Six months ago, I took a risk and made the decision to try out to be a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader, and it was the best decision I have ever made.

Since the day I found out that I would get to cheer on, in my opinion, the best team in the NFL with 41 other amazing women, my life has been a dream. When I took my first step out on the field and hit the first count of our pregame dance, that dream finally started feeling like a reality. Although the first 2018 preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium didn't end in a Vikings win, it was still a day that I will cherish forever.

The day flew by and was full of so many emotions, but mostly it was amazing to be back performing after taking a year off from dance. I have to admit, I was quite nervous leading up to the game; however, as the first quarter progressed, I realized that I was well prepared and had a blast the rest of the game!

My favorite memory of the game was leading the 66,000 fans in attendance at U.S. Bank Stadium in the SKOL chant for the first time. The moments of quiet between each "Skol" gave me time to look around at all of the fans and realize I was a part of something bigger than I could ever imagine.

I'm already so excited for the next time I get to step out on the field and experience the magic of game day all over again. SKOL VIKINGS!

XO

Rookie MVC, Grace