Brittney Roberts is used to being in the spotlight.

Now, in the middle of her third season on the SMU Pom Squad and representing Conference USA in the Athlon Sports Sideline Spirit competition, Roberts is ranked third in the fourth-round standings.

Selected by Athlon Sports as one of 32 women from each athletic conference, Roberts has until Friday to receive enough votes to ensure that she makes it to the final round.

A junior marketing major and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority member, Roberts started dancing when she was 3-years-old. Since then, she has led her high school team to a state championship in 2005, and last year was a part of SMU’s first-place finish at the NDA National Collegiate Competition.

Now, with only seven contestants remaining, Roberts will have to rely on the help of others rather than her dancing skills if she wishes to add another title to her resume.

How did you get involved in this contest?

“This is the first year Athlon Sports has asked SMU to enter a participant for their sideline spirit competition. This summer my coach chose me to represent the SMU Pom squad along with the entire Conference USA. I had no expectations going into the competition and am so excited to have even made it this far.”

What does it mean to you, your team, C-USA and SMU to be nominated for this recognition?

“I am truly honored to be able to represent SMU, and be able to display my love and enthusiasm for my school in a different way. I am flattered to have been nominated and to have received recognition for all the hard work I dedicate to the pom squad every day.

This opportunity is also a huge deal for the SMU Spirit program as a whole. Our program has grown and improved significantly in the three years I have been involved. To be recognized by Athlon Sports helps get our name out there and further establish us as a respected spirit program.”

What has your experience on the pom squad been like so far? How has it helped you get to where you are today?

“I can’t possibly explain in words how much I have loved my experience being on the pom squad these past three years. Pom was a major reason why I chose to attend SMU in the first place, and is the reason why my college experience has been so positive thus far.

I have never been a part of a more special team. All of the girls on the team are like sisters to me. We get along great and always have so much fun together at practices, games and Nationals. These memories and friendships I’ve made are what make all my time and effort spent worthwhile.

My coach, Lori, has also had a significant impact in shaping the person I am today. I admire her understanding nature that enables her to genuinely care about every member of the team.

She believes in me and challenges me to be the best dancer I can be. A coach can make or break your experience on a team, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today as a person or as a dancer without Lori.

My team is my support group; my family away from home that I know I can always count on them. Their encouragement throughout this contest has meant the world to me and is something I will always remember.”

What do you hope to take away from participating in this contest? What do you get if you win?

“The most important thing that I have already taken away from this competition is the realization of how many people who support me and share in my accomplishments.

I’m so grateful to have happened upon this opportunity, and simply the recognition of my hard work is enough for me. I would love to win my conference and move on to the championship round.

I have a chance to receive $1,000, a photo shoot in Athlon Sports magazine and a variety of electronic equipment such as camcorders, iPods, and T.V.s for my team. Obviously this is not my sole incentive for participating, but it would be amazing if I made it that far!”

If it wasn’t up to popular vote, what could you do to win this competition?

Unfortunately at this point in the competition, it is only up to popular vote. I wish I had a chance to perform for people so that the contestants could prove why they have been selected. I think the contest would come to life more if actual dancing or cheering were included.

To vote for Roberts, visit www.athlonsports.com/spirit. Votes can be cast up to 20 times per day, and an additional ten votes can be cast through the Facebook application. Voting for Round four will end on Nov. 21.