Barbie partners with pro golfer Brittany Lincicome to inspire girls

Even as a young girl, Barbie was never my go-to doll.  Though not a huge Barbie  fan, I’ve admired some of the marketing moves Mattel has made over the years in an effort to keep the old girl relevant. Tattoo Barbie may have been my favorite.

As part of Mattel’s latest campaign comes this piece of press:

For more than five decades, Barbie has been a perfect reflection of fashion and culture and has served as an inspiration to girls of all ages. This year, as part of the Barbie brand’s I Can Be… campaign, Barbie is empowering girls to dream it all, try it all and live it all. As part of this commitment, Barbie has partnered with 10 women who continue to serve as ambassadors of dreams and role models for girls. Named earlier this year as one of Barbie’s 10 Women to Watch in 2010, Barbie has forged a partnership with LPGA player Brittany Lincicome, the defending champion of the 2009 Kraft Nabisco Championship (KNC), to excite girls about the sport of golf and encourage them to live an active lifestyle.

Other women on Barbie’s 10 Women to Watch in 2010 list include snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler,  race car driver Danica Patrick and author J.K. Rowling.

So with the announcment of Brittany Lincicome as a Barbie partner, here’s what you have to look forward to: Throughout the year Brittany and Barbie will be hosting several clinics to further girl’s education and involvement with the sport of golf. This summer, Barbie is also introducing a new line of branded golf clubs with Accu-length and additional golf accessories bringing Barbie’s signature pink style to the course in a fun way. Barbie branded Accu-length clubs will be available online timed to the KNC. Together, Brittany and Barbie are paving the way for future generations of girls to tee up.

Can’t wait to see Barbie demonstrate the perfect backswing.

This is not the first time Barbie has tried to inspire girls to take to the tee.  They licensed the name for a line of kid-sized  Barbie  golf clubs replete with “girl-favorite features and detailing including lots of pink, flowers, hearts and butterfly graphics.”

We can’t really argue with Barbie’s choice of Lincicome as a role model or their effort to inspire girls to live an active lifestyle by encouraging them to get out on the course.  The Pepto-Bismal pink? That’s another story.

And the latest “Mad Men” Barbie collection? Don’t get me started.

About Brittany Lincicome
A golfer since she was nine-years-old, Brittany Lincicome is a professional golfer playing on the LPGA tour. Prior to going pro in October 2004, Brittany was a five time Rolex Junior All- American, winner of 3 AJGA titles and a two time PING Junior Solheim Cup Team member. As a professional, she is a 3-time winner. Her wins include the HSBC Women’s World Match Play Championship in 2006, the Ginn Open in 2007 and her first major victory at the Kraft Nabisco Championship last year.. Brittany has represented the United States in 2 Solheim Cups and is the only player to have finished in the top 3 in driving distance each year for the past 5 years. Later this month, Brittany will be defending her title at the 2010 KNC being held in Palm Springs, Calif.

Sun announces second annual Women in Sports essay contest

The WNBA’s Connecticut Sun is inviting Connecticut students in grades 4-8 to participate in the Second Annual Women in Sports Essay Contest in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).

All Connecticut students  interested in participating in the project may submit a one-page essay answering the question: “Who is your favorite female athlete and why?” All essays must be received by the Connecticut Sun front office by Fri., April 9. Sun players, along with members of the organization, will judge the essays.

NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women’s sports. It has evolved into a day that acknowledges the past while recognizing current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

One grand prize winner in the Sun contest will receive an exclusive school assembly with Sun mascot Blaze and/or players to recognize the winning student, essay and school. The winner will be recognized at a Sun pre-season game, receive four tickets to a pre-season game and have their essay posted on the team’s web site. Five runners-up, one from each grade level, will receive four tickets to a Sun pre-season game and their essays posted on the team’s web site. The first 50 entrants in the contest will receive a special gift from the Connecticut Sun as well as two complimentary tickets to a Sun pre-season game.
Entry forms are now available on www.connecticutsun.com.

