Monday, Mar 17, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
In four weeks, hundreds of women will pour into the Jenny Craig Pavilion at the
University of San Diego in hopes of landing a coveted spot on the 2008 Charger Girls squad.
On Sunday more than 200 spent their afternoon at USD getting ready for the big day.
“We host a workshop every year in hopes of bringing in girls who are interested in trying out in April,” Charger Girls Director Lisa Simmons said. “We put them through a series of across-the-floor sequences, choreography and a mock audition. We do our best to prepare them for what they can expect in April.”
Preliminary auditions for the 2008 squad will take place April 13 at USD. Each year, the event has drawn more and more candidates, and Simmons is hopeful that the trend will continue this spring.
“Last year we had over 400 applicants,” Simmons said. “We’re hoping to pull in that same interest this year if not exceed it. We hope for a large turnout because that gives us an opportunity to audition more ladies and put together the best possible team.”
Those auditioning in April will be vying for 28 spots. The girls returning from the previous year’s squad hoping to return to the team must go through the application process each season.
“The only advantage our veterans have going into auditions is they get a bye going through the first round,” Simmons said.
A record number turned out for Sunday’s workshop, which saw ladies travel across the country to prepare for April’s auditions. A year ago, Ashlie traveled to San Diego from Indianapolis in order to tryout. After making the Charger Girls squad last spring, she relocated to San Diego and found a job. This weekend, Ashlie’s younger sister was in town for the audition in hopes of following her sister’s footsteps.
Jackie, a Newport, California resident, had an adventure just getting to the workshop. While driving down from Orange County, her car broke down nearly 45 miles north of San Diego. She hopped in a cab, paid a $100 tab and made it just in time for the workshop.
“It’s been worth it so far,” Jackie said. “I’ve had so much fun and learned so much that will help in April. The girls were really helpful and friendly. I will definitely be taking a lot more jazz and hip hop classes before tryouts and also incorporating what I learned at the workshop in my practice.”
While the workshop isn’t mandatory for those wishing to tryout for the Charger Girls, it’s an event that can be very beneficial.
“It’s strongly recommended for girls who are not used to auditioning or don’t really know what to expect,” Simmons said. “We hope we can offer them a day where we can answer their questions and provide them with the tools they need for auditions.”
Simmons’ biggest hope for the workshop was that the ladies would become comfortable enough with the setup that their audition experience would be as enjoyable as possible.
“Regardless of the outcome of auditioning, it should be a great experience,” Simmons said. “We want the girls to have a great time whether they make it or not. It’s hard to audition to any NFL dance team. It’s more about having a great time, making new friends and learning a little about themselves.”
For more information on Charger Girl auditions, click here.
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