The 2013 season is in full swing for the Chesapeake Bayhawks, who are the defending MLL champs, and for the Hawkettes as well. The new energy that coach Angel has brought shows in every on-field routine. Last year the Hawkettes were, in my admittedly biased opinion, one of the best dance teams in the league. Angel’s background with the Baltimore Ravens has brought an even greater energy and sense of professionalism.
I spoke to Katelyn, a three year veteran and Captain. “This year is a different style than last because it’s specifically based off of the Ravens and Angel’s experience. But the basis is the same- professionalism, entertainment and fun. I appreciate everything I experienced before and everything I’m still learning now.”
More big changes are in the air for the Chesapeake Hawkettes. In addition to adding 11 new ladies to the squad, the Hawkettes are introducing a new coach as well. Angel P has taken over the reins.
Angel brings a professional pedigree, having just retired from the Baltimore Ravens after six seasons-three as captain and in her last year as the only Pro-Bowl/Super bowl cheerleader. She works as a residency coordinator at the Johns Hopkins Hospital radiology department, and was was recently honored by the Bel Air Maryland Board of Town Commissioners Tuesday for her work with the community and with U.S. troops stationed overseas. She traveled to Bahrain and Djibouti in 2010 with the USO to entertain American troops, and works with the Ronald McDonald House, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford County Maryland and promotes breast cancer awareness.
“I am extremely excited to take the position as the 2013 Hawkettes director!” She said. “One of my goals was to coach a professional team and pass my knowledge and experience onto upcoming ladies in the professional cheer/dance world. I’m ready to revamp the program this year with more community outreach, cheer and dance clinics for children, and overall success to promote the Hawkettes and the Chesapeake Bayhawks Major League lacrosse team.”
Prospective Hawkettes not only had to learn a dance routine, they also sat for a business-style interview.
The Hawkettes are currently preparing for their home opener on May 4th.
I finally had my chance to right a wrong that I had committed against the Denver Outlaws Cheerleaders way back in 2010. I was shooting the Major League Lacrosse playoffs in Annapolis, and back then I was still shooting film. The temperature at Army-Navy Stadium reached about 105 degrees on the field and even though I was careful to keep my camera bag in the shade, my film was absolutely cooked. Every shot had to be Photoshopped within an inch of it’s life to be simply acceptable. Fortunately the ladies of the Outlaws and their director Brianna were gracious and forgiving.
In the first playoff game, the Outlaws overcame a 9-point deficit to come from behind and win over the Long Island Lizards. However, they were beaten by the Chesapeake Bayhawks in Sunday’s final.
As it turned out, all the Outlaws cheerleaders who were able to come to Boston are 2nd year Captains.
Upon arriving back in Boston after a ten year absence, I found myself standing on the hallowed grounds of “Haavaad” Stadium. Midwest correspondent Dave is right- my IQ jumped a few points merely by walking through the gate.
On the first day of playoffs, the Boston Cannons were set to play the Chesapeake Bayhawks. The Cannons held the lead at the half, but the Bayhawks came from behind to finish with a strong 16-10 victory.
There’s no way I can top Dave’s great coverage of this fine squad, so I’ll just present my game photos.
The Chesapeake Bayhawks played their last home game before proceeding to the playoffs at Harvard Stadium in Boston. With a berth clinched, and a game delayed by a thunderstorm, I took the time to do some long delayed small group shots.
The Big Vanilla Athletic Club was once again the site of the tryouts for the Hawkettes, the dance team of the Chesapeake Bayhawks. This year brings big changes to the squad. Assistant Coach Becca has joined the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders, and Captain/Coach Joanna has taken on the role of Coach.
The Chesapeake Hawkettes cheered on the Bayhawks to the Major League Lacrosse playoffs this weekend, but the playoffs are threatened by the arrival of Hurricane Irene. Also threatened is a dance clinic featuring the Hawkettes and the visiting Denver Outlaws Dance team.
The Chesapeake Bayhawks picked up a big win against the Rochester Rattlers at their last home game. The Chesapeake Hawkettes showed off their own winning style in front of over 8400 fans.
The pregame parking lot is always a place to hear local bands, and sample food. It’s also a place for fans to have an opportunity to meet the Hawkettes.
In my last post, I introduced the rookies. Here are this season’s returning veterans.
Joanna teaches kindergarten, coaches dance and is in her 2nd year as the Hawkete’s Captain, Coach and Choreographer. She has also danced with the Washington Capital’s Red Rockers.
The 2011 MLL season has begun for the Hawkettes, the official dance team of the Chesapeake Bayhawks. It was a pleasantly warm evening at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, and 8000 plus fans were present for the recent game versus the Boston Cannons.