Nimitz HS Color Guard Director Makes Houston Texans Cheerleader Finals

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You can cast your vote multiple times for Kristin L. today through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, on the Houston Texans website

Kristin Lopez, Nimitz High School Stars color guard director and assistant director for the Nimitz Starboard Angels, is a Houston Texans Cheerleaders finalist. Before Lopez was a finalist she was an Aldine ISD student. 

Lopez grew up in Aldine and attended Dunn Elementary, Parker Intermediate, Teague Middle School, Nimitz Ninth, and graduated in the top 10 percent at Nimitz High School. She was also involved in multiple extracurriculars like Aldine Children’s Choir Group, the Aldine Dance Company, National Honor Society, Debate Team, Student Council, and Class Vice President.

After graduating from Nimitz in 2016, she joined the 77th line of the Kilgore College Rangerettes and later also earned a spot on their elite squad known as Swingsters. 

Kristin Lopez with Nimitz Starboard Angel Officers in 2015.

“When I was a member of the Kilgore Rangerettes, I had multiple life-changing experiences like performing in the New York Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, McLane Stadium, The Cotton Bowl, and the Contest of Champions at Disney World in Florida,” Lopez said.

After completing her years at Kilgore, she earned a spot on the Sam Houston State University Orange Pride Dance Team, where she earned four national titles as a member and studied Kinesiology. During her time at Sam Houston State University, she also founded a non-profit organization called Project Peru. Now she is back to teach at her alma mater and there were many reasons Lopez wanted to come back to teach at Nimitz. 

Kristin Lopez and her mother Rosa Lopez at her 2021 Sam Houston State University graduation.

“I want to be able to continue the legacy and traditions that I was once involved in,” she explained. “I also want to give back to my community and pass down my knowledge and experiences.” 

Another main reason for her return is Lopez’s mom Rosa Lopez. Rosa Lopez is the Director of the Nimitz Starboard Angels and Kristin believes it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to work alongside her idol. Her mom. She has always been involved in dance and her mom was her first dance teacher.

“My mom has pushed me to be the most resilient, dedicated, and hardworking individual at such a young age. She has given me the most support throughout my career.”

Currently, Lopez is a contracted substitute teacher for Nimitz, but next year she will take over the Nimitz Ninth Grade dance teaching position. At this time she teaches dance, choreography, and technique to the students in the dance program at Nimitz High School. Jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary, acro, ballet, you name it she teaches it. 

Kristin Lopez performing with the Kilgore Rangerettes.

Her dance background has brought her all the way to the finals to become a Houston Texans cheerleader. Throughout her time in high school, she was given the chance to perform with the Texans Cheerleaders as an All-Star. The opportunity sparked her interest and passion to pursue professional dance after college. 

“This experience has been an amazing opportunity. The process itself teaches you a lot about yourself and allows you to grow as you move forward in the audition. I believe that this opportunity has given me the chance to grow as a professional and as an individual. I appreciate the opportunity to be  surrounded by such a talented group of humans who have changed the world in their own profession.”

Lopez expressed that the Houston Texans Cheerleaders organization is not just women who wear pretty costumes and shake their poms during football games, but they are women of power. 

Kristin Lopez teaching dance at Nimitz High School.

“The women come from various occupations such as students, educators, lawyers, doctors, nurses, and so much more. They are in the community making a difference in Houston and I wish to be a part of that. Knowing this and being able to experience it myself has filled me with hope and joy over and over again to one day be able to wear their boots.”

Lopez hopes to model to her students that they can pursue, accomplish, and overcome any obstacle. She reminds them that everyone’s journey is different and not to compare their process to anyone else, especially in the field of professional dance.  

“My passion for dance and changing the world motivates me,” she said.  “As a little girl, I have always wanted to make the world a better place to live in through kindness and compassion. That is why I try to always give back to the community as much as I can.”

Kristin Lopez Houston Texans Cheerleader Finalist

Last year after making it to the finals and not advancing, Lopez was not discouraged nor did she give up. It fired her passion and determination. She continued teaching, learning, and working on herself and she gave back by teaching community dance classes in Aldine ISD and at her campus. 

Lopez is thankful for the support of her family, friends, and those in the Aldine community who have encouraged her to follow and accomplish her dreams. She hopes to continue inspiring her students to always strive for their dreams and that no dream is too big. If one door closes, a window opens. 

 You can cast your vote multiple times for Kristin L. today through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, on the Houston Texans website.