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 9-19-09

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-one-year-old motocross rider, Ashley Jackson. Check out Ashley’s interview below where she shares her passion for motorcross and much, much more. Plus, check out Ashley’s amazing action shots.

Name: Ashley Jackson

Age: 21

Sport(s): Motocross

Hometown: Orlando

High School/Middle School/College: Connecticut School of Broadcasting

Number: 681

What’s your fave sport? Motocross

How many years have you been playing your fave sport? 14 years

What is your fave sporty moment or memory?

When I was at Nationals, I got 9th overall out of 42 other girls.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

It takes a lot of discipline and hard work, and your sport has to be something you are willing to do, and just something you live for.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

Train as hard as you can and make certain days where it is all about motocross, and just be the best you can be at all times you are on the bike.

How do you balance school and sports?

School is number 1, to balance both I just think I can’t ride or anything unless I do well at school.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

Plaques and trophies are pretty much what they hand out. I also get contingency money.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

James Stewart and Travis Pastrana

Ashley Fiolek and Jessica Patterson

What’s the girliest thing you  like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I like to shop, but that’s pretty much it.

Thanks, Ashley!! Your first name is one of my faves… Best of luck with your motorcross career and Happy Holidays. :)

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Take the stairs – the piano stairs

It’s great when viral videos do more than just make us laugh.

Recently, we learned about a great video created by the Nike Foundation called the Girl Effect (definitely worth checking out)

We came across another video today from TheFunTheory.com. The  site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better.

Many understand the importance of physical fitness and have read or heard the advice ”Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator” but the fact is few people actually follow that advice.

Can we get more people to take the stairs over the escalator by making it fun to do? Volkswagen, the company behind the Fun Theory initiative, produced this video to find out:

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 11-21-09

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on wakeboarder and snowboarder, Lucille Rogoff.  Check out Lucille’s interview below where she shares how she went from feeling scared to snowboard to making money doing it, her fave athletes, and much, much more.

Name: Lucille Rogoff

Age: 40

Sport(s): Snowboard, Wakeboard, Wake skate, wake surf, and trying to learn to barefoot

Hometown: Monroe, NY

High School/College/Grad School: Monroe-Woodbury High/Ramapo College of NJ/ University of Phoenix

Sponsors: Freestyle Watch Co, SMX Optics, Fuel, SixSixOne, SockGuy, SnowGirls, Tooks Int’l, Kinesys, GoPro, Member of the Monster Army

What’s your fave sport?

I love all sports and would have a hard time choosing just one, but I make money snowboarding, and I compete as well, so its probably my most lucrative sport.

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

Funny thing is I have actually only been doing all my sports for going on 4 years, this will be my 4^th season snowboarding, and I am in my 4^th season wake boarding,less for all the other water sports.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

It took me forever to want to learn to snowboard so my favorite memory is when I was finally able to ride all over the mountain with my friends.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

Respect gets Respect, not that I didn’t know that before but to see how frequently in lessons it is stressed that.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

Ranked 2^nd in Central Vermont and 7^th nationally for Slalom and Giant Slalom.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

Hannah Teter/Dallas Friday are my favorite female athletes and Rusty Malinoski/Danny Kass are my favorite male athletes.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I am tomboy at heart, but I love to put on a dress and look like a girl whenever possible, and nothing beats a good manicure/pedicure to go with that.

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Shoot an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday! :)

Sporty Saturday Spotlight

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on 2006 Queen of the Track, Cyndee Schwartz.  Check out Cyndee’s sensational interview below where she shares how she stays balanced, her thoughts on winning, and much, much more.

Name: Cyndee Schwartz

Sport(s): Drag Racing

Age: 50 (yikes – how did THAT happen!)

