The bright lights of Ford Field beam down on a sea of determined faces, each dancer poised, each heart pounding with ambition. Welcome to the electrifying journey of “Making the Squad 2025,” where precision meets passion and dreams are transformed into reality by the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders. This isn’t just an audition—it’s a testament to the grit, grace, and dedication required to earn a coveted spot under the iconic Honolulu blue.
The roots of this movement reach back to 2016, when the Lions reintroduced an official cheer squad after over four decades (. Under the leadership of Rebecca Girard‑Smoker, former Pistons dance team director, the organization focused not only on dance technicality but also on community representation and authenticit. Since then, the squad has evolved into both a performance powerhouse and a civic ambassador.
In early spring 2025, hundreds poured into Ford Field and participating studios. Auditions unfolded in multiple stages—preliminary, semifinal, final round, and the all‑important “Final Look” rehearsal . For many, this is the culmination of years of training in jazz, pom, hip‑hop, leaps, turns, and sidelines—elements not only tested during auditions but also offered in preparatory master classes led by former Lions cheerleaders and captains
But the talent pool isn’t limited to Detroit. Contestants like Skye Nielsen from Houghton Lake and Ayanna Gray from Kalamazoo traveled in hopes of proving small‑town America can dream big Their stories converge in Ford Field, where artistry and athleticism collide under intense scrutiny. Judges during auditions include not only Girard‑Smoker but even Kelly Stafford, wife of quarterback Matthew Stafford—bringing further gravitas to the process (.
From the outset, what sets “Making the Squad 2025” apart is its fusion of raw talent and diverse experiences. Many of these women boast backgrounds as dance team athletes at colleges or studios throughout Michigan, like Grand Valley State’s Jacki, whose journey from the Pokagon Band community to the NFL exemplifies both inclusivity and excellence . She experienced Lions’ first home playoff win since 1991 and vividly recalls the jaw‑dropping roar of 134.4 decibels at Ford Field .
Those playoff moments reflect how cheerleaders elevate more than just sideline energy—they become part of Detroit’s identity and resurgence as a powerhouse team. That fierce energy is channeled in every audition round: dancers must learn choreography in groups with seconds to assimilate moves, free‑style to showcase individuality, and demonstrate sharpness, stamina, and synchronicity. It’s a grueling gauntlet of creativity and discipline .
Between each stage, contestants refine routines in assigned rehearsal spaces. At the “Final Look” rehearsal, held at Lifetime Fitness in Bloomfield Hills, judges scrutinize not just choreography but grooming, poise, and uniform presentation . From athletic wear in class to full makeup and hair styling, every detail contributes to a polished, professional image.
By the end, finalists face an emotional peak moment at Ford Field. Surrounded by the unmatched acoustics of the stadium, auditionees perform for the final time before being told, “You’re in.” As one finalist described, it’s a rush—a flood of adrenaline and relief when that call comes.
But making the squad is just the beginning. Successful dancers attend a five-day training camp in mid-July to prepare for the season opener (. They rehearse sideline chants, dance routines, tumbling sequences, and community protocols. They must become both athletes and ambassadors—balancing stadium performances with school visits, charity events, and public appearances—a multifaceted role championed by Girard‑Smoker from day one
On opening day, when the squad steps onto the field in full uniform—Honolulu blue crop tops and shorts accented with metallic trim—the visual impact is undeniable. These uniforms, tested for both aesthetic and functional demands, mirror a trend in cheerleading toward “fashion-meets-performance” attire . Critics may question the bold designs, but for the dancers, the uniforms embody confidence and movement while representing Detroit’s flair.
Game days feature choreographed routines during pre-game, timeouts, halftime, and player introductions. Cheerleaders energize a 65,000-strong crowd, rallying spirits and amplifying the roar of Lions fans. The proactive squad even participates in Blue Out Fridays, encouraging community-wide engagement and fan initiatives .
The appending playoff run of 2023‑24 showcased their impact: Jacki and colleagues stood in front of record-breaking crowds, sometimes having to shout to hear each other on the field . Their role transcended performance; they were part of the collective roar that propelled the Lions into their first NFC Championship run.
Yet cheerleading isn’t only about spectacle—it’s about service. Squad members return to schools, hospitals, and non-profits, leveraging their visibility for good. They support initiatives like Salute to Service and Crucial Catch, embodying the Lions’ commitment to Detroit . They mentor young dancers, bridging dreams to reality and showing youth what passion and precision can achieve.
Throughout “Making the Squad 2025,” what shines through is the duality of cheerleading’s demand: artistry and athleticism, individuality and unity. The process invites dancers from a variety of backgrounds—urban and rural, athletic and academic—to converge in pursuit of that uniform. It’s a celebration of diversity and tenacity curated for both campus rehearsal rooms and stadium spotlight.
The competitive environment fosters growth, too. Judges demand perfection but also encourage authenticity. Leaders like Girard‑Smoker look for confidence, community presence, and relatability. They want dancers who can be neighbors, mentors, and role models The messaging is clear: cheerleaders aren’t just performers—they’re Detroit ambassadors.
This philosophy mirrors the Lions’ broader culture shift. While teams like the Cowboys have long marketed their cheerleader brands, Detroit takes a grounded, community-first approach. They’ve chosen not to chase glamour but to create a squad rooted in professionalism, fandom, and local pride .
Now imagine the final moment: under stadium lights, the newest squad members stand tall, hand on heart, anthem playing, formation in place. The journey—months of classes, rehearsals, callbacks, tears, laughter, and sweat—coalesces into that singular instant. It is both a culmination and a beginning.
On the surface, “Making the Squad 2025” is about dance. Beneath that, it’s a testament to discipline, community, and identity. Each cheerleader represents more than herself; she carries the hopes of hometowns like Dowagiac and Kalamazoo, the energy of packed stadiums, and the image of a city reinventing itself in stride with its team.
These women train like athletes, perform with spirit, advocate like leaders, and smile like ambassadors. They are the living bridge between team and city—and they ignite passion not just in game‑day crowds but across Detroit’s diverse neighborhoods.
It’s not hyperbole to say these cheerleaders move the spirit of a team; the energy they generate echoes in stadium cheers, in local classrooms, and in media coverage of Detroit’s pro sports identity. They don’t just wave pom‑poms—they shift narratives. As they dance, Detroit dances with them; as they serve, Detroit stands taller.
So when we talk about “Making the Squad,” we’re really talking about forging character under pressure. It’s about dreams measured in counts and turns, about communities raised by mentorship and visibility. It’s about performance that resonates far beyond the loudest cheers.
In 2025, these cheerleaders stand not on the sidelines, but at the center of a movement. A movement of voices lifted, city pride amplified, and feminine athleticism celebrated. A movement that says: passion is power, precision is pride—and with both, Detroit Lions Cheerleaders keep spirit in motion.
Here’s to the 2025 squad, whose glittering smiles and unwavering dedication will not just warm hearts in Ford Field, but resonate in communities across Michigan—capturing the essence of a team, a city, and a moment in motion.
