Engineer by day, professional cheerleader by night

Driving back to campus from her co-op one day, Knecht was in a head-on car accident. Luckily, both she and the other driver were okay, but the lasting impact wouldn't show up until a few weeks later. 

"I was at a dance class, did a very normal move, and felt my shoulder dislocate," she said. "I had to get surgery, my labrum was completely shredded, and the doctor said I'd never be able to dance seriously again." 

This news was devastating for Knecht. Shortly before the accident, she had started to think about taking her dance career to the next level as a pro cheerleader. Told she'd never dance again, Knecht didn't let that stop her. She pivoted and started teaching group fitness classes at the UC Recreation Center. 

Once the decision was made, Knecht dove headfirst into prep work. She worked with a personal trainer to develop a workout and diet plan, specifically designed to keep her shoulders strong for auditions. From November to March, it was all about preparation. 

Along with her personal preparation, Knecht attended prep classes hosted by the professional organization. She had never danced pom-style before, so this was crucial for her to get accustomed to it. 

"Part of an audition, for me, is preparing, training, and practicing," she said. "I've never done pom in my life, so learning the style and meeting the other girls at the prep classes was a lot of fun." 

Auditions kicked off in April and over the course of a couple weeks, Knecht went through a comprehensive series of dancing, showcasing her skills, and interviewing. Each day of auditions, the girls were taught different pieces of choreography and skills they needed to know to be on the team. Her schedule consisted of work, auditions, and practice. 

On the final day of auditions, Knecht came prepared to show the coaches seven dances she was taught, as well as one piece of her own choreography. She gave it her all, and then it was time to wait. The roster announcement took two weeks. 

“I was very at peace with whatever happened because I knew it was all part of God’s bigger plan,” she said. “My parents came over, we refreshed the roster page, and there was my face. I was in so much shock; I couldn’t believe that it was real.”

Now a professional engineer and professional cheerleader, Knecht's schedule is a little crazy. She's working out nearly every day, sometimes both before and after work. She's driving straight from the office to the stadium for team practice, and practicing on her own at home on the weekends. 

“It’s a huge life adjustment, but even if I’m tired one day, I’m so excited for all of the blessings in my life,” she said. “It’s the best kind of busy.”

Reflecting on the journey that’s brought her here, Knecht shared that she’s in a place right now that allows her to fully express all parts of herself. She loves engineering. She loves dance. And she gets the opportunity to do both of those things and follow her dreams.

“I wish I could go back to my freshman year self and remind her that she can do incredible things, and she doesn’t have to dim any part of herself,” she said. “I don’t have to dim my engineer to dance, and I don’t have to dim my dance to be an engineer.”  

Featured image at top: Sourced from the Official Bengals Website & Official Bengals Cheerleading Instagram.