Taylor DeVito keeps it real. She enjoys sharing the behind-the-scenes views from the varying roles in her life. As a social media influencer, she gives followers a behind-the-scenes look into her travels. As Business Development Manager for Daley Design + Build in Madeira, she offers behind-the-scenes views of home builds in progress. As a Realtor for Coldwell Banker, she shares behind-the-scenes celebrations with clients. Here, the busy professional welcomes us behind-the-scenes to learn about one of her favorite roles—as an NFL cheerleader with the Ben-Gals.
DeVito is in her third year on the Ben-Gals team, one of 30 members committed to cheering on the Bengals and entertaining their fans each football season. From auditions to rehearsals, being one of the Ben-Gals is a year-round effort that is managed above and beyond her other roles in life.
“A lot of people think that we just show up and cheer on game days,” says DeVito, “but we get there really early to get ready. Our appearance is important, but we also have to run through all of our routines and we're constantly learning new choreography. It’s something I actively choose to do and work at—it’s my sport.”
Twenty-four-year-old DeVito takes the role seriously. She accepts the pressure of being a public figure with grace, wisely using her great-grandmother as a filter.
“When I'm posting on social media, I have to be very careful of what I'm choosing to post,” she shares, “and making sure it's a good reflection of not only my own personal character but also representing the Bengals and my Ben-Gals sisters. I don’t ever post on social media without thinking, ‘What would my Great Grandma think of this?’”
DeVito fell in love with competitive dancing and tumbling at the young age of three, progressing through the ranks at her local dance school on the east side of Cincinnati. During high school, her cheer coach was a former Ben-Gal and in 2015, DeVito participated in the Junior Ben-Gals program, dancing at a Bengals game. College commitments at the University of Cincinnati took her away from dance for a while, but she really missed it. When Ben-Gals auditions came around, she chased her dream and made it come true.
“No regrets!” DeVito exclaims. “I love to dance. I love to represent the city I love doing what I love to do. It is an incredible honor and a proud accomplishment,” she says.
The behind-the-scenes look at the Ben-Gals reveals a supportive sisterhood of driven, hard-working and intelligent, professional women.
“We have nurses, teachers, a lot of people at the corporate level, and we have me in real estate. Everybody on our team is either a full-time student or has a full-time career,” DeVito explains.
The Ben-Gals share a love for the job, the city of Cincinnati and the Bengals.
“The Ben-Gals have truly shaped my 20s to be full of health and fitness which I will carry with me the rest of my life,” she says.
“I hope to inspire people to not be afraid of the unknown—of what could be next,” DeVito says. “I had no idea if I would make the team, but I went for it. It’s never too late to chase your dreams. Take a chance, because you never know what's on the other side.”
For more behind-the-scenes adventures with Taylor DeVito, follow her on Instagram: @tdevito00.
"I love to dance. I love to represent the city I love doing what I love to do. It is an incredible honor and a proud accomplishment."