Hometown: Colfax, CA

College:

Strayer University alumni (BS Computer Info Systems – 2006 )

Currently attending Sierra College – Administration of Justice

Number: G759/7759 SST

What’s your fave sport? Drag Racing

How many years have you been playing your fave sport? 6 Years

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

It seems like every year I get more memories to add into my fave list… so this is a tough question. One of my favorites was a race two years ago where my friends, Katherine, Nancy, and I decided to compete in a small trophy class race.  There were about 30 cars in the class, and we three girls did our best to not have to race each other.  One by one we took out the guys we raced, and in the quarter finals, we were still in. We each again took out the guys, and then met each other in the semi final round. Katherine and I ended up in the final round. She cut a better light, so I ended up taking runner-up that day. We shared so many laughs that it was really impossible to get stressed over the race – which is probably why we did so well. That was the most fun I have ever had during a race day.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

Winning is a combination of attitude, skill, and luck. All you can control is the attitude you have, and your prep for the race. If Bad Luck gets in the way of a win, don’t let it get you down. Just continue to do your best no matter what.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

Show up, prepared to work, and with a good attitude, no matter what else is going on in your life – and you will succeed.

What have you learned about teamwork?

The hardest thing is that it ISN’T all about you – it is about the team – and many  times the spotlight will be on other team members. Love it and celebrate it when your teammates do well and you don’t. Be there for your teammates always, for the good and the bad. They are your family.

How do you balance school and sports?

I have a five way balance thing going – God, family, work, school, and drag racing. That is the order of priority that I have to keep them in. I tell you it can be tough! Drag racing is part of my life and who I am, but without the other parts – drag racing can’t exist.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

My absolute favorite accolade was King (ahem… Queen) of the Track in 2006 during an all-truck race.  I was unbeatable that day!

Final Round Wins: 5

Final Rounds: 9

Semi-Finalist: 1

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

For male – John Force. He’s an NHRA pro driver that’s had some pretty tough spots over the past few years. He cares about everyone on his team (even the one’s that AREN’T related), he has a winning attitude, and he is just an inspiration to watch.

For female – Peggy Llewellyn. Another NHRA pro in the Pro Stock Motorcycles class. She is a treasure. She has a great personality on and off track, and tough competitive spirit. I have never seen her lose her cool – no matter what the circumstances. She is a great role model.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I get together with my daughter-in-law, and some friends, and we either scrapbook, or make some crafty creations with stamps. To me that is WAY girlie… especially after being in the garage tearing an engine down the day before.

Thanks, Cyndee! Great advice on winning and the importance of balance and best of luck with your Drag Racing career.

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 11-07-09

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-two-year old Fabienne Lanz. Fabienne hails from South Africa and is a history making Motorsport Racer. Check out Fabienne’s interview below where she shares a must read tip for athletes, how she handles competing in a male-dominated sport, her strong faith, and much much more. And don’t miss some great Fabienne pics.

Name: Fabienne Lanz

Age: 22

Sport(s): Motorsport – Karting

Hometown: Kyalami, South Africa

Number: 96

Position for 2009: 3^rd in the South African National Vortex Super Rok category.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

I am blessed and grateful to say that I have a few very fave moments in Motorsport. I think the most fave moment would be the one in 2007 at the Vortex Super Rok Grand Final in Lonato, Italy, because I as an athlete performed my best and the team was top notch, from the engine engineer to the chassis engineer and the support was phenomenal. I had to learn the track really fast, as I never even laid eyes on that track before. I adapted to the grip level quite quickly as well, which I am very grateful for as many people struggled with it. I had a lot of confidence, I was solid as a rock, and no one could intimidate me. Everything came together in the end, we finished 5^th in the world and we made history as I became the first female to finish on the podium. I was over the moon! I thank god for everything as his hand was over me.

List some of your best achievements to date:

2003 – Raced in 3 of the Florida, USA Rotax Max Junior Championship, won 2 rounds and finished 2nd in the third. Finished 4th in the South African Rotax Max Junior Championship.

2004 – Finished Runner Up (2nd) in the South African Rotax Max Challenge Championship, won the Rotax Max Challenge NRKC Championship in a South African designed and built Kart (Apex) & qualified to participate at the Rotax Max RM1 International Final at Lanzarote, Spain in 2005.

2005 – Made history and became the first female to make it through to the Final day out of 89 competitors of which only the top 34 qualify to the final round.

