Aimee on my mind…
Tony Mercado
Monday March 20, 2006
In many ways, Aimee Woodruff is the classic Southern Belle.
She embodies hospitality, charm and carries the perfect balance of beauty and modesty. But that’s about where the comparisons end. Because if you subscribe to the image of a Belle as also being frail or helpless, boy, have you got the wrong girl.
Atlanta’s 20-year-old, raven haired daughter is a rookie with the San Jose SaberKittens and as the season progresses, will surely come to be known for also being strong, talented and firmly in control of her destiny.
You don’t need to look any further for proof of her drive than at the start of this year’s auditions for the team when Woodruff, who specialized in cheerleading more than dance, found herself amongst a field of lifelong dancers.
"The last time I took dance was in the seventh-grade," she laughed with a slight Georgia drawl. "I didn’t get back into it until I decided to try out!"
Hours of dance lessons and classes before the auditions worked. She was one of 16 beautiful women chosen from across the state to grace the sidelines of the HP Pavilion. She admits being surprised to have been taken, but believes her happy-go-lucky attitude carried her through.
"For me, it was about having a good time and enjoying the experience of the moment," she said. "I think that helped me show my personality."
Performing before thousands of people is quite a ways from the farm nearly 30 minutes from civilization where Woodruff was raised and where she showed horses for six years, one of her first passions. But three years ago, she sold her eight horses and moved to Livermore with her mother.
The Bay Area has been home since, where school is the main priority in her life. After completing her undergraduate work, she plans to transfer to San Jose State University, the next stage of her drive.
For now, she’s ecstatic to be part of one of the league’s best teams where she hopes to formulate lifelong friendships and give SaberCats fans something to get excited about.
"Everyone on the squad takes the responsibility of being professional very personally," she said. "I couldn’t ask for a better team to be a part of because we all love to dance and perform."
Tony Mercado holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from San Jose State University and spent 10 years as a newspaper reporter in the Bay Area. He now works in the public relations field, but continues to enjoy writing about the local teams and the positive impact its players, coaches and dance squads have in their communities.
