Thunder Announces 2015-16 Thunder Girls

The Oklahoma City Thunder selected its 2015-16 Thunder Girls dance team on Thursday night.

The final audition took place in front of a full house at the Showplace Theatre in Riverwind Casino. The audition included both team veterans and newcomers. Of the women selected, officials said seven are newcomers to the Thunder Girls.

“I am excited to enter a new season with this outstanding group,” said Paige Carter, dance team manager and choreographer for the Thunder. “Thunder Girls engage with our fans on and off the court, and sometimes even across the globe. These ladies will add excitement and energy to the Thunder experience at Chesapeake Energy Arena, as well as being excellent community ambassadors.”

A panel of judges, including Roy Williams, former NFL player and an All-American safety with the University of Oklahoma, former Miss Oklahoma Kelli Masters, Caroline Bennett, the 2015 Miss Black Oklahoma U.S. Ambassador, and Command Sgt. Maj. Tony F. Riggs of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, assisted Thunder staff in making the final selections.

According to the OKC Thunder, the final audition process consisted of three rounds: a choreographed jazz/hip-hop routine, a question-and-answer session and a solo dance.

Following last Saturday’s open audition, 34 women were selected as finalists for Thursday’s. During the week, finalists took part in formal interviews and rehearsals to prepare for the finals.