Paige Cavalieri is a former Eastern Illinois Pink Panther who’s now a proud member the iconic cheerleading squad of the Dallas Cowboys. Paige is also proud of where she cheered in college. In October,
we posted a #tbt photo from Paige’s Twitter feed of an old EIU football fan day poster.
Now that she has some well-deserved free time in the NFL off-season, Paige took a few minutes to sit down with OVC Extra to talk about her time at EIU, what she misses and what she loves about cheering for “America’s team.”
What I miss most about being at EIU is: My friends and my coaches. Everyone I met was amazing. And the atmosphere was incredible. To me, it was a small-town school with a Big Ten feel.
My favorite thing about cheering for EIU was: Being a part of a tradition. Football is my favorite sport (next to hockey), so anytime I’m able to watch, cheer and dance from the sidelines, I’ll take it!
My favorite thing about being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader is: Where do I begin?
First off, being part of an even bigger tradition and part of Texas culture.
Second, performing on that field is a rush. There is no complacency when it comes to game days and taking those first steps out to “American Woman” before performing our signature routine to “Thunderstruck.”
And third, definitely being a role model for younger girls who dream of becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. That used to be me. So it’s a pretty cool feeling.
The hardest part of being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader is: When the boys are down, and you can feel their frustration from the field. You’re right there with ‘em. But you have to keep your head up and then get the fans to stay positive, loud and cheering hard!
People would be surprised to know that Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders: Work or go to school full time, in addition to practicing five days a week, attending events and appearances, and cheering at all home games! We are very, very busy!
Before becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, I had no idea that: I could manage a successful jump split! I was too nervous to try it before tryouts, so it was all or nothing when the time came! And nerves aside, it really wasn’t that bad!
My favorite Cowboys player is (past or present): Emmitt Smith. He just really impressed me with those moves on “Dancing with the Stars” (apart from being a Cowboys legend, of course!).
As a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, my goals are: To one day be a group leader (our version of a captain). But until then, have the most fun, learn as much as I can and make some incredible memories!
People don’t realize it’s hard to: Stand or dance for four-plus hours, in cowboy boots. It definitely took some getting used to.
I started dancing when I was: 5 years old, in ballet. Then when I was 12, I joined my school dance team, and continued with the dance team in high school and at Eastern Illinois.
When I first started: I never imagined I would end up where I am today. It’s very surreal, even now after a full season of wearing the infamous uniform.
I really look up to: Both of my parents. They have been true inspirations and motivations throughout my entire life. They’ve taught me everything I know and continue to help me learn and grow as person. Love them!
We always get the crowd fired up when: There’s a big third down when we’re on defense. And of course, when we score a touchdown! We have the best fans! It's easy to get lost in all the cheering!
The best part of being a cheerleader is: Being able to inspire and pump up the crowd!
The hardest part is: Making sure you take care of your body. There are lots of aches and pains with all the moves we’re making!
People would be surprised to know that: I’m fluent in Spanish! I graduated from Eastern Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in foreign languages.
I’ve also got a lot of spirit when it comes to: Fitness and teaching kids! I would absolutely love to own my own dance studio one day.
Besides being a Cowboys cheerleader: I also work as a personal banker. I have been with the same bank for about four years now and was lucky enough to stay with the same company from back home, which made my transition to Texas a lot smoother! I’m very grateful since they work with my schedule.