation that all athletes conduct themselves in a professional manner, knowing that we represent not only ourselves, but the University as well. Representing the Baltimore Ravens, both on and off the field, has been nothing short of a privilege and honor. It’s something I take true pride in, and felt prepared to do with my previous experience.
What advice would you give to male athletes thinking about trying out for a professional cheer or stunt team?
Sean: First, do your research. Watch videos or examine pictures of your prospective team. Make sure their style and requirements fit your skill level. If you think you fall short, take action and plan to polish your skills before tryouts. Set the bar high, but don’t make your goals insurmountable. Second, reach out to the organization, whether it be a current cheerleader, alumni, or a friend of a member. Open your networks and show your interest. If you have the option to join an open gym that is organized by a current member of the team, you’ll have a huge advantage over the competition. And finally, don’t wait until the last minute; start your preparation…yesterday.
5 Tryout Tips
After years on the sidelines, veterans Jaime A. and Carli P. know exactly what it takes to stand out on audition day. Here are their top five tips to help you impress the judges and bring your best “Ravens-ready” energy to tryouts.
1. Master the Ravens Cheer Style: Take time to study and emulate the signature style of the Ravens Cheerleaders. We are a precision-based team known for sharp, clean cheer motions and powerful performance energy. The more comfortable you are with this style, the more confident you’ll feel on audition day.
2. Prepare Early—and Prepare Thoroughly: Set yourself up for success by getting ready well in advance. Order your audition outfit early and do several full hair and makeup run-throughs. Review photos and videos of the current team on social media to understand the polished, game-day look that judges expect.
3. Know the Commitment Before You Commit: Being a professional cheerleader requires significant dedication—and punctuality. Before trying out, make sure you understand the schedule, talk with your employer about flexibility, and confirm that you can reliably make practices, games, and events. The last thing you want is to make the team, only to realize you can’t meet the time demands.
4. Practice In Your Audition Outfit: Do multiple practice sessions in the exact outfit you plan to wear on audition day. This helps you feel confident and comfortable, while also reducing the risk of awkward wardrobe issues when it counts.
5.Take Advantage of Prep Clinics: Prep clinics are one of your greatest resources. They offer the chance to meet current veterans, ask questions, learn expectations, and get a feel for the audition format. Attending these sessions can give you a competitive edge and help you walk into tryouts feeling prepared and informed.
Photography by Jill Fannon
