The former Warrior cheerleader headed just down the highway to continue her education at N.C. State where she also continued another major hobby - cheerleading.

But after a trio of knee surgeries resulted from the hobby Behrendt said was mostly her life, she decided to part ways with the State squad.

As she entered her second year of college, the business marketing major came across an opportunity that was right up her alley. In September, Behrendt became a member of the Carolina Hurricanes' Storm Squad.

"I went to a couple of games, then someone suggested I try out for the Storm Squad, so I Googled their tryout info," Behrendt said. "Cheering was mostly my life until my knees were too bad off to continue, so the Storm Squad seemed like the perfect solution."

Behrendt admits juggling time between school and games she works on the Fan Development Team isn't easy. She said after all things are added up there isn't much time left over to get out and have free time of her own, especially when much of the free time she does come across is spent resting up for the next round of action. She also said it wasn't easy taking on more responsibilities - as if sophomores in college don't already have enough.

"It was definitely a challenge, especially since I couldn't settle into a routine," Behrendt said. "Our Storm Squad schedule varies month to month."

Still, she says she usually spends at least one night a week catching up with friends.

Luckily for Behrendt, the Storm Squad has no regular weekly or monthly practices. The group learned its only choreographed routine - the power play dance - before the season began. That's where the Storm Squad and cheerleading vary quite a bit. The Storm Squad does much more than just cheer.

"Before every game we are out interacting with fans, signing calendars, trying to make every Caniac's experience memorable," Behrendt said. "As for our other responsibilities, I could never name them all. We do a lot of different things to promote the Canes, and we spend a lot of time with fans. We do promotions all throughout the game. At the intermissions we do promotions on the ice."

And, of course, Behrendt said there is a lot of clapping that goes on in her line of work with the Hurricanes.

Behrendt works as many as three games a week as part of the squad. Because there are 15 people sharing 10 spots, Behrendt doesn't have to cheer for every home game. The Storm Squad doesn't travel with the team on road games, but does travel locally as a team for promotional appearances and to take part in charity events.

In just over three months she said she's met her fair share of radio disc jockeys, but says she really loves meeting the people in the Eric's Entourage, Cam's Champs and Ward's Warriors suites.

"I've met a lot of cool people because of the Canes, and I am going to try and keep it going as long as I am in Raleigh," Behrendt said. "I am the youngest on the team, so I hope I have a few more years left. Every time I have gotten the opportunity to put a smile on some one's face has been memorable."