Central East grad on brink of becoming Raiderette

Central East grad and Fresno State student, a former Bulldogs dancer Angelina Manquero hopes to become a Raiderette.

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Angelina Manquero’s story begins like many Sundays in her childhood: after church, surrounded by family, with carne asada on the grill and the Raiders on TV.

In her parents’ home, being a fan wasn’t casual.

It was a way of life. From a silver-and-black Christmas tree to a Raiders-themed bedroom shared by her brothers, Manquero grew up immersed in the culture.

“I bleed silver and black,” she said, and for her, it’s more than just a phrase.

Now 21, the Central East High graduate is one step away from living out that lifelong passion: becoming a Raiderette.

Her journey has been years in the making.

Manquero has danced for 18 years, building her craft through dedication and discipline.

At Central East, she was a four-year cheerleader and captain her senior year, describing her high school experience as something out of a movie. It was also where she first began to see a real path forward.

One of her coaches, a former Raiderette, helped introduce her to the NFL dance style, planting a seed that would only grow stronger.

She continued her career at Fresno State, dancing for two seasons and earning Rookie of the Year honors. But even then, she knew her ultimate goal lay beyond college.

That vision came into focus during a trip to Las Vegas for an NFL dance combine.

There, she met Raiderettes director Tiphanie McNiff and toured the Raiders’ studio for the first time.

“I instantly fell in love,” Manquero recalled. “I knew I had to do everything in my power to make it there.”

Since then, everything has been about preparation. She shifted her schedule, committed fully to training, and continued teaching dance while pursuing her goal with purpose.

Now, after months of auditions that began in November, Manquero is among just 46 finalists, down from more than 300 candidates.

Only 32 will make the team.

“It’s been a roller coaster,” she said. “But I feel so blessed just to be here.”

The experience has been emotional, filled with what she calls “tears of joy.”

Surrounded by talented and supportive women, including veterans who must re-audition each year, Manquero said the journey already feels like a dream come true.

Still, one final hurdle remains. A fan vote, which is already drawing record-breaking participation, will guarantee one rookie a spot on the team.

The deadline to vote is 11:59 p.m. Saturday, and can be done at this site.

For Manquero, the moment is bigger than she is. It’s about the little girl who once watched every game with her family, dreaming from the living room.

Now, she’s no longer just watching.

She’s one step away from the field.

This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 11:10 AM.

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