Vikings Cheerleader Elyssa: Ready To Conquer The World
You know that moment you think you've accomplished something big, and you can sit back, relax and soak it all in? Well, once you meet Elyssa, you'll realize you're probably underachieving given all the things she can get done in just one day.
In her second year as part of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders (although a lifelong dancer), Elyssa exudes a level of confidence, sophistication and all-around goodness that even Taylor Swift would envy.
Take a look at our exclusive interview with Elyssa -- if you don't grab a cup of hot coffee and attempt to conquer the world after reading it, we'd be surprised.
CBS Local Sports: Where are you originally from?
Elyssa: Maple Grove, Minnesota.
CBS: Years on team?
E: This is my second year with the MVC. Growing up, I was trained as a ballet dancer and performed in ballets around the metro area. I went on to dance with my high school team, and was also an NBA dancer in college. Upon completing my degree and finding myself back in Minneapolis, I auditioned for the MVC, and couldn't be happier to be a part of such a phenomenal organization.
CBS: Give me details about your day-to-day life:
E: I'm a Corporate Sales Manager for Paychex here in Minnesota. I fly around the Midwest hiring, developing and training a sales team that I lead within the fastest growing division of the company.
CBS: Have you ever gone onto the field and forgotten your routine?
E: No -- With all of the practice and time I put in outside of regularly scheduled practices, my memory is solid when it comes time to perform.
CBS: If you had a reality TV show, what channel would it be on?
E: I honestly don't watch much TV. In my free time, I'm working out, developing different business strategies or planning where I want to travel next.
CBS: Miley, Taylor or Beyoncé?
E: Beyoncé for SURE! Her attitude is always positive, and her "boss-ness" is on point. To me, she's the symbol of girl power.
CBS: What song instantly puts you in a good mood?
E: Any Christmas song. Everything about that holiday makes me happy.
CBS: If I gave you two plane tickets anywhere in the world -- where are you going and who are you taking?
E: South Africa. I've always wanted to visit Cape Town, and would plan to take my mom with me.
CBS: Favorite thing about your city?
E: I love the seasons here. Always changing and always something new. Leaves changing colors, snow and the lakes. I also love the variety of people, the amazing food and, of course, the Mall of America.
CBS: When I say the letter "T," what's the first word that comes to mind?
E: Truth. I believe being true to yourself is what matters most.
CBS: App you use most?
E: Spotify. I like using music as a soundtrack to my life. When I'm working out, on a plane, in the car or at practice, I'm able to pick something fitting for every situation that helps to motivate me or help cool me down.
CBS: If you could go to dinner with any celebrity/athlete?
E: Leonardo DiCaprio. I love Leo -- hands down my favorite actor!
CBS: During the offseason, what does your perfect Sunday look like?
E: Every day I want to feel like I've accomplished something. Sunday is my day of feeling like I've accomplished relaxation ☺. I like sleeping in until I feel like waking up, then going to eat breakfast somewhere nice with a hot cup of coffee. After that, I like working out and planning what big things I'm going to be doing for the week.
CBS: Heels or flats?
E: Heels. I love dressing up for different occasions. Whether it's a gala or just going out to dinner, I like expressing myself through clothing.
CBS: Best advice you've ever been given but ignored?
E: Typically if I get good advice, I'm not going to ignore it. The best advice I've ever gotten was "The Sky is the limit." Anything you set your mind to and work hard for, you can achieve.
CBS: What's your one (top-secret until now!) beauty hack or trick?
E: I have the best teasing brush that gives the perfect backcomb every time! It's called Spornette and does wonders for anyone who's looking to add a little extra volume ;)
CBS: Tell me something about you people would find completely interesting?
E: I actually spent a portion of my childhood living in Saudi Arabia. I got to see some amazing things and experience a completely different part of the world at a very young age. I think that experience is what has given me such a broad perspective on life and what I want to do.
CBS: A quote or mantra you're totally vibing?
E: "Drink some Coffee, Put on some Gangster Rap, and Handle it"
CBS: Fill in these sentences:
CBS: I wish more people in this world would...
E: Think.
CBS: I can't get enough of...
E: Sleep.
CBS: Yoga pants are...
E: The bomb.
CBS: The single coolest moment as an NFL cheerleader was...
E: Running out of the tunnel for the first time.
CBS: What I love most about myself is...
E: MY DRIVE.
Follow Elyssa on Instagram @mvcheerleaders and Twitter @MVCheerleaders.
Jayme is a freelance sports and travel writer based in Houston and is currently in a full-court press writing her hugely opinionated sports column, The Blonde Side. Follow her travels for sporting events and check her out on Twitter @jaymelamm.
