Marilyn McFerren recalls the first time she learned of the Ole Skool Crew during a Los Angeles Sparks game four years ago: “An announcement was made that said, ‘We’re looking for people over the age of 40 (I’m thinking that’s me), who would like to dance and perform at the Sparks games (I’m thinking I sure would), who had energy and enthusiasm to motivate the crowd to cheer the Sparks on at the home games. If you have pep in your step and slide in your glide (I’m thinking that’s me all over), contact the Sparks organization. After an eager phone call the next morning and an audition, Marilyn made the team.

Like many of her fellow dance team members, 55-year-old Marilyn shares a passion for dance and is involved with two other dance troupes, “Heart-and-Soul” line dance and “Rhythms.” A cheerleader throughout junior and senior high school and a self-proclaimed “human dancing machine,” Marilyn is very comfortable performing in front of a crowd.

“I’m hoping after the fans see us perform they can feel the energy and vitality we exemplify,” says Marilyn. “This has truly been an extraordinary experience, one which had led us to perform at the STAPLES Center and Madison Square Garden. Those are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and I feel truly honored to be a part of it all.”

Marilyn, the only grandmother in the group, is married and has one daughter and three grandchildren.