Sporty Saturday Spotlight presents Emery Kate Tillman

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on fifteen-year-old snowboarder Emery Kate Tillman. Check out Emery’s in-depth interview below where she dishes on what it’s like to kayak down a huge waterfall, Mia Hamm, and much, much more.

Name: Emery Kate Tillman

Age: 15

Sport(s): Whitewater Kayaking, Soccer, Nordic skiing, but mainly kayaking

Hometown: New Orleans Louisiana

High School: New River Academy and Middlebury Union High School

What’s your fave sport? Kayaking

How many years have you been playing your fave sport? 2 and a half years

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

When I was in New Zealand last fall I ran a waterfall called Mauria falls. It is this HUGE 35 foot waterfall. I was so scared.  It was one of the biggest things I had seen in my life.  After about 3 days of convincing myself to run it, I slowly geared up and went down it. I am so proud of myself that I did it. Also making the USA team is definitely a favorite memory.

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

The biggest lesson I have learned, well, I have two – on the water and off the water. On the water the lesson is to just have fun, you cannot stress about making minor mistakes. You just have to go with the flow of the current. Additionally, off the water the second lesson is that as much as I argue with my parents, no matter what, they are always there for me.

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

I have learned that you always have to keep trying that you cannot give up. If at first you do not succeed, try, try again.

How do you balance school and sports?

School and sports definitely are hard to balance. Right now, I just got done with my soccer season and I am starting Nordic. (cross country skiing) What I do to manage my time is make lists so I know what I have to get done and when it is due. Last year I had the ability to go to a school focused on Kayaking, so schoolwork was planned around kayaking. It was an awesome school and taught me so much.

List some awards or accolades you have received.

I am a member of the USA Junior Freestyle Team

2^nd at USA Team Trials 2009

13^th at ICF Freestyle World Championships 2009

1^st Kayak School Competition between New River Academy and World Class Kayak Academy (I beat all of their guys.)

Voted most enthusiastic by my soccer team

Who is your fave athlete, both male and female?

Male: Lance Armstrong not only is he an outstanding athlete he has also made a difference in the world by setting up the Live Strong Foundation, which donates millions to cancer research.

Female Kayaker: Emily Jackson: Emily is an amazing paddler she has her own style of paddling that is wicked to watch. She also just turned 19 and killed it at the world championships. She is a great person in the sport to look up too.

Non kayak Female: Mia Hamm when I think of a female athlete Mia comes to my mind. She dominates on the field and scored a record number of goals.

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

I am constantly in wearing dresses, baking cookies and cupcakes, also you’ll never find me without a bow in my hair.

Just a quick thanks to my sponsors: Seals Spray Skirts, Julbo Sunglasses, and Immersion Research.

Thanks, Emery! Mia Hamm rocks. Love your interview, congratulations on your accolades and sponsorships, and best of luck with your kayaking 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 presents Whitney Frankovic

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-one year old snowboarder Whitney Frankovic. Check out Whitney’s in-depth interview below where she dishes about how she overcomes frustration, traveling, makeup, and much, much more.

Name: Whitney Frankovic

Age: 21

Sport(s): Snowboarding

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

High School/Middle School/College: I went to middle school/high school in North Royalton, Ohio. I am currently a senior at the University of Utah.

What’s your fave sport?

Definitely snowboarding, but I love to watch baseball too. Go Tribe!

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I started snowboarding in ski club with my school in 7^th grade, so it’s been about 10 years.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

I love traveling, especially to new resorts, so I love getting the chance to explore a new mountain.

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

Don’t worry about the other people that are out there, ride for yourself and do your own thing.

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

Sometimes learning something new when it comes to snowboarding can get frustrating. It’s important to not get mad and loose confidence when you fall. You’ll never learn if you don’t take a few good crashes. It will be worth it when you get the trick down.

What have you learned about teamwork?

I think teamwork is great because everyone is there to support each other, push each other to excel and just be there to just have a good time with. It’s fun being around people who aren’t there to judge you, but there to give you confidence.

How do you balance school and sports?

In high school it was easy, because my home resort in Ohio didn’t even open until 3:00pm every day, so I would just head up after school. I didn’t really do much studying so there was never really a conflict with that. In college it’s a little harder. I try to schedule my classes as early as I can in the morning so I can head up to the resorts in the afternoon then study at night. Sometimes I’ll have to take a day or two off during the week to get some things done for school. I think it’s important to get school stuff out of the way, because then I’ll be worrying about it when I’m out riding.

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

It’s really hard to just pick two, because there are so many great athletes out there, but I guess if I had to pick, it would be Marie-France Roy and Euro Ettela.

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

I really like makeup for some reason. I don’t even wear it all the time, but I have tons of it! Sometimes I get up a little early and put makeup on before heading up to the mountain (haha).

Thanks, Whitney! So many amazing life lessons you’ve shared! Great stuff and best of luck with your snowboarding 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 2-27-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on seventeen-year-old Weekly Short Track Racer, Amber Abram. Check out Amber’s fun interview below where she dishes about her favorite driver, pink trophies, and much, much more.

Name: Amber Abram

Age: 17

Sport(s): Weekly Short Track Racer

Hometown: Stafford,Virginia

High School/Middle School/College: North Stafford High

Number: 57

Position: Driver

What’s your fave sport? Racing

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

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite moment would have to be my rookie year when I was presented a pink trophy for the first girl to complete the U-CAR series at Old Dominion Speedway. They made a big deal out of it by keeping it hidden all night and made a long speech but afterwards that was the talk of the banquet because the trophy was pink since my racecar is hot pink.

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

Men don’t take women beating them very easily in this sport but whatever happens you have to get right back out there the next week and pretend like nothing ever happen.

