Murrieta Mesa High School alum Carissa Hobbs has taken an extraordinary route from the halls of her local high school to the electrifying sidelines of the National Football League. A member of the graduating Class of 2020, Carissa continued her education at Cal State Fullerton, where she earned her degree in Child and Adolescent Development. Now, her passion for performance and connection has led her to the big stage as an NFL cheerleader for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The world of NFL cheerleading is storied and dynamic, with only 25 of the league’s 32 teams having active cheerleading squads. These squads are integral to the game-day experience, leading stadium-wide energy through performances while contributing to their teams through marketing events, charity appearances, and much more. Kansas City has been no exception, fostering a rich history of cheerleaders since the team’s early years in 1960, initially known as the Chiefettes.
Carissa’s first season coincides with the Chiefs’ efforts to continue their tradition of spirited performance both on and off the field. Each role on the cheer squad carries meaning far beyond the precision of sidelines choreography. Cheerleaders in the NFL balance part-time cheering duties with full-time careers, encompassing photo shoots, fan events, and community outreach, setting the bar for professionalism in the industry.
The Chiefs’ long-standing connection to their community and pride in performance make them an ideal organization for Carissa to grow with. But being an NFL cheerleader doesn’t come without challenges. The spotlight, travel demands, and constant training require dedication and unwavering enthusiasm.
Carissa, however, is no stranger to hard work. Her ability to thrive stems from her background, growing up in California and attending Murrieta Mesa High School. It’s in her hometown, coach-led practice routines, and school performances where a spark for entertaining began. That spark now lights up one of the NFL’s most iconic venues, Arrowhead Stadium, as she performs alongside her fellow cheerleaders to elevate the experience for Chiefs players and fans.
While Carissa is now a fixture on game day in Kansas City, local fans from Southwest Riverside County still have opportunities to cheer her on. The Chiefs will face California’s own Los Angeles Chargers twice this season, though neither game will take place in-state. And for the game-day travelers, Week 18 could bring the Chiefs to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Preseason action begins August 9, with the regular season kicking off Friday, September 5, giving fans plenty of chances to see Carissa in action.
Kansas City’s passionate football base has also long enjoyed a unique mascot history alongside their cheer squads. The Chiefs’ first mascot, Warpaint, was a pinto horse introduced in 1963. While Warpaint retired in 2021, the franchise’s current mascot, K.C. Wolf, has become synonymous with Chiefs’ fandom and remains one of the most beloved mascots in professional sports, even earning a spot in the Mascot Hall of Fame.
Amidst the high-energy gameday environment of Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs Cheerleaders keep traditions alive while infusing fresh talent. With Carissa now among their ranks, Murrieta Mesa students and the local community can take pride in seeing a graduate achieve such a distinguished dream.
Carissa’s story is an inspiration, demonstrating the heights local talent can reach when paired with passion and perseverance. From halftime performances to charity events, her role as a Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader represents a culmination of her academic achievements, hard work, and dedication to bringing joy to those around her.
There’s nothing quite like NFL game days, and now fans tuning in to catch the Chiefs have even more reasons to celebrate. Whether you’re watching from home or making the trip to see the Chiefs live, keep an eye out for Murrieta Mesa’s own star on the sidelines.
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