(Caps Outsider)
“My entire family have always been Caps fans, so naturally I was born and raised a Caps fan,” said rookie Red Rocker Shelby. “I have been dancing for a long time and, once I graduated from college, I really missed dancing. When I learned about the Red Rockers, it only made sense to audition. Having the opportunity to not only dance again but to also cheer on my favorite team made it a perfect fit.”
Twenty-three year old Red Rocker Shelby is from Columbia, MD. She graduated from McDaniel College in 2014 with a BA in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. She currently works as the Director of Networks and Events for Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a non-profit organization that supports educational and wellness programs in the West Bank (Palestine).
Welcoming and interacting with fans is a major requirement for the Red Rockers. According to Connor Leipold, Game Entertainment Coordinator for the Caps, Shelby has been very involved and an exceptional ambassador for the Washington Capitals organization in her rookie year.
“From the moment the doors open on game night to the conclusion of the game I am constantly interacting with the fans. Whether it is simply handing out giveaways, meeting the fans who are at their first game or catching up with the long time fans who’ve become friends along the way, we’re always engaging with the Verizon Center community,” said Shelby. “Most of all, I love getting to interact with the kids. It always makes my night getting to see the excitement of being at a Caps game through their eyes and helping to make it more memorable for them.”
One thing that makes being a Red Rocker memorable for Shelby is getting to see her favorite player, Braden Holtby, in goal.
“We have such a great team full of amazing and humble players, but Holtby is literally a beast in the goal! I still remember the first time I saw him warming up at a game and thought how incredible he was in goal, not to mention he can do a better middle split than I can,” she said.
The Red Rocker spirit squad participates in a wide variety of charitable and community events throughout the year. Their work doesn’t start with the first puck drop of the season, and it doesn’t end with the last Caps home game.
“I’ve had the opportunity to participate at several community and charity events since becoming a Red Rocker. One of my favorites so far has been the Marine Corps Marathon Pep Rally. It was really inspiring hearing the personal stories from our service men and women, veterans and their loved ones as they prepared for the race the next day. There were also several kids participating in the kids run and it was so impressive listening to them share why they wanted to participate and how motivated they were,” Shelby said.
The opportunity to represent the team and the Washington Capitals organization has been referred to by many of Shelby’s Red Rocker teammates as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Her thoughts on her rookie year echo that sentiment.
“Being on the Red Rockers and representing the Washington Capitals has truly been a life- changing experience. Seeing first-hand how involved the Caps organization is in the community has made me see how unique our team is compared to other organizations and the difference they are making. Also, it has been an honor being able to be a part of a group of 20 amazing women who all come together for the love of the team, sport and organization. They have become some of my best friends and make being at the Verizon Center a home away from home. I am so happy I decided to audition for the Red Rockers back in July and now can’t imagine my life without it!”
See Shelby and the Red Rockers at Caps home games! Let’s Go Caps!
Read more about the Red Rockers on Caps Outsider
