Former Genoa resident Katherine Crowe is retiring as a Denver Broncos cheerleader. Photo Special to the R-C
“It’s pretty ironic, actually because the event is in Nevada, so it’s like a full circle and bringing me home,” said Crowe.
Crowe grew up in Genoa, graduating from Douglas High School in 2010, and attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she received a bachelor of science degree in nursing and cheered with the Wolf Pack from 2010 to 2014. After graduation, she said she wasn’t ready to hang up the pom poms, just yet.
Hearing of the benefits and opportunities from friends who went on to cheer with professional teams, Crowe decided to audition with the Denver Broncos.
“My family and I have always been Broncos fans so the decision to try out with the organization just seemed fitting,” she said.
The Denver Broncos Cheerleaders are the official cheerleading squad of the Denver Broncos Professional American Football League. In addition to performing on game days, the cheerleaders commit to various charities and events.
Crowe went on to cheer with the team for six seasons, three of which as team captain. She has been awarded a Super Bowl ring for the 50th Super Bowl in 2016 and was voted Denver Broncos Cheerleader of the year in 2019. She has traveled and performed with the team to Mexico, the Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong, the 2019 Hall of Fame Game in Ohio, and across Europe for two different military tours and commitments to various charities and appearances.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better time with the Broncos Organization; it’s been unforgettable,” said Crowe.
One of her most cherished moments with the cheer team was when the Broncos won the Super Bowl in 2016 against the Carolina Panthers and her mom was in the crowd.
“We shared a very special moment when we won,” said Crowe. “I ran over to her and gave her a hug and there were tears running down our faces. It was a moment I will never forget.”
Cheering with the Broncos Junior Cheer team is another memorable time for Crowe.
“For four seasons I worked with the youth and got them excited about cheer and dance and sharing the experiences with them.”
The Broncos Junior Cheer team is an organization within promoting self-esteem, pride, commitment, and discipline among young women ages six to twelve. The program offers youth hands on experiences and opportunity to perform during games and halftime shows, cheer and dance courses taught by the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders and participate in charities and appearances.
“They look up to us and we learn a lot from them too and it makes everything more special and inspiring to share it with the youth,” said Crowe.
Also unforgettable to Crowe is having the opportunity to travel and spend time with the men and women in the military.
“It was really special to be able to bring a little piece of home to them,” she said, “We would often collect and bring donations, send them goodies, signed autographs and more, but to just sit down and have conversations with our military men and women and to thank them for all that they do was really special. We just hope that those types of things bring them some joy and smiles to their faces.”
Crowe said the time she has spent with the Broncos Organization has been an unforgettable experience, but she is finally ready to put up her pom poms and create new experiences. She said Pro Bowl will be her last performance with the Broncos Organization.
“It’s crazy to think about, that it’s all ending,” she said. “So, I’m really trying to enjoy all my lasts and soaking in all the little things. It really has been a dream come true.”
Not to confuse with the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl is an exhibition game of two teams voted in based on popularity where the teams go head-to-head to recognize their achievements. It is often meant for entertainment instead of competition.
“It will be a fun last event where I plan to soak in all the lasts; my last time running on to the field, performing and hearing the crowd.”
Crowe said she plans to continue her nursing career and pursue a more advance degree, exploring her options as a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist and a few other programs.
“There’s so many different avenues you can do in nursing,” said Crowe. “I’ve definitely found my calling and I’m excited to explore it further.”
Crowe said she looks forward to the next chapter in her life and encourages others to always go after what excites them.
“There is no dream too big,” said Crowe. “I believe any dream can become reality if you put your mind to it and continue to go after and hold on to what excites you.”
