In 2012, Joey O’Keefe was a freshman on the men’s soccer team. His uncle, Daniel O’Keefe, was the one family member who regularly made it to his games. Known to Joey O’Keefe as Uncle Dan, the Biola fans and students also know him as “Uncle Dan,” because he is a man with a story behind the gear and cheers.
“I was the uncle that never married, so it was my duty to show up,” said Daniel O’Keefe.
Uncle Dan did just that. Even after his nephew and the team graduated, he continued to support the men’s team and eventually began cheering on the women’s team as well. In 2021, Joey O’Keefe was hired as head coach, which gave Uncle Dan even more reason to attend the games. But his true motivation lies in rallying the team to success.
“They come to play, we come to cheer,” Daniel O’Keefe said.
Uncle Dan describes the work that goes into being present at every game, often amounting to 12-hour days. If you have been to a soccer game at Biola, you’ve likely seen or heard him in the stands. You cannot miss the flags or the cheers through the megaphone. His unparalleled support is driven by an eternal perspective.
“I look at it as a form of ministry,” Daniel O’Keefe said.
SELFLESS SUPPORT
To motivate the players, there needs to be energy in the stands; Uncle Dan will undoubtedly bring it.
Despite his exceptional efforts in every game, he talks about the lack of support he often gets in return.
“I don’t get any help taking [my gear] down, and often don’t even get a thank you. But I’m doing it to the glory of God, and I’m doing it for these guys,” said Daniel O’Keefe.
Uncle Dan does not come out of any benefit for himself. He sacrifices plenty to be able to attend the games, serving as a faithful supporter of Biola athletics. He understands the importance of supporting one another, especially when it comes to the teamwork between the fans and the players.
Because of all the gear he brings to games, such as flags, megaphones, and over 8,000 hand-written cheers, many are not too fond of his efforts, especially at away games.
“I don’t care if they think I’m crazy. I probably am, but I don’t really care about that. If you are benefiting from this, I will continue to do it in a minute,” Daniel O’Keefe said.
This is the kind of support that is needed at games. Whether or not the student body shows up, there are always faithful fans like Uncle Dan who can be counted on. Lively, passionate and eager to talk about his ministry, he puts in time and effort amidst the challenges of life. His heart is for the benefit of the team and to stir up the hearts of others to show up and cheer.
“Not everyone is cut out to yell and scream like me. I’m a man full of rage, but it’s a good thing, so I do it for them,” Daniel O’Keefe said.
Uncle Dan looks to the Lord in his efforts. He does not look to the left or to the right for approval, he simply shows up faithfully to every game. He strives to be a force in the crowd, even when he is the only one and even when it’s a thankless act. He is a man full of passion for a selfless reason: to support a team to success. Uncle Dan has a ministry to proclaim, and you can hear its whispers — or loud cheers — in every game.
