One step closer to the Silver and Black

Hundreds audition to be one of Football’s Fabulous Females

Story & photos by Tony Mercado 4/15/03

Raiderdrive-Bay Area Sports Staff Writer

Ashley Bowers approached the sheet taped to the wall, scanned through the list of numbers corresponding to hopeful Oakland Raiderette candidates and felt her heart sink.

           Hers wasn’t there. Or so she thought. A second look out of the corner of her eye was all it took to turn sadness for the 19-year-old from Petaluma to sheer joy.

She’d made it to the second round after all, joining about 125 other beautiful women in a quest to become one of Football’s Fabulous Females.

“I am so happy right now. I wanted this so badly,” exclaimed Bowers, who fell short last year of making the squad, but proclaimed herself ready for the upcoming interview and dance portion of the auditions.

“I can dance my little butt off and I am down to sweet-talking the judges,” she laughed.

Six hundred and fifty women turned out for the April 13 tryouts at the Oakland Airport Hilton. It was the most for an audition since the Raiders moved back to the East Bay, said Mary Barnes, Raiderette director (right).

“It’s always looked really fun to me, and I like their style,” said 18-year-old Melissa Fulkerson of her reason for wanting to be a Raiderette. “This is a new experience and whatever happens, happens. Hopefully, things turn out for the best.”

Other finalists said they’re looking forward to taking that next step toward donning the silver and black. Some, like 18-year-old Rachael Guinto and 23-year-old Kate Wang (left: Wang & right: Rachael) were lucky enough to get advice from some former Raiderettes.

A few days before the auditions, Guinto met Rebeca Guerrero, who gave her these valuable tips on how to impress the judges:   speak with a strong voice, walk with confidence, and always smile.  It’s obvious she took the Latina beauty’s advice to heart.

“I’m excited. I didn’t think it could happen because there’s so many gorgeous girls here,” she said in reference to her selection.

Despite hearing from Raiderettes that she possessed all the qualities the team was looking for, Wang, 23,

 hesitated for some time to audition. And even though she eventually conquered her insecurities to try out, she nonetheless was shocked to make the squad as a finalist.

“The Raiderettes just seemed so far fetched. I never thought I would have a chance to be one,” she said. “It will be really amazing if I make it.”

            Not all of the young ladies appeared overly concerned with how they will ultimately stack up against the competition or what the next round will bring.  At least one finalist is keen on just enjoying the moment.

“Right now, I’m just glad I made it this far,” said 20-year-old Leah Gonzalez of Richmond. “Now I’m going to practice, keep my smile, and just have fun.”

Visit: Raiderette Tryouts & Photo Gallery