Fans expressed their admiration for UCLA star Megan Grant, with some even donning hats and holding up signs, including one dedicated superfan, Kaitlyn Raabs.
Raabs, easily recognizable in her fluffy white chef’s hat and blue apron, has become a quirky staple at the games, inspired by Grant’s nickname “Chef Megan.”
After Grant set the NCAA single-season home run record recently, Raabs reminisced about how New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge thrived on the support of passionate fans and thought Grant should experience something similar.
Determined to show her enthusiasm, Raabs rummaged through her kitchen for a chef outfit and started wearing it to the Bruins’ NCAA Tournament games.
“Megan Grant isn’t just an incredible player—she embodies everything a teammate should be,” Raabs shared with the California Post, prior to the Bruins’ victory over Central Florida that secured their spot in the Women’s College World Series.
Raabs, a bit superstitious, insists on wearing her chef hat when it’s time for Grant to bat. Interestingly, during the district tournament, Grant hit her 39th and 40th home runs, including a grand slam, before Central Florida pitched carefully around her, issuing six walks over seven at-bats.
“It’s like she’s being treated like Barry Bonds,” Raabs commented, expressing her frustration when Grant was intentionally walked. “I can’t help but get upset whenever they avoid pitching to her.”
Originally from Southern California, Raabs has closely followed UCLA softball since returning home in 2020. She quickly found herself impressed by the freshman players, especially Grant, Jordan Woolley, and Taylor Tinsley.
Interestingly, Raabs shares some similarities with Grant; both were left-handed, No. 2 hitters during their playing days. Raabs played outfield at Brown University from 2005 to 2009, although she humbly admits that she wasn’t quite the power hitter like Grant.
The vibrant-haired Raabs even shares a resemblance with Grant. She joked about their meeting last weekend looking like a “Spider-Man meme” where both pointed at each other as if they were twins.
“It’s just unbelievable,” Grant said when asked about Raabs. “She looks so much like me, with the hair and everything. I really appreciate the support and seeing fans in chef costumes is just fun.”
Raabs expressed her hope that her antics bring joy to the crowd, explaining, “This team exemplifies playing freely and with childlike enthusiasm. As an athlete myself, if I can carry that spirit onto the field, why not share it with the fans and the team?”
Though Raabs won’t be able to attend in-person for the Women’s College World Series, she plans to wear her chef costume while cheering for the Bruins from a sports bar dedicated to women’s athletics in Long Beach.
“Absolutely,” Raabs affirmed when asked about remaining a dedicated superfan. “We really need to keep the good vibes going.”
