When you think of college sports, stories like Deangelo Sanchez's stand out. Known as "the Man with the Belt," he is a passionate presence at LSU softball games and other events. Deangelo epitomizes the spirit of fandom, with a journey that began as a promise to his sister, Shemiah Sanchez. His story has blossomed into an iconic representation of support for LSU student-athletes.
A Sister’s Journey Sparks a Fanatic's Passion
Deangelo's journey started with a family bond, one that many can relate to. In 2016, when his sister decided to pursue her softball career at LSU, he made a heartfelt promise to his sister. Deangelo had made some choices that prevented him from being there for his sister's high school career, so he promised her he would not miss a single game while she wore the purple and gold. This promise marked the beginning of a journey that extended far beyond her college years.
From 2016 to 2019, during Shemiah's time at LSU, Deangelo was a constant fixture in the stands. He quickly became known for his loud cheers and unwavering support, famously startling fellow fans with his joyful enthusiasm. For example, he was known to yell something like "You got this!" after every pitch, regardless of the outcome. This spirit of encouragement resonated throughout the bleachers, creating an uplifting atmosphere for every game.
The Baton of Tradition: The LSU Belt
As seasons progressed, LSU's softball program blossomed, and so did Deangelo's presence. In 2019, he noticed a team theme: "Fight On." This inspired him to create a unique tradition: the LSU Belt. Deangelo boldly stated, "When you win a fight, you win a belt." The LSU Belt evolved into a symbol of determination and grit, representing the fighting spirit of the teams after an interview he did with Holly Rowe at the Clearwater Invitational. Deangelo's energy in the stands contributed significantly to establishing this trend, which spread beyond LSU to other universities, highlighting how one fan can spark a movement within college sports.
College Softball Stars Inspired by Friendships with Deangelo
There are Many top athletes across the sport of college softball that Deangelo has friendships with from their travel ball days. He mentioned how they would tell him they wanted to play softball for LSU so he would come cheer for them in college.
A Connection to Talent
Deangelo's passion didn't just end with cheering for his sister. He also played a role in influencing young athletes. Growing up alongside former LSU pitcher Kelly Lynch, Deangelo saw her as a little sister figure. He encouraged her to consider LSU for college, and his enthusiasm proved contagious. Deangelo would always travel to see Kelly play and was always in her ear about playing her senior year at LSU.Kelly ultimately made the choice to play for the Tigers in her senior season, showcasing how familial support and friendship can impact sports recruitment.
As a key figure in the softball community, Deangelo transformed his role from just a supporter to a motivator for many young athletes, becoming a source of encouragement for those aspiring to join the LSU softball family. Fast forward to the current season, and Deangelo remains as energetic as ever. This year, there is a fresh face on the team in Jalia Lassiter, a standout transfer from Ole Miss. His unwavering belief that she could thrive in purple and gold was rewarded when she officially joined the Tigers. This moment was more than just a personal victory for Deangelo; it reflected the strength of community support. His constant affirmations, to Jalia such as "You belong in purple and gold," serve as a powerful reminder of the impact a supportive voice can have. Deangelo has woven himself into the very fabric of the program, fostering a narrative of growth and success not just for himself, but for all involved.
The Evolving Role of a Super fan
Deangelo’s journey as a super fan extends beyond the game-day cheers. His story highlights that being a super fan is about advocacy, community, and building lasting relationships. He has transformed from a supportive brother into a symbol of pride for LSU athletics.
Fans and players alike recognize Deangelo, not just for his belt but for the vibrant sense of community he fosters. His enthusiasm creates an electric atmosphere that anyone entering the stadium can feel. This connection is what makes attending games at LSU a unique and thrilling experience. He tells me that he would get invited to other LSU Sporting events by athletes of those respective sports as they would tell him "hey you're the guy with belt".
A Legacy of Enthusiasm and Community
Deangelo Sanchez, the Man with the Belt, is more than just a super fan; he is a vital part of the LSU athletics story. His journey began with a promise to his sister, marked by lively involvement, and has extended to the recruitment of future talent. This illustrates how one person's passion can ripple through an entire community.
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