Recently I attended the first event following the final selection of the Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers. Being there and recognizing myself as “an A-Town Dancer” helped to further solidify reality for me - I made the team! I was still in shock after a nerve-racking yet fun-filled finals week, and that sense seemed to heighten when I found myself amongst the finest group of females Atlanta has to offer. This event included not only the A-Town Dancers, but also the ladies of the Falcons and the Georgia Force. We were all in attendance, ready for socializing and shopping. This year’s “ROCKSTAR Party” event took place in a trendy fashion hotspot, Fabrik. What could be a better environment for a bunch of lovely ladies to really let loose and get to know one another? After a speedy introduction, saying which team we represented and for how many seasons, I realized I was in a room filled with true “ROCKSTARS”. After hearing how dedicated these ladies were, from some being on a team for six consecutive seasons to just the amount of poise and presence exuded while introducing themselves. I am more honored and appreciative than ever to be labeled as a rookie.

It is so wonderful to witness women from different realms of the sports industry under one roof just hanging out and having fun. We weren’t divided into three separate sports teams, yet we represented one. As it should be, since we seem to share many of the same passions in life. I am looking forward to more events like this one; seeing how our schedules remain so busy, it is rare that there will be another event that we will be able to ALL gather together.

I am looking forward to the start of the basketball season. This is only the mere beginning…. did I mention being an A-Town Dancer has not sunk in yet? I am excited to have the time to get to know the other A-Town Dancers even better, whom I seem to have only met just yesterday. I also want to meet all the other amazing people affiliated with this organization. I can't wait to actually be in the middle of Philip’s Arena participating in a game or event, and to reach out in the Atlanta community and spread joy uniting all communities - to make people proud! Wow, this is the life of an A-Town Dancer, but of course I am speaking from two weeks of experience. I am sure the season will bring its own hardships between practices, appearances and games; but what I say to that is, “BRING IT ON”.

Thank you to all who put together the “ROCKSTAR” Party. What a great way to kickoff what seems like a fresh start. Let the games begin!!

- Hailey