The Atlanta Falcons may be challenged in the “WIN” column, but the “WOW” women still have plenty to cheer about. That’s because the “WOW” women, as they call themselves, are the three dozen cheerleaders who get behind the Dirty Birds, in good times and in bad. Yes, these women are spectacular in looks and dance moves. But they also work or go to school. Take Dana Luker, who has been cheering since elementary school. The Georgia native is a certified public accountant with a masters degree who audits financial statements of private businesses. After the numbers geek clocks out, the Falcons’ biggest fan clocks in. And if you think she’s cheering for the money, you’d be wrong.
Q: Did you grow up following the Falcons?
A: My mom did, but my family really loved college football. Both of my parents went to the University of Georgia. I went to UGA. Living in Atlanta, we did keep up with the Falcons, too.
Q: Did you cheer at UGA?
A: I did. I tried out my freshman year and made the team and cheered all four years. I helped coach the team when I was in grad school there.
Q: Why did you try out for the Falcons?
A: I started my real job and didn't have a lot going on after work, so I started dancing in my free time. And I absolutely love football, so becoming a Falcons cheerleader sounded like the best of both worlds.
Q: Why are you called “WOW” women?
A: During auditions, our coach looks for the full package. The Falcons require us to have a fulltime job or be a fulltime student. We all have different roles we play on the team. Some are great dancers. Some are great leaders. And some are great in the community.
Q: What are you?
A: I think I am dependable. I am never going to show up for practice unprepared.
Q: Do cheerleaders get paid?
A: We get a small stipend per game. We only dance at the home games. And if we make it to the Super Bowl.
Q: How has it been, going pro?
A: It's been a blast. I have made friends I'm going to keep the rest of my life. My teammates provide an awesome support system for each other through good times and bad.
Q: Is the cheering different from college?
A: Very different. In college, you typically see girls tumbling and being thrown in the air. It is more dance when you get to the professional level. I had a lot to learn.
Q: How much time does it entail?
A: We practice two nights a week for two and a half hours. We are required to do a set number of community appearances, anything from participating in breast cancer walks to reading to kids at school to making visits to patients in hospitals. We have some really cool opportunities that come up. This year, some of us got to go to France and that was a trip we won't forget.
Q: What do cheerleaders add to the sport?
A: We help create excitement for the fans. We are something else to watch between plays in the game. We are up at Falcons Landing before the game starts, signing autographs. We just add another element of fun.
Q: Are the people you work with in your real job surprised to learn that you are a Falcons cheerleader?
A: People seem to be surprised in general that cheerleading is not our full time job.
Q: Your bio says your favorite player is Roddy White. How come?
A: I think I've changed my mind since then. He's been hurt a good bit this season, so now I would say it is Matt Ryan. He is consistent and calm and composed in pretty much every situation.
Q: It is harder to cheer when your team is having such a crummy run?
A: You always want to see your team come out on top, but that is not the only reason we are here. We truly love what we do.
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