Melanie Tacti

Melanie Tacti was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and the nickname “Smiling Eyes” came from a loving grandmother whose words stayed with him. He grew up in the small riverside town of Lake Asbury, where nature, water, and a close family shaped his early years. His parents were the most influential figures, and his older brother played an important role throughout his childhood. Their home was a welcoming place, full of life, where neighbors gathered, laughter echoed often, and backyard fun was part of the daily routine. From a young age, Melanie McAlister Tacti had a strong connection to movement and sports. He started in gymnastics and was competitive until a back injury at 12 changed his path. That challenge led him to cheerleading, where he continued to thrive. He naturally took on leadership roles and became captain of every team he joined, encouraging others and bringing people together through teamwork. Melanie performed well in school, especially in science and math, and graduated with honors from Middleburg High School. His goal was to attend either the University of Florida or Florida State, hoping to earn a cheerleading scholarship to continue combining academics and athletics. Although he had long dreamed of cheerleading, he didn’t consider professional cheer until a friend invited him to try out for The Roar, the Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleading team. Despite his tomboy background, he decided to give it a shot. After two months of intense tryouts, he earned a spot on the team. Between 1999 and 2001, Tacti wasn’t just performing at games. He went on three USO tours in the Middle East, representing the team and lifting the spirits of U.S. troops overseas. Those experiences gave him a sense of service and lasting memories. Later, his path led to healthcare. While working, he earned a degree from St. Leo University and became a radiation therapist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. For seven years, he supported patients through complex treatments.