This athletic beauty stays involved in her community by coaching youth track and field. An avid soccer player, Erica has competed in many national soccer tournaments and aspires to be a role model for young Hispanic women who are in pursuit of their dreams.

Ex-track star is now a cheerleader

Erica Arana, Fillmore High grad, is thrilled to work with Raiders
By Mike Martinez, Correspondent
October 8, 2004

Although many considered her a natural, Erica Arana was not interested in cheerleading while attending Fillmore High School in the mid-1990s. Instead, this athlete chose to set records on the track and soccer fields. 

"I've always been into sports. It's what I loved to do," said Arana, 27, who set several track and field records at her alma mater before graduating in 1995. "It wasn't until later that I was inspired to become (an Oakland Raiders cheerleader)." 

Her inspiration came in 2003 from a handful of Latino cheerleaders she watched perform during Raiders games each Sunday afternoon. 

"I've always been a big Raiders fan, and watching (the cheerleaders) I knew I really wanted to do this, so I researched what it took on the Internet and went for it," she said. 

Although an avid dancer, Arana didn't make the squad her first time out but said she learned much from her experience and tried out again in 2004. Her audition consisted of a dance performance and an interview. Chosen from among 700, she is now in her rookie year as one of the Raiders' 40 "Fabulous Females." 

"I would have to say that going through the tryouts and now performing every week is one of the hardest things I've had to do in any sport," Arana said, "but I love it. It's where I want to be." 

Having grown up in what she calls a "very traditional" Mexican-American family, Arana said she did not tell her parents she was auditioning for the squad. "When I told my mom I was going to be a Raiderette, she said, 'What's that?' but now she is happy I'm doing something I love." 

Between practicing 12 hours a week with the squad, attending jazz and hip-hop dance classes and working full time as an account executive for a mortgage lender, the Petaluma resident has little time for much else unless it's volunteer work. 

While a member of the squad, each cheerleader is required to appear at 10 charity events a year. In only a few short months, Arana has already helped raise money for the American Diabetes Association, animal rescue and local food banks. 

"The charity events are one of my favorite things. It's nice to give my time to these causes," she said. 

Arana also stays involved in the community by coaching youth track and field. An avid soccer player, she has competed in many national soccer tournaments and aspires to be a role model for young Hispanic women who are in pursuit of their dreams. 

"Being a Latina, I find myself in the same place as those cheerleaders who inspired me," she said. "I want to let young Latinas know that with hard work you can accomplish your dreams. My parents always taught me independence, so that's what I try to get across." 

As one of only a few Latina, bilingual squad members, Arana was chosen to travel to Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico, for five days in early September to promote Raiders football and NFL Mexico. 

"The event was extra special for me, because I was not only representing the Raiders but the Hispanic community as well," she said. "The entire trip hit so close to home with me. My week was amazing, and I was happy to share my culture with the other Raiderettes."