2007 – Finished 4th in the Final at Round 1 of the Rotax Euro DD2 Challenge in Salbris, France. Finished 8th in the South African Vortex Super Rok Championship, qualified for the Vortex Super Rok International Final in Lonato, Italy. Made history again as I became the first female to finish on the podium as I finished 5th out of 50 top class karters in the world. I got my National Colours for our outstanding performance.

2008 – Finished Runner Up (2) in the South African Vortex Super Rok Championship, won the Vortex Super Rok NRKC Championship and qualified to participate at the Vortex Super Rok International Final in Lonato, Italy. Finished 13th overall out of 66 competitors.

In a male dominated sport, how do you handle it and how do they handle it getting beaten by a girl?

I used to get pushed around when I first started racing until I was told to overtake left, right over or even underneath. The point was to get passed and not to take any nonsense from the anyone. Today other competitors know, if they push me, I push them back. They must not mess with me. Some boys/men can’t take it to get beaten by a girl, but some look at me as another competitor, which is cool.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from racing?

There are so many, which makes this sport a real life changing experience! I think the biggest one would be dedication. The preparation that goes into the engine and chassis before the race is so important as this is the starting ground to the weekend’s race. A lot of long hours are spent on getting this right. I try to train at least 4 days a week, mostly on core muscles. Studying of the Kart’s handling and engine performance never stops as every corner needs to be analyzed to get the best combination for a specific track.

What have you learned about teamwork?

Team work is what completes the racing driver I think. I think the most important people behind the driver are the Kart and Engine Engineer. The driver needs to work with the Kart and engine engineer in order to get the kart on pace. The people who help put the tent up and clean the kart and change tyres are also important as they make mine and my engineer’s work load a bit less and thus we can concentrate on out jobs. Team work is essential with the team mate as we follow each other to study who is quicker at what position on the track and we discuss the different set up we each have. The media person is one of the most important to work with as she/h

e markets me.

What drives you to compete?

I love the speed, the complexity of the set up, engine tuning and race strategy. I love competition and the more there is the more that is game on for me. Sometimes the butterflies get almost unbearable before some of the races as I get so exited to give it my all and try and win, but I would not change it for anything. It is living life to the full for me. To be able to stand on the podium at the end is the cherry on the cake.

What do you aspire to become?

My dream is to race a Formula 1 car. I love the speed; the technical complexity of setting up the car to the race strategy to doing what I do best and that is driving the car to its maximum potential and winning! It is the pinnacle of racing for me.

What tip would you like to give people out there?

Once you have found something that turns your tummy upside down, gives you the thrill of your life and you can’t stop thinking about it, hold on to it. Do not give up on your dream. There is a will, there is a way! God will have his hand over you. Trust and have faith in him. And remember, practice makes perfect. :)

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

My favourite male athletes are Michael Schumacher and Lance Armstrong. My favourite female athletes are Danica Patrick, Venus and Serena Williams.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I think the girliest thing I like to do would be getting all dressed up in a evening dress for an award dinner, looking glamorous.

Thanks, Fabienne for the fabulous and in-depth interview. I absolutely love your tip! So true. :)

If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed for a Sporty Saturday Spotlight, email Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 10-31-09

Happy Halloween!! Hope everyone is eating and enjoying a ton of yummy candy.

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on eighteen-year-old college swimmer, Elizabeth Longo. Today, Elizabeth dishes on determination, lessons, and how she balances school and swimming. Check out her interview and gorgeous pic below.

Name: Elizabeth Longo

Age: 18

Sport(s): Swimming

Hometown: Bartlett, Tennessee

High School/Middle School/College: University of Memphis

What’s your fave sport? Swimming

How many years have you been playing your fave sport? 3 competitive

What is your fave sporty moment or memory?

Qualifying for the county swim meet.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

Determination

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

Rule 1: If you are not bleeding, nothing is broken, and you’re not dying, get back in the pool. (The 12 Golden Rules of Swimming) The same applies to school and work.

What have you learned about teamwork?

