by Bailey White
Staff Writer
After five years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Christy Stechman Zynda has found her niche at Alltel Stadium.
Zynda is the coordinator of the Jaguars cheerleading program, a position that didn’t exist during the three years she cheered on the Roar squad and the two years she participated in the Junior Roar program.
Towards the end of her third year as a member of the Roar, Zynda began working in the cheerleading office with Robin Valetutto, the Roar’s manager.
“Robin and I kind of created this position,” she said. “The program was expanding so much and Robin saw the need for another person — she knew I had the interest and education. It started out as an internship and we just made a really great team.”
Zynda was finishing her bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of North Florida, and when her internship was over, she found herself working full time as the coordinator.
“I’m using my degree every day. It was the perfect progression of events,” she said.
As coordinator, Zynda is in charge of scheduling all public appearances for the Roar.
“We really focus on staying involved. The Roar is asked to all sorts of events — benefits, schools, private parties — anywhere people need a little extra spirit,” said Zynda.
Community involvement is Zynda’s favorite part of her job.
“We do a lot with the Children’s Home Society,” she said. “We host a cheerleading camp there and sponsor a cheerleading clinic. They’re just ways of encouraging these kids.”
The Roar also participates in literacy programs across the city and is routinely asked to attend celebrations for children who have met their reading goals. The Foundation, run by Jaguars co-owner Delores Weaver, sponsors the Playbook, which can be found at local libraries and includes cheerleader’s and player’s comments about their favorite books.
One program that Zynda feels particularly dedicated to is the Junior Roar.
“I was a part of the program when I was 16, and it was such a great opportunity for me,” she said.
The Junior Roar consists of 300 girls who meet for Saturday camps and perform in a halftime show at a Jaguars games.
“I definitely realized in this program that cheerleading was something I really wanted to do,” said Zynda.
New this year is the six-month Junior Pro program, made up of girls 6-18. One hundred fifty participants meet twice a month and make appearances at three Jaguars games, performing in pregame shows and assisting in player introductions.
“My favorite event is the big slumber party, for girls 6-12. There are a hundred girls at the stadium, and it’s a blast,” said Zynda. “It’s usually around the end of July and our goal is to get the kids really excited about school. We have motivational talks, and tell them how great it is to strive for the honor roll. All of our [Roar] women are extremely accomplished — we have a doctor, a lawyer, many have full time jobs and children, all overachievers. I think it’s good for our Junior Roar to be able to look up to them.”
While she’s not on the field on Sunday, she still has plenty to keep her busy.
“On game days, I handle the behind the scenes action of these programs, and if there isn’t Junior participation, I’m doing promotional stuff. Cheerleading is such a huge part of my life,” said Zynda. “I went from cheering and dancing in the fourth grade to making it my job. It was a perfect progression.”
Zynda even met her husband as a result of her cheerleading. The two were partners on UNF’s cheerleading squad.
Still, Zynda looks forward to that one game during the season when she and other members of the Roar get a break from their cheering duties.
“It’s a time when we get to go and sit in the stands and watch the game just like normal people,” she said.