Some people go viral for making history. Others go viral for doing something completely ridiculous. Then there’s Aaliyah Kikumoto, who became internet-famous by simply standing behind the tee box at the Masters. Yes, that’s all it took. The internet truly is an unpredictable place.
Now she’s turning those viral moments into something much bigger. Kikumoto has officially joined the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, proving that life can change pretty quickly when social media decides you’re the main character.
Golf fans first spotted her during the Masters at Augusta National. Cameras caught her in the background at the famous 16th hole, and before anyone could say “fore,” the internet was asking one question: “Who is she?” Within hours, social media detectives had completed their mission. They found her name, her Instagram, and probably her favorite coffee order too.
Instead of fading into internet history, Kikumoto has kept the momentum going. Now she’ll be trading golf greens for NFL sidelines, where the energy is much louder and people actually cheer instead of politely clapping.
‘Still feels surreal getting to say… I AM A MIAMI DOLPHINS CHEERLEADER,’ Kikumoto posted to her Instagram account.
Kikumoto, who was a cheerleader in college at Texas Tech, went on to thank three colleagues ‘for believing in me and giving me this opportunity!’
‘I can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings and to represent this organization both on and off the field,’ she added.
‘This is seriously a dream come true. I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way and for the opportunity to continue doing what I love the most.’
Of course, the internet had plenty to say. Some fans congratulated her. Others joked that standing in the right place at the right time might be the greatest career move ever.
Aaliyah is following in the footsteps of her mother, AJ Kikumoto, who is a former dancer for the Denver Nuggets.
Kikumoto first gained attention after cameras caught her behind the tee box at the 16th hole while Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka were hitting in 2023.
A clip of the broadcast went viral on TikTok as a user wrote, ‘Somehow I feel in love with someone I only saw for 15 seconds.’
Kikumoto saw the post and commented, ‘Thts me’ with a laughing crying emoji.
She also re-posted the video to her Instagram page with the caption, ‘Thank you Ho. 16 #themastersgirls.’
Who knew standing quietly behind a golfer could eventually lead to pom-poms, touchdowns, and an NFL cheerleading uniform? The internet works in mysterious ways.
Flip to the next page for Aaliyah Kikumoto’s cheerleading thirst traps…