A relay team is only as fast as it’s slowest swimmer

How do you balance school and sports?

School comes first and training fits in around classes. I also get up and going while most people are still sleeping. I tend to get more done before noon than some people do all day.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

18^th in Shelby County High Schools for the 100-yard backstroke for the 2008-2009 season

What is your biggest goal?

I want to break the world record for a woman to swim the English Channel (the current record is 8 hours and 45 minutes) before I turn 21. Right now, I plan to make my attempt when I’m 20.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

Male- Apolo Anton Ohno

Female- Natalie Couglin

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

Shopping for cute clothes (Is there anything better?) and gossiping about guys with my friends.

Thanks, Elizabeth! Good luck with the world record. Sounds exciting! J

Do you or do you know someone who wants to be spotlighted? Send an email to kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Time to trick or treat with my little Nemo…  :)

Enjoy!

Carve a Liberty Halloween pumpkin!

Halloween is upon us. Are you getting ready to deck out your place with cobwebs, witches and zombies? Well, get psyched because if you’re a WNBA fan the New York Liberty is ready to add to your holiday fun.

Check out the team’s very special custom Liberty Pumpkin Stencils. You can carve the WNBA team into your Halloween jack o’ lantern with four fabulous designs.

Instructions:

1) Cut out a lid in the top of the pumpkin large enough to fit your hand and a spoon inside.
2) Add a small notch in the back of the lid. The notch will remind you how the lid is positioned, allow smoke and heat to escape, and ensure that
the candle receives enough air to remain lit.
3) Scoop out the pulp and seeds. Retain the seeds for roasting.
4) Scrape the inside of the pumpkin in the area where you’ll be using the pattern, until that area is about 1 inch thick.
5) Trim and make small incisions in your pattern so that it lies flat on the face of the pumpkin. Tape the edges of the pattern to the pumpkin.
6) Transfer the pattern by poking small holes along the pattern lines with a drill tool or needle.
7) Remove the pattern.
8) Saw carefully along the dotted lines. Gently push the pieces through with your fingers.
9) Create a glow effect by scraping designs into the shell of your pumpkin with a melon baller, wood gouge or linoleum cutter.
10) Anchor a candle in the bottom of the pumpkin and light the candle.

You’re now ready to display your best jack-o’-lantern ever.

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 10-24-09

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on fourteen-year-old superstar skateboarder, Stacia Suttles. Stacia hails from Bronx, New York (Go Yankees!). Today she shares her biggest lessons, balancing three sports, and the dish on her skateboarding sponsors. Check out her insightful interview below.

Name: Stacia Suttles           

Age: 14

Sport(s): skateboarding, tae-kwon-do, basketball

Hometown: Bronx, NY

High School/Middle School/College: St. Catherine Academy

Number: 31

Position: forward (basketball)

What’s your fave sport? skateboarding

How many years have you been playing your fave sport? 10 years

What was your fave sporty moment or memory? Learning how to drop in a ramp

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

To never give up.

What have you learned about teamwork?

In basketball you need to work together with your team, and you can’t act as if you are alone.

How do you balance school and sports?

I get my schoolwork done first, then comes skating, basketball, and tae-kwon-do.  When I am in school, I think about school, and when I am doing a sport, I think about the sport.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

In tae-kwon-do I have achieved the level of half/black belt, and in November 2009 I will get my 1^st degree black belt.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

Ross Levine(martial arts), Danny Way(skateboarding), Rajon Rondo(basketball), Layla Ali(female boxer)

Are you sponsored? If so, by who?

Yes I am sponsored in skateboarding, by Fuel clothing, Division 26 clothing, Physcho wear, Aplomb clothing, F1 ceramic bearings, IPath footwear, SMX Optics, Christopher bean coffee, Drop in ride shop, and warrior skateboards.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I like to have a lot of clothes, and sneakers. I also like to have my hair nice.

Thanks, Stacia! Good luck with your skateboarding career, sponsorships, and earning your black belt. I love your advice to ‘never give up’. Good stuff.

Do you want to be spotlighted? Send an email to kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

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