15 to 15: Welcome Our Newest Writer, Rachel Hawkins

Rachel Hawkins

Welcome to the second of 15 posts leading up to our 15th birthday on June 15. Each day, we’re celebrating the website and you, our reader, with a Coaster101 Prize Pack giveaway. See the bottom of this post for details on today’s giveaway.

Today we’re veering off the path of highlighting our last 15 years to instead celebrate the future of the site as we welcome our newest writer, Rachel Hawkins, to the Coaster101 team.

Rachel joined us in late April and has amassed an impressive portfolio of articles and news items. She brings to the table a gift for writing and an infection passion for roller coasters and the amusement industry.

Get to know Rachel below, and then see how you can win our second Coaster101 Prize Pack giveaway.


1. Where do you live?

I currently live in Dallas, Texas.

2. What’s your day job?

I am currently a social media analyst at an IT consulting firm in Dallas.

3. Favorite roller coaster?

This is a hard one. I actually have a couple, but, if I had to choose one, I would say Tatsu at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

4. First roller coaster?

My very first roller coaster was Runaway Mine Train, at Six Flags Over Texas. And, it’s actually still one of my favorites to this day!

5. Last roller coaster you rode?

The last coaster I rode was the Texas Giant, literally the very last day before the park closed due to Covid-19.

6. Home park?

My home park is Six Flags Over Texas (SFOT). And with all of its rich history, I think I’m not only pretty lucky to have this as my very first park but, to live extremely close to it!

7. Favorite park?

Magic Mountain, hands down! I actually remember the very first time I visited the park. It was in the summer of 2016, and it was completely empty! Without this particular visit, I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to experience a flying, standup, suspended, floorless, or racing coaster.

8. Favorite roller coaster manufacturer?

Definitely Arrow Development. Without them, we never would’ve had the chance to experience such great coasters around the world. They were a leading innovator, which is why they deserve so much respect.

9. Favorite non-coaster ride?

I absolutely love breakdance rides! We have one that comes to Texas every year during the State Fair of Texas. Riding this ride at night with colorful flashing lights surrounding you makes a perfect riding experience you’ll never forget.

10. Favorite theme park memory?

This is an easy one. My favorite memory would have to be the time I visited SeaWorld San Antonio as an adult (I actually visited the park a couple of times before, but I was too young to remember). The moment I first walked into SeaWorld I was so shocked to see how themed and pretty it was. Overall the entire experience was great, from the rides to the shows.

11. Favorite park food?

This is a hard one. So, since I’m vegan there’s not that much I can eat at parks. But, there’s that special time of the year when SFOT sells delicious hot kettle corn, thus. making me obsessed, and my wallet suffer at the same time.

12. Favorite park show?

“Arania’s Nightmare” at SFOT’s Southern Palace Theatre. This is a pretty entertaining (and cute) Fright Fest performance, that is performed every year.

13. Favorite Broadway show?

Anastasia the Musical. I can’t even begin to tell you how obsessed I am with this show. Between having merch, and listening to the soundtrack (almost every day) it’s safe to say I am a hardcore fan.

14. Any projects to plug?

Here’s one of my favorite articles I’ve done so far on Arrow!

15. Fun fact to leave us with?

One fun fact about me is that my love for roller coasters started by playing Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 when I was in 1st grade. And I still play it to this day!


Coaster101 15 to 15 Giveaway #2

A Coaster101 Prize Pack (contents will vary)

For today’s entry method, please leave a brief comment below welcoming Rachel to the team — it can be as simple as a “hi!” And if you have any article requests or a topic/subject you’d like us to cover, let us know!

You can enter now through 11:59 p.m. ET tonight.

Giveaway Rules

  • The entry period for this giveaway will run until 11:59 p.m. ET tonight. We’ll email the winner tomorrow.
  • To remain eligible for your prize pack, you will need to respond with your name and mailing address within 24 hours of receiving the email notification.
  • One entry per person.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to ship Prize Packs outside of the U.S.

Update: Congratulations to Jacob B. for winning the giveaway!


Best of luck, and as always, thank you for your support of Coaster101!

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