55-Year-Old Grandmother Auditioning to Become Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
Sharon Simmons, 55, has raised eyebrows after revealing her plans to audition for a Dallas Cowboys cheerleading role in May.
Although the now confident grandmother once lacked the courage to pursue her professional cheerleading dreams in her 20s, the real estate worker is now determined to make it despite most in the industry being half her age, according to ABC News.
"Now I'm not afraid. I'm more mature. I know what to do. I don't see a number. If I do, it's just a number. It's not that I can't keep up with [younger women] in the physical part of the training," fit grandmother of two told ABC.
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Simmons, who is also a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, says that she has "competed in over 20 competitions winning nine 1st Place Titles," on her itnessanyage.com website.
"To me, this is just like any other competition. There are steps to take to prepare, which is exactly what I'm doing," Simmons said about auditioning for the squad this coming May.
In 2011 the youngest cheerleader on the Cowboys squad was reportedly 18, while the youngest was 31 and although most grandmothers may panic at the idea of having to wear a skimpy cheerleading costume, Simmons is very comfortable doing so.
"If you're not comfortable wearing stuff like that, you should not be trying out for the (squad)," she said.
Kelli Finglass, who directs the Cowboys squad, said that although women in their 50s have never been selected for the squad Simmons should not be deterred.
"I'd give her accolades for her preparation and look forward to her audition," Finglass told ABC adding that Simmons "intrigued" her.
Simmons insists that being active is not only for the young, and that people of all ages should also aspire to pursue their dreams.
"Being fit is about inspiring others and helping them achieve their fitness goals and dreams. It is about believing in yourself -- setting goals with pride, passion, and commitment -- always striving for excellence. "FITNESS IS FOR ANY AGE" and Age is Simply a State of Mind," Simmons wrote on her website.
