Photos via the Red Rockers and Becca.

“I went to my first Caps game about four or five years ago and it was great! I absolutely loved it!” said Red Rocker Becca.  “I saw the Red Rockers at the game and thought, ‘Hmm, that looks like fun!’”

Although she had never been a cheerleader of any sort, the vivacious brunette decided to audition to be a Red Rocker the following season, and the rest is history.   This is Becca’s third season as a member of the Red Rocker elite spirit squad, and she quickly found the experience to be a great fit because they do so much more than just cheer and dance.

Becca is a 27-year-old teacher from Baltimore. She got her undergraduate degree at Towson University where she studied Spanish and theater.  During that time, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  She went on to get her Master of Arts in Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University.  She is currently in her fourth year of teaching Spanish and loving every minute of it.

“My students bring me great joy and keep me laughing. There is never a dull moment!” she said.

Caps’ fans got a glimpse of Becca’s theatrical side last summer when Capitals Outsider posted a video of her singing original lyrics to the musical accompaniment for the song “For the First Time in Forever” from the movie Frozen.  Her touching, comical lyrics depicting the ups and downs of the Red Rocker tryouts stole the show at the final audition,  but that certainly wasn’t her show biz debut.  Becca has performed in many different regional and dinner theaters.  Her favorite show was The Awesome 80s Prom when she was delighted to be part of the Baltimore cast.

Becca became a hockey fan at her first Caps game and has never supported any other NHL team. “I remember sitting in the 400s section and just watching and taking everything in,” she said. “I still remember noticing how fast-paced the game was.  I feel like I still learn about the game all the time.”

Caps’ goaltender, Braden Holtby, is Becca’s favorite player. It’s hard for her to imagine what it must be like from a player’s perspective. “I’m always so amazed to see how fast the game moves and how quickly he responds.  Plus, from a dance perspective, it’s super cool to see the splits!”

Welcoming, interacting and connecting with fans at home games are all major aspects of being a Red Rocker. They initiate many activities to encourage fan participation which leads to a lot of fun.

“Personally, I love the t-shirt tosses when a young kid spots me before I run down the steps,” said Becca. “They usually wave and I’ll try to get a t-shirt to them. They are super pumped when it happens because they get a free shirt and it’s cool to be noticed by the crowd.”

Even though the pint-sized Caps’ fans steal Becca’s heart, she loves meeting all the fans in the arena. Some, especially season ticket holders, have begun to feel like family to her.

“They’re great and super nice. I get to know them personally and they’ll come up and ask how my school year is going and how the season has been so far. We couldn’t ask for a better community!”

In addition to their in-arena duties, the Red Rockers participate in many charity events and community service projects. Becca always jokes with people that she has to wear waterproof eyeliner because all of the events are so touching, and she gets teary-eyed all the time.  Her favorite event to date was the Play Date at Children’s National Medical Center.  She also participated in a telethon there, and Walk for Wishes in DC which supports the Make-a-Wish Foundation. She finds these events to be truly amazing experiences.  But for Becca, the very best part is always the kids.

“All of them are trying to get better and many are there for treatment, but they can forget about that when we come and can just be kids. We dance, hang out, do arts and crafts, and play,” she added.

Even in her third season, the opportunity to represent the Washington Capitals organization continues to mean a lot to Becca. It was difficult for her to even begin to put the Red Rocker experience into words.

“When I first went to tryouts, it felt surreal to even be there. I had been performing in a theater my whole life and I was suddenly in a sports arena,” she began thoughtfully.  “Now, I can’t imagine not having done this.  I have met some amazing friends and fans, and it makes me so proud to work for an organization that does so much for the community.  It’s been an honor to spend my time with such amazing people and represent this incredible organization.”

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