I arrived here in sunny Las Vegas at Noon. The weather couldn’t be more perfect! This marks the start of my weeklong journey, filled with exciting activities leading up to Arena Bowl XX. I can’t begin to express what an honor it is to represent such an amazing group of stunning, gifted, and intelligent women. Though it may sound cliché, I’m so proud to have them not only as my teammates but also my friends.

Upon my arrival, I met Jenny (Chicago Rush) and Jennifer (New York Dragons) at the designated meeting area. They were both absolutely beautiful and super nice! Our “best bud,” Mike (AFL), picked us up and took us to the Excalibur hotel. Oh yeah! Also, inside the van were Asheena (Columbus Destroyers) and Amanda (Grand Rapids Rampage). Once we arrived at the hotel, I learned that Amanda was my roommate aka “Roomie”!

After checking in, we made our way through the crowded lobby and casino to our room. The décor is sort of like the 70’s meets the medieval times, nevertheless, this is where I’ll call home for the next week! Amanda and I have decided to order room service before heading off to our first practice. I’m so excited to meet the rest of the girls! More than likely I’ll be exhausted once practice is over so until then….May the Force be with you!

My day began with a 6am call time for Radio Row. We talked with radio personalities on air about the upcoming events and of course the match-up between Chicago and Orlando.

At 8am our second practice began. Nicole (Dream Team Coordinator) and her assistant, Karen were all business but as sweet as pie. It was a tough practice! But you know what? It was soooo rewarding! We received the official “Aaron’s Dream Team” uniform, promo attire, a brand new pair of kicks, boots, and the cutest AFL bag. Everything was first class! During the distribution of our new gear, we took time to bond. I had the pleasure of meeting the Diva of all Divas, Sissy (Nashville Kats). From then on we were inseparable. She has already made plans to visit Atlanta so that we can paint the town…black and blue that is!

After lunch we all went to our rooms so that we could prepare for a photo shoot. At 3:30pm, the photo shoot was under way, poolside at the Luxor hotel. The photographer took individual shots as well as several group shots. They were smokin’! During the photo shoot, we also shot a video diary for one of the main sponsors of the AFL, Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership. Their entire sports marketing staff was there including the company mascot, Lucky Dog! They were all awesome and so accommodating! We finally wrapped at around 7:30pm. Sondra (Las Vegas Gladiators) and I were the last to leave so we walked back to the hotel together. I’ve never met anyone that’s originally from Alaska…interesting.

Next, we attended an appreciation dinner hosted by Aaron’s at Gameworks…it’s very similar to Dave & Busters in Atlanta. We were each presented with a personalized, commemorative silver necklace and pendant. It was gorgeous!

Christina (Austin Wranglers) challenged me to dual in Dance Revolution. We tied but boy did we work up a sweat! It was a blast! I did score bragging rights…I beat all the boys during a Grand Prix race. How could they let a girl in a hot pink car dust them? They can’t say I didn’t warn them!

Back at the Excalibur, I have settled for the evening and now I must say “goodnight to all.” Black and Blue forever!

Once again we all had an early morning practice followed by a televised promotion for ESPN…well for five of us at least. Some of the mascots, including the loveable “Blu,” competed against each other in competitions such as tug-o-war, obstacle courses, etc. Tampa Bay’s Storm dog thought it would be amusing to splash us after diving into a kiddie pool filled with water. All five of us were soaked!

At the conclusion of the promotion, we headed to the Mandalay Bay Theatre for a performance at the ADT ArenaBall Awards. On my way there, I ran into the ever beautiful, Jakene, Georgia Force cheerleader coordinator. I just filled her in on the activities executed thus far. This was also my opportunity to express just how much fun I was having so that she could provide a report to my teammates back home! Speaking of teammates…Kelli and Jasmine were also in Vegas. I think we may have hugged all two hundred times we saw each other. I always heard them screaming my name….supporting their sister. They were awesome!

Back at the theatre, we were pleasantly surprised when Commissioner Baker walked on stage during practice to greet us. He offered such an inspiring oration. I was truly touched and taken aback by his grace, wisdom and kind words.

Following the awards ceremony…it was party time! We all changed into our black cocktail dresses and we were hurried away to the afterparty at RumJungle. I mixed and mingled with some of the elite in the AFL. It was almost overwhelming but it was such an exhilarating experience!

Whew! This was a long day but all worth it for the memories and the stories I’ll be able to share with those back home in Georgia. Until tomorrow…

Today we started with a performance at the Fanfest held at Thomas & Mack Arena. We performed all three of the numbers we had mastered over the last few days. Then we headed inside to cheer on the players that were competing in the Arena Battle. Our very own Derek Lee competed with the likes of Defensive player of the Year, Jerald Brown. Of course we all know who came out on top…that’s right # 8 all the way.

Tonight is one of few that I’m able to go to bed at a decent hour….that is before 1am! Well tomorrow is the big day so I better get some zzz’s. Dreaming of Blu…

Well Force fans…the day has finally arrived. I took a deep breath as I ran onto the field determined to do my very best in representing my team. I haven’t had that type of adrenaline rush since cheering for the Atlanta Falcons at Super Bowl XXXIII. After half-time we changed into our home uniforms. There were some stunning designs but nothing stood out more than the rich royal blue that sparkled brightly under the spotlights. Seriously,…I’m not just saying that…okay call me loyal! Anyway, at that moment I knew that I was where I was supposed to be, representing the Georgia Force with immense pride. The game ended with an enormous celebration for the victorious Chicago Rush. Then the unexpected happened…”We are the Champions,” started blaring through the speakers. As if it were rehearsed, all of the girls that had become my friends, came together for the most emotional group hug ever. Some even cried tears of joy and happiness….some tears of sadness because we had come to the end of the road.

At the airport, I was apart of the last five, flying back home to the east coast. We had four hours to wait before we could board our flights. The wait had absolutely no affect on us…we laughed hysterically as we shared stories and prepared to part ways. When the time had come, we all hugged each other one last time and promised to keep in contact.

Honestly, during my flight back to Atlanta, I couldn’t help thinking of how fortunate I was to have had this unbelievable opportunity. I am forever grateful to those that supported me and believed in me. I created memories with seventeen remarkable women from across the country…ones that I will never forget. I developed friendships that will last forever….but the one memory that had the most impact was that I was a part of the history of the Arena Football League at Arena Bowl XX. Viva Las Vegas and Go Force!

God bless each and every one of you!

Cheers!
Celentria