Buffalo Jill of The Week Melissa B

This week, our Buffalo Jill of The Week isn't your typical rookie. She actually came to the Jills after already performing in the pros, as a member of the 2012 Buffalo Bandettes. She started off her career as a Jill dancing on Emily's line between Jenny and Alyssa K but switched to the Ambassador squad early in the regular season. Melissa B is a dance teacher and choreographer away from the field with the hopes of one day owning her own dance studio. Level-headed and easy-going, she joins a pretty elite group of girls who didn't quit after their 1st tries to make the squad didn't go well. Like captain Lisa, and noted alumni like former captains Keisha and Amanda F and even Amazing Race star Katherine Bichler, Melissa was intent on making the squad and was able to achieve her dream of cheering on an NFL sideline. All too often, people give up on their dreams too easily. One of Melissa's dreams, besides her own studio, is to get her PhD and become a professional dance choreographer, similar to what Paula Abdul did before she started singing. Considering Melissa considers singing and acting among her hidden talents, maybe she'll be following her lead in that area as well. Whatever her future holds though, we know Melissa will leave a great impression on people as that's what she's been doing in the last few years since I first met her as it is. She's the type of person who can put anyone at ease and make them feel pretty important. See all of Melissa's pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/jillsindividualpics/64135 Mel's secondary pic comes from the Bills-Lions preseason game. Coming out for the game early in the 1st quarter are Hayley, Jenny, Melissa B, and Alyssa K.

Hayley, Jenny, Melissa B, and Alyssa K

From the Bandettes comes a photo from the January game against the Philadelphia Wings. Shown performing late in the 3rd quarter are Stephanie, Kirsten, Brianna A, Chrissy, and Brianna V. We can see these ladies performing when the Bandits host the Wings at the Home Opener on December 28th. The Bandits and Bandettes will also be hosting the Wings at an open scrimmage on December 7th at First Niagara Center!

Stephanie, Kirsten, Brianna A, Chrissy, and Brianna 

Bandette of The Week Melissa

This week, we take a look at Melissa as our Bandette of The Week. Mel joins some strong veterans and alumni in a special club. Some ladies, when they decide they want to dance in the pro ranks, choose the Bandettes and some choose the Jills. There are a few that, when they miss the cut with one, decide to take a look at the other and, more often than not, realize they enjoy the other one too much to even think about the one they missed the cut on. In working with each squad over the years, I know there are some similarities as well as a lot of differences between the two. It's more than a case of where you fit on a squad, but a case of which squad fits you best at the point you are in your life. Melissa, for one, is loving how things have worked out as close-knit as the Bandettes are. As level-headed and easy-going as she is, she's been a perfect fit with the squad. That's not to say she's not outgoing and fun, though. She and Valerie of the Jills are pretty good friends from their days dancing together and anyone who knows Val knows that it takes a lot to keep up with her. You can read more about Mel at http://www.bandits.com/bbio.asp?bandID=MelissaB Melissa's secondary photo comes from the NLL All-Star Game. Prior to the game, many of the girls posed for photos. Shown in this photo are Jessica, Noelle, Stephanie C, Alicia, Melissa, Chrissy, and Stephanie G.

Jessica, Noelle, Stephanie C, Alicia, Melissa, Chrissy, and Stephanie G