Red Rockers

Meet Red Rocker Danielle

Danielle poses for Caps Outsider.

Since 2008, the Red Rockers have been an integral part of the excitement at Caps’ home games. This year is no different as the beautiful and vivacious spirit squad continues the tradition of welcoming fans and providing fun and entertainment throughout each game.

One standout this year is rookie Red Rocker Danielle. The 22-year old stunner was born and raised in Southern California. She is a recent graduate of California State University, Fullerton, with a BA in Political Science.
“I had always known that I wanted to move to Washington, DC,” Danielle said. “So, immediately following graduation from college, I picked up and moved. I knew that this was where I was going to pursue my career in the political field. It was a logical decision.”

Photo courtesy the Caps Red Rockers.
Photo courtesy the Caps Red Rockers.

A lifelong hockey fan, Danielle was introduced to hockey by her grandfather. He would take her whole family to see the Mighty Ducks, now known as the Anaheim Ducks, play hockey. “I have been a hockey fan for as long as I can remember,” she reminisced. “Hockey games have always stuck out in my memory from childhood, and not much has changed about my love for the sport over the years.”

Making the courageous trek to DC from California, alone, was daunting. With no family or friends on the east coast, Danielle looked to Monumental Sports and Entertainment and the Washington Capitals for an opportunity to be a part of the Caps’ family.

“Hockey was always been synonymous with family for me. I saw that the Red Rockers were holding auditions. MSE and the Caps’ organization came off as a giant family and from there it was an easy decision. I wanted to become a Red Rocker and become part of that ‘family’ I had gotten a glimpse of,” she said.

Having made the squad, Danielle, along with other personable and talented team members, can be seen at Caps’ games doing everything from manning the Red Rocker table located outside of section 111 at the Verizon Center to running around throwing t-shirts and other promotional fan giveaways.

Danielle is making a positive, remarkable effort to try to connect with fans. She wants to get to know them individually and to be able to recognize them in the future. “My favorite way to connect with fans is just to approach them and ask them about themselves or what brought them to the game that night,” she revealed. “I usually give them a wristband, tattoos, or some of the other Caps gear we give away at games.”

“Caps fans are absolutely amazing! Out of every sporting event I have attended, the Caps’ fans have made a lasting impression. You don’t see that kind of dedication and fan backing all that often. These fans are the definition of die-hard,” she added.

Choreographed by Derric Whitfield, the elite team is dedicated to increasing their presence in the DC area through direct fan interaction and developing the team’s community outreach potential. In that spirit, Danielle has already had the opportunity to volunteer at such events as the Marine Corps Marathon and the Audi Best Buddies 5K Challenge in support of people with intellectual disabilities.

“Both events were in honor of such awesome causes, and I was able to meet and interact with amazing people.” Danielle continued. “Representing the Washington Capitals organization and team is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am incredibly blessed to be a part of something this amazing. There is not a doubt in my mind that I am representing one of the best sports organizations there is.”

So, who is this rookie Red Rocker’s favorite Caps player?

“I’d have to go with Tom Wilson as my favorite player. Got to root for another rookie, like myself, in the Caps organization, right?!”

Visit Danielle and the rest of the Red Rockers at section 111 on the main concourse of the Verizon Center at the next home game.

Barbara Banks

Barbara Ann Banks is a freelance writer out of Rockville, MD.

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