Meet Cheerleader of the Month (and Cardinal cheerleader) Jenny Blake!

By Brittany Geragotelis

It’s no secret that Jenny Blake is comfortable in front of a crowd. With her fiery red hair and intense charisma, she can’t help but stand out. What you may not know is that this 21-year-old nearly missed out on the chance to put on the University of Louisville uniform. “I didn’t make the UofL team my freshman year,” says Jenny. “I tried out as a base, not realizing that college tops are bigger than the fifth-graders I was used to basing in all-stars. And since I never cheered in high school, I’d never tumbled on a hard floor before.”

Instead of giving up after not making the cut, Jenny chose to go to the university anyway, opting to cheer at GymTyme Allstars in order to build up her skills befor tryouts the following year. Halfway through that next season, though, she was faced with another setback; this one in the form of a broken fibula. “I was crushed,” she says. “I was out for the rest of the season and couldn’t compete at Worlds. On top of that, UofL tryouts were coming up, and I felt like everything I’d worked for all year was worthless.”

Fortunately, her coaches saw the potential in her and placed Jenny on the small coed squad, despite her recent injury. “Her sheer will and perseverance to become a University of Louisville cheerleader made her the perfect candidate,” says UofL All-Girl coach Misty Hodges. “Jenny had the desire to achieve her dreams, and she did everything it took to do so. Her cheerleading career is that of fairytale status.”

And now, the 2009 NCA Collegiate National Champion and member of the celebrated All-Girl team can add Cheerleader of the Month to her already impressive cheer resumé. Here, Jenny chats about her reaction to the honor, tips for future Cardinal cheerleaders and what she’s up to now!

AC: What was your reaction when you found out you were American Cheerleader’s October 2010 Cheerleader of the Month?

Jenny: When I received the phone call, I was extremely excited. It was such a major accomplishment—one I couldn’t have imagined. The first thing I wanted to do was call my mom because I knew she’d be just as ecstatic as I was!

AC: So how does it feel?

Jenny: It’s such a huge honor. American Cheerleader is a nationally-known and respected magazine, so having my name in it is an incredible feeling.

AC: What did people think of your news?

Jenny: My family, friends and teammates were very proud of me.  A lot of them asked for a copy of the magazine to keep in their house. It’s so cool knowing that so many people are supportive and happy for me.

AC: What do you plan to do with the scholarship money?

Jenny: I plan to use it for next semester’s classes. College is expensive, especially if you’re from out of state like I am.

AC: What are you up to now?

Jenny: The next couple of months are going to be very busy for me, between core finance classes, practices and cheering at seven home games. I also plan to get a part-time internship.

AC: Any advice for athletes who hope to follow in your footsteps and become a Cardinal cheerleader?

Jenny: I suggest you start working now. Work on your tumbling and jumps on a hard floor and also find your spot in stunting. Know the basics of all stunting positions but also determine your specialty by your size, strength and talent at the college level.

**For Jenny’s complete feature, check out AC’s October 2010 issue, on newsstands now.

Be Sociable, Share!

•