Friday, Oct 11, 2024
A lifelong dancer, Samantha Butler ’23, ’24 was selected from hundreds to cheer on the Carolina Panthers
by Adam Grybowski
Last March, Samantha Butler ’22, ’24 received an exciting message from the Carolina Panthers: She had made it through the first round of auditions to become a cheerleader for the NFL team.
Each year, hundreds of hopefuls apply for the opportunity to join the Panthers’ cheerleading squad. Only a couple of dozen make the cut.
Butler has been dancing since she was 3 years old and dreaming of becoming an NFL cheerleader since she was about 8. After high school, she had serious discussions with her parents about whether to go to college or focus solely on dance. One reason she chose Rider University was for the opportunity to participate in the dance program while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a graduate degree in organizational leadership, as well as competing on the University’s track & field team.
Before flying to North Carolina for the semi-finals, Butler attended a local dance class to help her prepare. During the class, she landed awkwardly on the side of her right foot, breaking the bone that connects the ankle to the little toe.
Undeterred, she showed up for the audition in a chunky black walking boot that extended just below her knee. “At first, I felt like I was holding back a little during the audition,” she says, “but then I realized that if I wanted this, I had to give it everything, even if it meant potentially falling on my face in this boot.”
Despite the setback, Butler sailed through the rest of the auditions. So far this season, she has spent every Panthers home game on the sidelines in Charlotte, North Carolina. The TopCats, as the Panthers' cheerleaders are known, also make appearances at schools, hospitals, charity events and other functions.
“I thank God every day for giving me this goal and letting me pursue it, pushing myself to be the best version of me,” Butler says. “With the TopCats, it’s more than just dancing. You’re a representative of the Panthers, and the organization wants the best and most well-rounded people out there.”
Growing up in competitive dance, Butler was used to learning routines at the start of the season and performing them repeatedly. The TopCats’ season is different.
“During game time, you’re constantly moving, and there are a million little dances in addition to the bigger routines,” Butler says. “We learned many dances within the first few weeks, and our routines continued to grow. The hard work on your body is a lot more demanding than I’ve experienced in the past.”
Like many NFL cheerleaders, Butler holds another job in addition to her responsibilities with the Panthers. She works full time as a residence director at nearby Johnson & Wales University's Charlotte campus. And while she hopes to continue cheering for the Panthers in future seasons — TopCats must reapply for the team each year — she’s also looking forward to using her bachelor’s degree to become a teacher.
“While I was growing up, my mom worked in the preschool setting,” she says, “and I take after her with wanting to give back to the community through education.”
Until then, Butler remains committed to dance.
“Performing is so rewarding,” she says. “With dance, you’re never confined to a small box of limitations. I think it’s something that will stay a passion of mine forever.”