CHEERLEADERS

Dance background: I grew up as a competitive studio dancer since the age of 3. Once I reached high school, I was on the varsity cheer and dance team all four years.

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of my college degree. Science was never my strongest subject in school and little did I know that my entire degree would be science based. I easily could have picked a degree or an area that I was stronger in, but I chose something out of my comfort zone and pushed myself. It was a challenging experience but I am so happy that my determination and motivation led me through.  

What does being an AZCC mean to you? Being an AZCC means that I get to break stereotypes with the most empowering group of women. It means I am able to be a career-driven woman without having to give up my passion for dance. It means I am able to bring the game day experience to the community. It means I am able to bring a smile to faces all across Arizona with a mutual love for the Cardinals. Being an AZCC means I am able to live out my lifelong dream!

Three words that best describe you: Dedicated, compassionate and creative.

What are you looking forward to most this season as a Cardinals Cheerleader? The Cardinals have made a lot of power moves and are working toward a Super Bowl. I am most looking forward to cheer on winning team and celebrate with the best and most supportive fans!

What advice would you give your younger self? Enjoy being a kid! I think I was always in a hurry to grow up and get to the next chapter of my life. I wish I would have enjoyed being in the moment and soaked up every ounce of being young!

Leidan Mitchell Stylist: Joelene C. - Chandler location

Personal motto/Favorite Quote: "You can never be overdressed or overeducated." –Oscar Wilde

Favorite memory as a Cardinals Cheerleader: When I was announced as the 2018 Pro Bowl Representative. When I was a senior in high school, I had the opportunity to dance in the 2012 Pro Bowl alongside NFL cheerleaders. I dreamt of being in their shoes one day and it is amazing that my dance journey came full circle! I met the most amazing people while representing the best team in the NFL. I am forever grateful for the honor!

Dance background: I began dancing in a studio at the age of 3. After years of lessons, I couldn't wait to be a part of a team when I made it to high school. I was on my high school dance team, varsity cheer team and varsity pom team. I learned valuable lessons through every class and team I have been a part of and I couldn't wait to take it to a professional level and cheer for the NFL. ​

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? My education has always been something I have been proud of. I am double majoring at ASU and will be graduating early with both degrees this upcoming December. I have worked hard and pushed myself these last three and a half years and I cannot wait to walk across that stage to earn my diplomas!

What does being an AZCC mean to you? Being an Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader not only means that I get to represent the best organization in the National Football League, but it also means I have the ability to make an impact. I am able to impact fans across the state of Arizona and be an advocate for the Cardinals. I am fortunate enough to cheer on the sidelines with 29 other amazing women and be driven to break stereotypes and positively impact those around us.

Three words that best describe you: Determined, outgoing and charismatic

What are you looking forward to most this season as a Cardinals Cheerleader? I had the honor of being announced a team captain for the 2018-2019 season as an AZCC. I have always been driven to help others and shape them into the best versions of themselves. Earning this role is something I am extremely proud of because I was able to prove to myself that hard-work, passion and perseverance truly can pay off. I can't wait to lead this amazing group of women on the field this season.

What advice would you give your younger self? To reach for the stars! I would have never believed anyone if they told me I would be in the position I am in today. Always dream big and never settle for less would be advice I wish I could tell my younger self.

Leidan Mitchell Stylist: Megan H., Chandler Location

Personal motto/Favorite Quote: "The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." –Michael Altschuler

Favorite memory as a Cardinals Cheerleader: Every year the Arizona Cardinals visit Phoenix Children's Hospital around the holiday season to visit with patients and gift them with teddy bears during this special time. It is such a rewarding experience being able to put a smile on their faces and let them know how much we are all thinking about them and praying for their health.

​Dance background: Dance has been a part of my life since I was a young child. I grew up dancing ballet. I cheered for the varsity cheer team and dance company. After graduation, I cheered for Arizona State University's Spirit Squad. 

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? Receiving a master's degree in a field of work I feel so passionately about. 

What does being an AZCC mean to you? First, I believe that it means being an ambassador to our amazing organization. I also believe that it gives me the opportunity to serve as a role model for kids showing them that you can live out ALL of your dreams and you do not have to settle. 

Three words that best describe you: Compassionate, tenacious, and loyal.

What are you looking forward to most this season as a Cardinals Cheerleader? I cannot wait to run out of the tunnel and cheer on the Cardinals to another amazing season.  

What advice would you give your younger self? Take the risk and not be afraid to fail. 

Leidan Mitchell Stylist: Megan H., Chandler Location

Personal motto/Favorite Quote: "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm Possible'!" - Audrey Hepburn

Favorite memory as a Cardinals Cheerleader: "Teddy Bear Express" when we went to Phoenix Children's Hospital and gave teddy bears to children that were there. It was such an amazing experience getting to connect with the kids and their families. The conversations and moments I shared with the families will stay close to my heart forever, it was so special.

Dance background: Trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics and Contemporary at Tempe Dance Academy for 15 years. Started traveling and dancing competitively at the age of 7. Participated in Dance and Pom during high school. Danced for the Phoenix Suns for two seasons. Traveled and competed as a Pro/Am International Latin Dancer for 4 1/2 years.

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? Pursuing my dream of dancing and becoming an AZCC for my third season.

What does being an AZCC mean to you? It means being able to represent the team and our wonderful organization, to have the opportunity to make an impact in our community, and being a sister to 30 other amazing AZCC women.

Three words that best describe you: Go-Getter, Passionate and Loyal

What are you looking forward to most this season as a Cardinals Cheerleader? Making an impact in the community through appearances and being able to cheer on my home team.

What advice would you give your younger self? Set high standards and always believe in yourself.

Leidan Mitchell Stylist: Kaylee W. – Chandler

Personal motto/Favorite Quote: "Never let your emotions override your intelligence."

Favorite memory as a Cardinals Cheerleader: Darby and I had the opportunity to attend the 2018 draft in Dallas. Every moment of this experience is something I will treasure and remember for the rest of my life.

Dance background: I have been dancing since the age of 3. I grew up competing on a company team at All About Dance in Scottsdale, Arizona. I was also a member of the Varsity Pom Team at Notre Dame Preparatory. 

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? Chasing after my dreams of becoming an Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader. With a lot of hard work and determination this dream became a reality. 

What does being an AZCC mean to you? Being an Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader is such an incredible opportunity to not only do what I love by dancing and performing on game days, but to also have the opportunity to meet fans all throughout the valley and hopefully make an impact or difference in their lives.

Three words that best describe you: Dedicated, loving, and passionate

What are you looking forward to most this season as a Cardinals Cheerleader? Creating exciting new memories with my teammates while cheering on our Arizona Cardinals!

What advice would you give your younger self? That you truly can accomplish anything you set your mind to. With hard work, determination, and positivity- the opportunities are endless. 

Leidan Mitchell Stylist: Kaylee W. - Chandler Location

Personal motto/Favorite Quote: "No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted."

"Don't wait for something to happen. Go and make it happen."

Favorite memory as a Cardinals Cheerleader: Traveling to London last season with the Arizona Cardinals and our amazing Bird Gang fans.