Photos courtesy Washington Capitals Red Rockers
“I grew up predominantly playing baseball and basketball on all boys’ teams, like my brother. I also danced every day of the week with competitions on weekends, so I wasn’t really into hockey at all,” said rookie Red Rocker Victoria. “However, when I got to D.C. the Capitals fan base was overwhelming. People filled the Metro cars with floods of red and Weagles on my commute on game days. Restaurants and bars with televisions resonated with cheers during power plays and goals. After witnessing the contagious pride Capitals fans have, I knew I wanted to be a part of that energy.”
Victoria was born and raised in New York. The 24-year-old grew up in Queens and commuted to Hofstra University where she received a Bachelors of Science degree in Forensic Science, with a minor in dance. In the summer of 2014, she moved to Arlington to pursue her graduate degree in Crime Scene Investigation at The George Washington University, which she received in May 2016. With her future in the DMV uncertain, Victoria auditioned for the Red Rockers and made the team. She also landed what she considers to be her ‘dream job’ as a Crime Scene Forensic Scientist for the District of Columbia.
“Before becoming a Red Rocker I worked as a dance teacher throughout D.C. and Arlington. I taught kids anywhere from 16 months to 7 years old. The Mommy & Me classes were my favorite, but I had always wanted to dance or cheer for a professional team. A former Red Rocker taught dance with me and encouraged me to audition. She answered all of my crazy questions and worries throughout the audition process, and she eased all of my irrational fears,” said Victoria, who’s favorite part about being a Red Rocker is being a role model.
“Adults constantly thank me, reminding me how happy they are that their children look up to us, and this makes me strive to be the best version of myself whether the kids are watching me or not. Fan interaction with the kids is the best part of my game nights. Countless little future Red Rockers have brought photos to our table displaying Halloween pictures of them looking just like us,” she added.
Throughout the season, Victoria has learned more and more about ice hockey and the Washington Capitals organization. Her favorite player changes with every game based on the Caps’ individual performances, but she always has incredible respect for Braden Holtby.
“It is a difficult and stressful position. It requires a great deal of coordination. Every game I cheer I catch myself screaming for Holtby and jumping with excitement every time he blocks a shot,” said Victoria.
Since she isn’t a D.C. native, being a Red Rocker has been a vehicle for Victoria to meet a lot of new people. She is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Capitals organization and meet the team’s incredible fan base.
“The Capitals family has been nothing short of welcoming to me,” she said. “The Caps have made my choice to stay in D.C. about more than just working here, but truly having a home here. It is my honor to be part of such a legendary organization.”
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