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Name: Darlayna Campbell (Minimi)
Years with MDC: 1992 – 1998
First MDC Audition: My first MDC audition was terrifying! I was so shy and unprepared. My mom mentioned when I was 18 I should try out. When I reached that age, the director at the time had a height requirement of 5’7″ or above. I stand all of 5’3″, so that dream was shattered quickly. However, once I turned 21, a new director (Kathy Shashaty) was taking over the squad and that rule wasn’t as important but still mentioned. I remember it like it was yesterday when she said, “you’re tiny, so it’s going to be tough.” I didn’t make the team that year, being cut after the second round. I knew then that I needed experience to gain the confidence that I lacked. I ended up in a dance troupe and performing at local venues. At the next year’s audition, I made it! What an awesome accomplishment.
Most memorable “on field” MDC experience: One of my most memorable moments on the sidelines has to be, “all of the moments”. I know that sounds kind of corny, but am I right?
Most memorable “off field” MDC experience: I will never forget my “off the field” moment as an MDC. It was game day Sunday and after one of our home games, I was scheduled to do an appearance at a restaurant/club in Ft. Lauderdale. I thought it was so crazy that we had to do this after a game but I was also excited as the appearance was at the place I met my boyfriend at the time. To make a long story short, there were about 12 of us in our cheerleader warm ups, as we gathered on the stage for a “group photo,” my boyfriend walked up in front of us all and proposed to me! Everyone was in on it, thanks to our director, Dorie!
Most valuable lesson learned as an MDC: One of the most valuable lessons that I learned as an MDC is that if you try hard and truly want something, you should go for it, even if the odds are stacked against you. Keep giving it your all and you will be so happy you did!
Current Occupation: My occupation for the past 8 years has been a stay at home mom for my 3 kids! I thought being an MDC was demanding, but nothing can compare to the exhaustion that goes with this job!
Accomplishments: So many of my greatest and memorable accomplishments came from being a Miami Dolphins Cheerleader. Making the squad as we all know is a HUGE accomplishment, then to be selected my 2nd year to represent the squad at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii was such an honor! Moving into my 3rd year, I was selected as a captain and received the “Veteran of the Year” award. The accomplishment to work as our director, Dorie’s Assistant for 7 years following being a cheerleader was a dream come true! But again, as amazing as this time was in my life, nothing can compare to the accomplishment of being a MOM!
