How Do You Define “Charm”?

What is a Raiderette made of?  Sugar and spice and everything nice, especially if she is in the bakery business!

  By Paul Turse aka Samurai Raider 10/25/02

According to Merriam-Webster, “charm” is defined as follows:                           

charm \’charm\ n [Oakland] 1 a: a trait that fascinates, allures, or delights  b:  a  physical grace or attraction; sweetness, esp that quality displayed by Raiderette Charmaine Villanueva  syn: Charmaine; see picture:

OK, so I made the last part up, but after you finish reading about Raiderette Charmaine’s  (pronounced “shar”) recipe for success, you will get the picture and know the definition of charm—with a little sweetness baked into the blend.

Originally hailing from the Windy City, Charmaine came to the West Coast to attend California State University, Sacramento, where she was named to the President’s Honor List.*  The proximity of her new home, Sacramento, to the Raiders made it convenient to pursue her aspirations to be a member of its elite cheerleading squad, Football’s Fabulous Females.

Charmaine begins her 6th year as a Raiderette, an accomplishment that demonstrates the determination and dedication that is characteristic of all veteran Raiderettes.  What motivated this fascinating young woman to pursue a spot on the Raiderette squad for the sixth time?  There are several significant reasons, ranging from forming friendships with fans and comrades to attending charity events and touching the lives of children. 

When it comes to relating to those denizens of the Black Hole, Charmaine explained, “I just love dancing and performing in front of the best fans in the NFL.”  On the field is where her physical grace is most noteworthy.

However, it is not only establishing rapport with the fans, but also developing a lasting relationship with her Raiderette comrades that she finds especially satisfying.  “As an only child growing up, this gives me the chance to have sisterly bonds with women who are just awesome ladies,” Charmaine elucidated.

The Raiderettes are expected to volunteer for 10 charity events during their term of service.  Although this is, indeed, a profound obligation, Charmaine modestly diminished the sacrifice: “It’s really easy to do.  Throughout the year, there are so many events, and they are all fun.” 

Many people probably think the greatest thrill for a Raiderette is performing in front of the crowd, but for Charmaine the real passion comes when she can delight youngsters at the various charity events, such as the time she participated in the Special Olympics in San Jose.  “It was a great time,” she explained, “and a lot of the young people there were disabled or blind.  And it was great to just talk with them and see what they are all about too.  To bring a smile to their faces was really neat.”

Speaking of bringing a smile to the faces of children, it is perhaps symbolic that when Charmaine is not stirring things up on the field, she is operating her own bakery business in Sacramento, an occupation that is sure to raise a grin on all faces, young and old alike.  “It’s something I have been wanting to do for a very long time.”  Earlier this year, she started her enterprise, so things have been proceeding with “baby steps” as far as developing the venture.  Her bakery might have some sugar-free products, but when it comes to Charmaine’s personality, there are no artificial sweeteners in the mix.  Further, there is sure to be more dough in the baking business than in the cheerleading field.  (OK, I know, I know, but I just kneaded to get that one in.)

Many athletes today declare that they are not role models and do not want to be an inspirational force for young people.  In fact, judging by the behavior displayed by many sports figures, a number of them appear to be just the opposite, often setting a negative example for our youth.  However, when it comes to being a Raiderette, Charmaine has an opposite opinion, believing whole-heartedly that being a member of Football’s Fabulous Females entails a great responsibility?  “I think it comes as part of the territory,” she said with commitment.  “I think that when you are out in the public a lot, whether it’s a charity event or at a game, people are watching you; so you make an impact on people as little as two--all the way up to old age.”

It is not easy constantly being in the public eye, and there are times when Charmaine does not feel like being a Raiderette, as far as displaying all the charm that is necessary to live up to her commitment.  “You bet,” she readily admitted.  So, how does she psyche herself up on those times when she does not feel like being a Raiderette?  Charmaine explained, exemplifying the concept that “charm” is more than just physical allurement, but often an internal quality:  “Well, I always think to myself that there are so many other women that could be in this spot, and I’m just very fortunate that I am able to wear the Silver and Black.”

One of times that Charmaine has to maintain the Raiderette image is when the team is experiencing tough going:  “I think a lot of times, if we are out in the public, and, let’s say, we just lost a game, unfortunately, a lot of people will take it out on us.  But I think they need to realize too that, hey, you know--we’re doing our job out there.  We’re trying to get the crowd pumped.”

So just like the players, when things don’t go right, the Raiderettes share the brunt of the burdensome losses.  “We do,” she affirmed.  “But you have to just keep smiling and turn it into a positive conversation.  And there is always a way to do that.”  How does she handle friction?  “I just try to turn it around or just avoid it,” she added with conviction.

Now, it is, perhaps, easy to get psyched in front of thousands of fans in the Net and on national TV, but how about those times when no one knows who Charmaine is?  Or when she is alone and she can be herself and forget about the Raiderettes' code?  Does she yield to temptation or does she stop and say, “Wait, I can’t do that”?  And does she hear a little voice whisper, “Once a Raiderette, always a Raiderette”? 

“I hear it…it’s a pretty loud voice,” she said, nodding in the affirmative   Thus, Charmaine is obligated, even when she is not in uniform, to live up to the high expectations of the Raider franchise.  “I’m not naughty,” she said convincingly and sincerely.

So, if you want to know the meaning of the word “charm,” you will not need to consult a dictionary.  You will only have to meet this young woman to know the real definition, for she is truly a confection of charm and sweetness.

*Bio info from Raiderettes.com (http://www.raiderettes.com/bio.asp?id=41).

A special thank you to Charmaine for granting this interview and to Mary Barnes, Al Locasale, and the Raider organization for their cooperation.