OHS and University of Mississippi alumna Hayden Hubbell recently became a cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans, a National Football League team. When she was younger, Hubbell danced at local studios, was an Oxford Chargerette, and spent four years as an Ole Miss Rebelette before auditioning for the Titans cheer team.
“I would not be here without Chargerettes,” Hubbell said. “It truly shaped me into the person I am today because I would not be a Rebelette without Chargerettes and I certainly wouldn’t be an NFL cheerleader without Rebelettes.”
Hubbell feels that over her time as a Chargerette her teammates gave her a sense of teamwork and comradery. Everyone looking out for each other and having good sportsmanship is something that Hubbell took with her from Chargerettes.
“I feel like we had a very close knit team and it gave me the ability to rely on them and know that dance is a team sport,”
Hubbell said. “If one messes up you all mess up, I just remember I loved that everyone was so close and helped each other.”
While a Chargerette, then coach, Robyn Lyons played a big role in Hubbell’s life specifically by being very encouraging. To Hubbell, Lyons was always super uplifting and positive.
“There is not a doubt in my mind that Hayden not only made me a better coach but just a better human in general,” Lyons said. “She is a light, every day at practice or during a performance she brought joy into the room. Her positivity set the tone for an eager, success-seeking, smiling team.”
Hubbell loved dance too much to give it up after high school and started thinking about college dance teams. During her sophomore year of high school she knew she wanted to dance for the Ole Miss Rebelette team and began to train.
“I watched her work tirelessly on her craft every day from studio classes, our practices, yoga, running, etc., and all with a smile,” Lyons said. “She was always striving for more and never expected things to come easy. She has earned every success she has been blessed with.”
Once she became an Ole Miss Rebelette, Hubbell’s positive energy spread throughout the team. Her teammates became a huge part of her life as well as her coach, Rachel Levetzow.
“Being a collegiate athlete is hard but she is the type of person that no matter what’s going on in her world she will always put others first and help elevate those around her to a bigger, brighter, more positive outlook on things,” Levetzow said. “She may be one of the most outstanding people I have ever met and how her positive energy affects others around her is truly a blessing to behold.”
According to Hubbell, Levetzow did more than just coach dance. She made Hubbell’s confidence stronger, was there for her every step of the way, and prepared her for the real world.
“She would say if you are 10 minutes early you’re late,” Hubbell said. “So you have to be early. We were always 30 minutes early in the parking lot to practice and workouts. She just prepared us for everything to come.”
Levetzow, along with Hubbell’s teammates and family, have all played an integral part in her dance journey. Hubbell is grateful to have such a strong support system.
“Being a part of the Rebelette team meant the world and I am truly so honored,” Hubbell said. “It’s my dream team and the girls on the team were and still are to this day my best friends. Rebelettes also made me a stronger human and dancer in all of the ways.”
While Hubbell was an Ole Miss Rebelette she also shared her love for dance by teaching at a local studio, Oxford Academy of Dance Arts.
“Hayden is an encouraging and inspiring teacher,” Lydia Foster, Oxford Academy of Dance Arts owner, said. “The kindness she shows her students gives them a safe space to go for and try new things in class.”
Hubbell taught dance for around three years. During this time, she was dedicated to doing all she could to prepare for the Tennessee Titans Cheerleading auditions.
“Hayden is a very humble person and dancer so when it came to her starting to work towards her goal as a Titans cheerleader she worked on it a little every day and became more confident and ready with each day,” Levetzow said. “She came into the Tad Pad on her own to work on material and technique, reached out to a few people to help prepare her for interview, even went through a few “mock” interviews to prep for the onstage/public speaking portion, talked to former teammates who are now professional cheerleaders so that she could mentally, emotionally, and physically prepare for this moment. Every day she puts in the work, she doesn’t do off days.”
Hubbell put in endless hours to fulfill her dream of being a Tennessee Titans cheerleader and is reaping the benefits. So far, Hubbell’s favorite moments have been at the first pre-season game and meeting new people.
“I think that being a part of this team is really cool and inspiring because people come from all different backgrounds,” Hubbell said. “It’s really cool to see where each person is in their life . I feel like God placed me here for a reason and He gives you nothing you can’t handle. Being a part of this team means so much and is an honor that I get to continue my love of dance.”
