Raised in Greensboro by way of Queens, New York, North Carolina, Brandi Hopson is a lifelong cheerleader, passionate performer, and dedicated mentor. She earned her bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from Winston-Salem State University, where her love for media and movement began to merge.

Brandi cheered throughout her youth and found her way to dance as an adult, eventually realizing a lifelong dream by becoming a Carolina Panthers TopCat in 2021. During her time with the team, she rose to the role of captain and was honored to represent the Panthers as the 2025 Pro Bowl Cheerleader. Among her favorite memories are the electric energy of gamedays, unforgettable practice moments, seeing her daughter participate in Junior TopCats, and the unbreakable bonds formed with her teammates.

Following her retirement in 2025, Brandi remained closely connected to the TopCat legacy, serving as an active member and Activities Committee Chair of the CPFCAA.

Outside of her 9-to-5 role at Pepsi, Brandi is deeply involved in her church community and is now channeling her passion for performance into entrepreneurship. Alongside her former teammate Zaria Franklin, she co-founded The Hive Performance Academy, a cheer and dance studio focused on inspiring the next generation of performers. Brandi is a proud wife to Eugene and mother to two beautiful children, Ava and Avery. Whether she's leading, cheering, teaching, or serving, Brandi brings heart, purpose, and passion to everything she does.