Hundreds of women were initially narrowed down to 69 finalists and on Thursday night those finalists competed for a spot on the Chargers Girls roster.
Open auditions were held at the University of San Diego’s Jenny Craig Pavilion on April 11 but the final competition, where the women showed their talent in free choreography, was restricted to those who made the first cut.
Alisha Summers, who was candidate #334, is auditioning for the Chargers Girls for the fifth time. “Hopefully this is my year,” she said.
Summers lives in San Diego and El Centro where she works as a substitute teacher. “Being a Chargers Girl means everything to me,” she said explaining that she also works with disabled children.
“I really look up to them. They are role models to me and I really hope to fill those shoes one day,” Summers said.
Judges were looking for the "complete package" --- talented performers, great dancers, great appearance and the ability to entertain a crowd.
The women performed a routine they had learned at the preliminary audition. A formal interview was conducted for each candidate Wednesday night.
SportsWrap
The top sports headlines of the day
The top 28 will make the squad for the 2010 Chargers Girls.
The position is “a part-time job but what we call a full-time commitment,” said Lisa Simmons, Chargers Girl director, noting that not only do the women practice and perform on game day but they also make more than 300 personal appearances throughout the season.
“It’s been on my life list for so long to be a Chargers Girl,” said Michelle Clegg who is trying out for the first time this year.
“You never know what they’re looking for so all I can do is try my best and hope that I make it,” she said.
Veterans aren't guaranteed a spot back on the team. They must compete alongside the new candidates and fight for their spot.
