Mary Verbeck's attraction to the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleading squad started with the dancing, the sequins and flashy outfits. But it's not what has kept her there.

The 2002 St. Joseph Central High School graduate auditioned for the Chiefs squad during her senior year at Northwest Missouri State University.

She made the 2006 squad but had to give it up the following year to focus on graduate school. But she wasn't away for long - she completed her master's degree in physiology in less than two years and is back with the squad, now in her third season.

"It's not all about your dance skills or looks," she said, adding that they participate in more youth programs than dance routines. "You talk to hundreds and hundreds of people and invest in their lives and you have to really care."

ESPN recently chose her as its NFL cheerleader of the week, a distinction that shocked the former Central pom pom girl.

"It's just nice to see the cheerleaders recognized," she said of ESPN's weekly distinction. "I feel like we're just now coming around to getting recognition."

The cheerleader's mission is to teach youth groups something called "Heart Habits" where it's all about "how you think, look, act, and perform," Ms. Verbeck said. "It all centers around having a positive attitude. Not being selfish."

Ms. Verbeck started dancing at Darcee's School of Dance in her early teens. Apart from her family, which help her get ready on game days, she gives much of the credit for her success to the owner, Darcee Pierce-Blanchard.

Ms. Pierce-Blanchard said Ms. Verbeck is extremely humble.

"She's one of those people who is gorgeous and has no idea of how pretty and talented they are," said Ms. Pierce-Blanchard, adding that she developed a more confident air when she made the Chief's squad. "She tumbles and dances and has a stage presence, a charisma that is just enticing."

Jimmy Myers can be reached

at jimmym@npgco.com