Growing up, I had a home away from home: the hockey rink. Not that I wanted to, but because my younger sister decided to play hockey not just in winter, but year round. For eight years, I was just a “hockey sister” and “fan.” But for the past 2.5 years I have been able to add the title "Team DJ" to my name for the high-school WIAA (winter) and Team Wisconsin- WAHA (fall & spring) seasons. I never imagined I would be a DJ, let alone in hockey.
The first few games were tricky, to be expected with any new job. As the games in the season went on, it got easier and I really started to enjoy it. As my sister began her final high school hockey season this year, I knew this period of my life would have to end eventually.
However, when I transferred to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, I spotted a job listing: Women’s Hockey DJ. Without hesitation I applied. Low and behold, I got the position within three days of applying. My boss was extremely impressed that, one, I had hockey knowledge and two, that I have done this job before. Taking this position meant that I was going to have to push myself to other limits, such as learning how to mix/merge songs together, learning the NCAA rules, working with a new team amongst other things.
As I am halfway through my season with the UW-Eau Claire Women's Hockey Team, there are so many things that I love about my job.
1. I can watch my favorite sport.
What sport is better than hockey?
2. I can watch & cheer on my friends and sister as they play.
They are pretty good too, if I do say so myself.
3. I can pump up the players.
I have lots of songs to play to make sure that they get pumped. On top of pumping up the players, the fans get pretty hyped too. I remember some fans making the comment to me, "I wish you traveled with the team, they deserve to have this good of music all the time!"
4. I can introduce others to different kinds of music they may have never heard of.
Because there are all different generations that come to hockey games, I really truly play music from all genres. Multiple times, I have had people come up to me asking for the song title or artist because they liked what they heard.
5. I get to listen to music.
Not too many people have a job where they get paid listen to music.
6. I can learn the words to the songs really quickly because I get to listen to them non-stop.
Yes, in the middle of the game sometimes you will see me singing and getting into it.
7. I have met tons of people & made some amazing friends.
The people I have met doing my job are pretty remarkable! They want me to be the best I can but push me to do new things.
8. I have a job that not too many people can say they do.
There are not that many DJ's in the world, but to be one for athletics specializing in hockey? Now that's pretty far-fetched.
9. I help determine the environment vibe.
If the team is down by one point, I know they need pump-up songs, so with those songs blaring, the environment changes. When the team wins, guess what? I have that rink jamming as the team skates off with their heads held high and cheers erupt from the distant locker room.
10. I can do a job that I LOVE!
Not too many people have a job they enjoy, and for that I am lucky!
Who knows, maybe you will end up in a rare athletics job that you absolutely love all because of your sibling?
