2012-13 Luvabulls: Meet Missy

>> Back to the 2012-13 Chicago Luvabulls index

What does being a member of the Luvabulls mean to you?

The Chicago Bulls are known world-wide, and becoming a part of such a huge family is truly an honor. Being a member of this team has allowed me the privilege of continuing to do what I love, as well as experience the incredible atmosphere that the fans bring to the United Center during each and every Bulls game.

How has your dancing experience led you to this point?

I started dancing when I was three years old at Studio B in Decatur, IL, where I was trained in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, hip-hop and lyrical. I was also on Studio B’s Competition Team, where I guess you could say I “came out of my shell” as a dancer, and learned to truly perform on stage. In college, I was a member of the Illinettes Dance Team at the University of Illinois. Being an Illinette and performing at all home football and basketball games at Illinois taught me how to dance and perform in front of the large crowds of enthusiastic fans that accompany sporting events. However, nothing compares to the atmosphere of a Chicago Bulls basketball game at the United Center!

What is your claim to fame—besides being a Luvabull?

I would say my claim to fame is that I was a UDA instructor for a year before I went to college. I still have girls I taught four years ago come up to me when I am out and tell me I taught them at camp.

What do you do for a living?

This year is definitely a transition year for me. I’m currently applying to Physician's Assistant schools in the Chicago area, taking prerequisite classes required for certain PA programs, and performing with the Luvabulls all at the same time. Hopefully this time next year, I will have been accepted into a PA school and be on my way to becoming a Physician's Assistant! Fingers crossed!

Describe the feeling of hearing your number called at tryouts as you made the Luvabulls.

I honestly didn’t believe it when my number was called at tryouts. I was so shocked that I had actually made the team, and hearing my number being called was so surreal. I couldn’t wait to call my parents and grandparents and tell them that all my hard work had paid off!

What people do you admire the most and how have they supported or inspired you as a dancer?

My parents and my grandparents are my biggest fans, and have always supported me through every decision and step of my life. My mom and grandma have never missed a single dance practice, dress rehearsal, or recital in my entire dancing career. I definitely owe them for sitting through 4 hours of dance recitals for 15 years in a row! I’m so grateful to have such wonderful support from my family!

What is your proudest accomplishment to date and where do you see yourself in 10 years?

My proudest accomplishment to date is graduating from the University of Illinois with high honors in Community Health: Health Planning and Administration and a minor in Chemistry. It wasn’t easy, and I spent many sleepless nights at the library. However, graduating is proof that hard work does pay off! In ten years, I hope to be working as a Physician Assistant and have a family of my own.