Lindsey  Young

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Meet Rach Eggert. She always has a smile on her face, and she has quite the full plate; from working at the Minnesota State Capitol to attending countless Minnesota sports games, Eggert never seems to have a dull moment.

When people meet Eggert, they will certainly notice her fun-loving personality, enthusiasm and overall passion for life. What they might not notice right away is that Eggert is also legally blind and deaf—or Deafblind, as she prefers.

“I want other people to know that the Minnesota Lynx have a diverse fan base, since I’m disabled,” Eggert shared. “I’m not afraid to show myself and to meet new people. I’ve met many people at games and events.”

Eggert first became a Lynx fan in 2010 when she attended a game for the first time. An already-Timberwolves fan, Eggert quickly became hooked on the WNBA team and attended nearly every game that summer. Two years later, she became a season ticket holder.

She’s had several favorite players throughout the years, among them University of Minnesota alumni Janel McCarville and Lindsay Whalen.

“Lindsay and Janel are our hometown athletes, and they have so many talents that we’re very proud of,” Eggert said. “They’re also both great role models for any girls looking up to them. Many young players look up to Whalen for guidance and wisdom when it comes to teamwork.”

Eggert also felt a special bond with former Lynx players Candice Wiggins and Taj Franklin-Williams, who both knew sign language and gave Eggert the opportunity to communicate easier with the team she loves.

When it comes to supporting the Lynx, Eggert commits 100 percent—she goes above and beyond just being in the stands during game time. Every time the squad returns home from the WNBA Playoffs or Finals on the road, Eggert waits at the airport to show her team spirit. She once had a chance to hold the WNBA Championship trophy, and it’s not something she’ll forget. Along with every other Fan of the Pack, Eggert hopes the Lynx will bring home a similar trophy this year. Eggert’s favorite 2015 moment thus far was watching forward Maya Moore named the All-Star Game MVP; if Minnesota notches another championship, however, it will take the cake.

The dedicated fan may have a disability, but that is not who she is—and that’s a big part of why she feels so at home at Target Center, where she’s joined the extended Minnesota Lynx family.

“Over the years, I’ve attended many games and team-related events,” Eggert said. “I’ve been building relationships and gotten to know front office staff, Target Center employees and other fans. I encourage people to get to know the ushers who work in their section […] along with a few other places, I consider Target Center one of my homes.”

Eggert doesn’t allow her disability to get in the way of her passions. She attends games just like everyone else does, and the experience is not diminished in any way. Because Eggert has limited vision, she uses her iPad and enlarged text to check game scores, and she’s also able to see the Jumbotron visuals.

“Since I can’t hear, I can feel vibration if it’s too loud,” Eggert explained. “If the audience stands up, I follow the cues.”

Besides attending Lynx games, Eggert’s other passion is politics. Similarly to her positive experiences at the Target Center, Eggert appreciates the support she receives at another “second home”—the Minnesota Capitol. Although she’s currently taking some time away, she enjoyed working at the concession stand and also helping with running social media.

Eggert’s political interests began before she discovered the Lynx; in high school, she volunteered for several political campaigns. She then served as a Student Senator in college and also as a Legislative Director. From there, she ended up becoming a citizen lobbyist advocating for the Deaf, Deafblind, hard-of-hearing issues, public transit and other matters that concerned her.

“I decided to get a job [at the Capitol] because I love the place and the people,” Eggert said. “I’ve developed relationships and friendships with legislators, lobbyists, staffers media and regulars. I’ve been there since the Pawlenty Administration—went through five Speakers of the House and three Senate Presidents.”

A hiatus from the consistent work at the Capitol is allowing Eggert to continue making a voice for others with disabilities, and she also has more time to take in all the Lynx action she can.

With only a handful of games remaining for the 2015 regular season, Eggert would love to continue meeting new people and sharing in the excitement for the postseason. She hopes more and more people will get to know her as more than just “the lady with the white cane who yells like crazy when the Lynx do something great.”

Come to a game, meet this passionate Fan of the Pack and make a new friend. But don’t expect Eggert to stop yelling like crazy. She doesn’t plan to do that anytime soon.