Myesha Richardson: Think Detroit PAL’s 2010 Cheerleader of the Year
By: Christine Lasek

Saints A-team cheerleader Myesha Richardson was awarded Cheerleader of the Year for 2010.

In her essay to Think Detroit PAL, Myesha explained how she first became a member of the Saints family when she was 8 weeks old, being pushed in a stroller by her older brother DeAndre at a Saints game.

Myesha cheered exclusively with the Saints throughout her 11 year tenure with Think Detroit PAL. According to Myesha, “My mother would say, ‘You are black and gold’ until you finish playing for the little league. I am glad she stood firm on that because it taught me how to be dedicated and committed to something.”

Myesha also says that cheering with the Saints has helped her cope with the tragedy of losing her father, who was murdered in 2006. Specifically, A-team Head Coach Lundrell Harris helped Myesha through this difficult time.  “She has always lifted me up during the times when I was feeling down. I love her with all my heart and appreciate her never giving up on me,” Myesha said.

Former D-team Coach Stacy Kallapure also played an instrumental role in Myesha’s life. Her early cheering experiences with Coach Stacy have inspired Myesha’s drive to return to the Saints as a D-team coach.

In the future, Myesha plans to study dentistry, and hopes to open an office in the city that caters to the uninsured.

See Myesha’s essay below:

Myesha Monae Richardson
Saints A-Team
1996-2010

My name is Myesha Richardson, born June 6, 1996. I am a freshman at Southeastern High School.  My goal in life is to become a Dentist by the time I turn 25 years old.  I plan to have a Dentist office located n the inner city to help the less fortunate who does not have insurance.  My life as a Saint cheerleader has been a wonderful learning experience for me.

I am very proud to say that I am a Saint Cheerleader.  I have been a part of this Saint family since I was 8 weeks old being pushed in a stroller by my big brother DeAndre. I received my first cheer uniform at the age of 2 years old. Through this program I have learned discipline, how to have good sportsmanship, and how to stay committed. I have had seen many people come and go over the years, but my mom always told me and my siblings “where you start is where you finish”, and she was firm on that, she is still involved with the Saints, 15 years and counting. My sister who cheered for the Saints Cheer team back in 1996/97 is the Head Coach for the C-team. My brothers also played for the Saints football team from the D-team through the A-team. I can remember my brothers wanting to play for another team because they felt the other teams were better. My mother would say, “You are black &gold” until you finish playing for the little league. I am glad she stood firm on that because it taught me how to be dedicated and committed to something. This is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

I have had several different coaches over the last past 11 years, by there are two who I will always remember. The first one was Coach Stacy, she was my D-team coach and she was so special to me. I think she is the reason I want to be a D-team coach because on that level you have to teach but you also have to make it fun for the babies. My other favorite is Coach Lundrell, she has been like a second mother to me. Coach Lundrell has taught me how to handle myself in a young lady like manner. Coach Lundrell is the reason I was able to complete my last 2 years on the A-team. I have been on an emotional roller coaster since my father was murdered in 2006. She has always lifted me up during the times when I was feeling down. I love her with all my heart and appreciate her never giving up on me. Thank you so much Coach Lundrell. I hope to come back next year and help you coach the Saints D-team.

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