On the Sidelines With Sims

Experience an Eagles game from the lens of cheerleader Mya Sims.

By Jordan Manson

Seeing the Philadelphia Eagles’ record go from 10-1 to 11-1 live and in action is so much better than a simple Google search. But buying $150 tickets off the next hustler holding up their Cash-App QR code outside the Lincoln Financial Field is less than ideal. The solution? Through the eyes of Mya Sims, gain a VIP experience that allows you to skip out on the hard, plastic seats and instead bask in the thrill of midnight green and black from the sidelines. Just remember to smile and wave your pom poms when ESPN zooms in for a close-up.

Mya Sims has worn her wings as a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader for three years. Her love for dance was established at a young age. After learning proper ballet and jazz techniques at Ashbury Park Technical Academy of Dance, Sims doubled as a cheerleader throughout middle school. Pop Warner Cheerleading was the first team she danced with, and her love grew at every United Dance Association (UDA) camp and competition she traveled to.

Upon graduating high school, Sims experienced dance on a larger scale, with one year of her career dedicated to the Montclair State Dance Team and the other three to the Temple University Diamond Gems. Her tailored collection of experiences, lessons, and moments led her to make the announcement on June 17, 2022, that she was selected as a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader— one of the biggest accomplishments a dancer can earn.

The anticipation of gameday lures Sims out of bed early Sunday mornings, eight hours before kickoff. From there, a tiring, yet rewarding day begins. Focus is required upon arrival, as the athletes participate in two different practices: one on the field to solidify timing and placing and another in the stadium to finetune their moves.

There is free time after both rounds of practice to finish getting ready for the big reveal. Sims prefers to do her makeup beforehand, as the art is one of her favorite pastimes. Waking up a couple minutes early gives her the creative freedom to try out a new look. For others, makeup after the run-throughs, coupled with a little setting spray, ensures its longevity. Regardless of either scenario, the adventures of the locker room culture are Sims’ favorite tradition.

“You get to be with your friends and the team that you love the most,” said Sims.

Before cheering for the Eagles, Sims was a dancer with the Temple University Diamond Gems for three years.

After the chaotic energy of the locker room dies down and the flat irons are unplugged, it is time to take to the stage (or field). To connect with the Eagles community and fans, Sims and the rest of her teammates are assigned to different appearances ranging from on-field engagements to VIP experiences.

Her most touching experience was with a man engulfed in green and black. He had been hit hard by the effects of the pandemic and was motivated by the perseverance of the team and their support system. Sims sees the fans as vibrant, both emulating and emphasizing the energy she represents on the field.

Closer to kickoff, the cheerleaders return to the locker room to go over any pregame reminders, chant, and pray as a team for a successful day. At this point, it is easy for the nerves to hit you… there are literally 69,000 people who bought a ticket to see you and your team. Yet, this is nothing new to Sims. In her list of long accolades throughout her dance career, she has found her rhythm on how to shuffleball-step through gameday.

“I love performances: the performance aspect of dance and being in front of crowds and showcasing your talent,” said Sims. “I don’t think I feel as nervous as I do excited to get out there and show what we’ve been working on.”

Aside from her professional growth and elevation as an NFL cheerleader, the experience has also guided her personally. These thirty-two men and women have grit and determination; all working simultaneously on outside ventures. They have inspired Sims to do the same and even off the field she never misses a beat.

“I have been setting personal goals because of people around me… it’s a really good environment to be in especially if you’re looking to grow,” said Sims.

Outside of the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleading, Sims works for a firm that conducts medical technology marketing research. She plans to strengthen her organization and reliability in order to put the best version of herself out on the field for herself and her team.