BEVERLY, Mass. – The New England Patriots Cheerleaders announced their squad for the 2015 season and Karen Link '12 and Nicole Manelas have both been named to the roster.
Link, who graduated from Endicott in 2012, is performing with the Patriots Cheerleaders for the second season. Manelas is currently a junior at Endicott and is performing for the first time with the Patriots Cheerleaders as a rookie this season.
Karen Link '12
"Last year's championship season certainly made my rookie year on the squad a whirlwind experience and I am so honored to have another year as a veteran member of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders," said Link. "Participating in the dance program at Endicott provided me with the skills needed to become an NFL Cheerleader. Throughout my time at Endicott, I experienced a well-rounded education through dance classes and participation on the dance team. These activities allowed me to refine my technique and showmanship, among other skills. I'm thankful for my dance experience while at Endicott and how it prepared me for my current position with the Patriots."
Nicole Manelas
"Being a Patriots Cheerleader is a dream come true. I am now able to do what I love for the four time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots," said Manelas. "Being on the field is such a rewarding experience, and it proves that if you really want something you just have to go after it. Endicott College's dance team helped me push my technique further, and expand my strengths as a dancer. Because it was so involved I had to find that perfect balance between excelling in school and in dance. Without figuring this part out I would not have been able to transition so easily into balancing a professional dance position while still pursuing my degree."
"I had a proud teacher/coach moment seeing Karen perform with the Patriots last year," said Endicott dance team head coach Nicole Sao Pedro-Welch. "Now that we have two former dance team members dancing for an organization like the New England Patriots, which is so hard to achieve, it shows how strong the Endicott dance program has become. Both Karen and Nikki have worked very hard for this opportunity and I am proud that they represent the Endicott program professionally and skillfully." For the latest on Endicott Athletics, follow the Gulls on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.>