Lovely Lupita Romero

Lovely Lupita Romero:

Ultra-Sensational

Story by Raiderdrive

Ultrasound technology enables a trained technician to detect impulses that would not otherwise be discernable to the normal senses, but despite all of Lupita Romero's experience as a licensed professional in the field, there is no way that she could have known that deep within her very being that there was an impulse that would drive her to a sensational career as one of Football's Fabulous Females. Back in the spring of 2001, the early thirty-something mother of two was encouraged to audition by her cousin, Rebeca, who was already a member of the prestigious squad. Not only did Lupita make the squad on her first try, but she also went on to win Rookie of Year honors, grace the Cover of the 2002 Raiderette Calendar, earn Raiderette of Year award, and eventually represent the franchise and the AFC at the Pro Bowl in Honolulu.

One would think that the most exciting and significant moments for a Raiderette come when she gets to put all of her training together and perform on the field, or to win many outstanding honors for her presentations. But not so for our Raiderette. Lupita's most significant moment came when she went to visit an ill Raider fan. This was to be a surprise birthday for the gentleman. In order to spring the surprise on him, Lupita pretended to be his 18-year-old grandson’s homecoming date and was introduced as such. Although somewhat older than the young man, her youthful appearance was quite convincing until the old man was perceptive enough to notice the wedding ring on Lupita’s finger—one oversight to mar her otherwise Academy Award performance. While he might have been disappointed to learn that his grandson did not have this lovely young lady as his date, he was elated when he learned that she was the Cover Girl and when she presented him with his birthday present, a 2002 Raiderette Calendar with all 50 autographs of Football's Fabulous Females. Lupita admits that the calendar was a little worse for wear after being passed around for all the signatures. However, as the brown-haired beauty recalls, “He was so excited, and he was so happy, and that ... just touched me, and he was excited to meet me. It was overwhelming, it was just an overwhelming…a very touching experience.” In fact, he did not even know that it was his birthday. But this one was surely a birthday for the old gentleman to remember. And when he blew out the candles on his cake, you might wonder if at least one of his wishes had already come true.

Today, there are too many pop icons, whether entertainers or athletes, who refuse to acknowledge—in fact they outright reject—the notion that, whether they like it or not, want it or not, they are role models. But all adults are role models, whether in the animal world or in the human world. The mother tiger is emulated by her cubs, who learn the ways of jungle. She does not shirk from her responsibility. And neither does Lupita, who willingly accepts her role. “I’m very honored to be a role model. I feel like I want to be a role model for young girls and for mothers.” Not just for her own children but for the many youngsters who aspire to be just like her, she stands as a unique individual, wife, mother, educated professional woman, and Raiderette. But most important, she demonstrates unequivocally that age, marriage, and family need not be barriers to human achievement for any woman.

On this coming Sunday in Honolulu, she will make a statement that the Pro Bowl is not only for pro football players but for professional cheerleader as well. Moreover, there will be no need for state- of-the-art ultrasound technology to detect the enthusiasm and heart palpitations that will emanate from Lupita's lithe and athletic body as she ignites the field with her dynamic dancing and cheering .