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

You have to put in a lot of time and effort and meet the right people to go to the top!

What have you learned about teamwork?

Well currently I am a one girl team but communication is a big thing when you’re on a two car team.

How do you balance school and sports?

Since my races are on the weekends it usually does not interfere but when a big project is due or something that I have to finish over the weekend I usually do what I can Friday night if I’m not practicing otherwise I just cram it all in Sunday after church.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

*First girl to complete the U-CAR series at Old Dominion Speedway
*Top ten in points rookie season

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

My favorite hometown athlete would be my brother Adam, he has been racing just one more year than I have but he is a great driver. He has over come many bumps along the way in his racing career yet still has many wins under his belt to prove he is a force to be reckoned with. My NASCAR fave would be Jeff Gordon, ever since I was a kid I have always loved Jeff’s paint schemes but other the years I have realized he is a very talented driver as well.

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

I think the girliest thing I like to do is be Miss Old Dominion Speedway. I am the official track trophy girl / promoter I guess you can say. I dress up in a really cute or fancy dress (depending on the occasion) and tell people about the track.

Thanks, Amber! Wow! Miss Old Dominion Speedway and the first girl to compete at the track – impressive and fun!

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 presents Katy Schlemmer

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on fifteen-year-old skateboarder, Katy Schlemmer. Check out Katy’s fun interview below where she dishes about support, her BFF’s, and much, much more.

Name: Katy Schlemmer

Age: 15

Sport(s): Skateboarding, Basketball

Hometown: Tustin, California

High School/Middle School/College: Foothill High School

What’s your fave sport?

My favorite sport would have to be skateboarding. I have so much fun skating and it really lets you express yourself in tricks and style.

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I think of been skating for about 3 or 4 years. But these last two years I’ve actually been practicing tricks and trying  to learn bigger things.

Where do you plan on being in five years?

In five years I hope to be a professional skateboarder and if not I plan on still skating and being a part of something in the skateboarding business.

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

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from skateboarding is that no matter how good you may think you are, there is always someone out there better than you. It’s something that really makes me push myself to get better. I’ve also learned to try and get over the nerve of competing in competitions!

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

If you don’t practice you won’t get any better. You have to devote your time day after day and its a lot of work. Skateboarding is all trial and error, and it can be painful haha.

What have you learned about teamwork?

Well… skateboarding really isn’t a “team” sport. Haha.. It’s more individual and learning things on your own. But I guess it is always good to respect others at skateparks and be nice.

How do you balance school and sports?

It’s sooooo hard!!! Haha I have school and have to wake up early for 0 period and then right after school I always have basketball or conditioning and then maybe games after that! And then I have to come home and shower and do homework and by the time I finish that it’s already time for bed! But right now I’m actually out of basketball for awhile because I have to get another heart test just in case to make sure I don’t have cardiomyopathy. Luckily I can still skateboard! :D But usually I barely have time to skateboard during the week but this year I’m going to try harder to fit more skating into my schedule!

Who do you have supporting you in your sport?

Well my parents are a big help but so are some of the companies that have sponsored me. Thank you Monster Energy, Freestyle Watches, Division 26, Fringe Clothing, Maitri, Damzl, and a few others. You can check them out online or visit my profile on www.loopd.com <http://www.loopd.com>  to learn more about all of them!

Who do you look up to?

I look up to my parents and friends and especially my best friends Kelli, Autumn, Kourtnee, and Paulina. I don’t know what I’d do without them! They’re always here for me! :)

Favorite skateboarder?

Ryan Sheckler.. Yum. haha But Rodney Mullen is amazing.

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

Well that’s an easy one.. Shopping with all my friends!!!

Thanks, Katy! Hope your heart is okay… Thanks for a fun interview. You’re right, a support system is so important. Best of luck with your 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!

Hugs,
Keri 

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 2-13-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on sixteen-year-old Kart Racer, Chrissy Cutright. Check out Chrissy’s interview below where she dishes about what gets her fired up, her favorite sporty memories, and much, much more.

Name: Chrissy Cutright

Age: 16

Sport(s): Karting 

Hometown: Buckhannon, West Virginia

High School/Middle School/College: United Technical Center

Number: 2

Position: Driver

What’s your fave sport?

Auto racing of any kind; everything about racing gets me fired up. I especially love dirt track racing because it takes a certain kind of driver to make a left turn turning right.

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I’ve been driving for almost 2 years now. I started in June of 2008.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

I have a few. One would be my first time on the track ever, it wasn’t very good but it was fun. I had butterflies before I went out, and my Crew Chief had accidentally left way too much air in my tires and I could hardly stay on the track. There are several more but their to long to list.

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

Patience, Perseverance and Respect. I’ve always had those qualities but racing has defiantly defined there meaning to me and I believe made me a better person in all aspects of life.

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

Always work hard and go for your goals; it will always be worth the effort.  I have to work hard every day to keep myself “race ready”.

What have you learned about teamwork?

Teamwork is the backbone of any sport, especially racing. Without my team I couldn’t go out there every weekend and compete, I love being a part of a team effort.

How do you balance school and sports?

It’s difficult but education is just as important to me as racing, and racing is very important to me. It’s very exhausting at times but I know it’s worth it. Good grades are important to me also, I just think about what kind of jobs I can get in the future and also how much schooling helps my racing career.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

Several 1^st place trophies, one Championship, over thirty feature wins, two 2nd Place points finishes, and a 2^nd place point’s championship trophy.

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

Dale Earnhardt and Danica Patrick.

What are some of your interests?

Racing, Music, Fishing, Hunting, 4-wheeling, and hanging out with my friends.

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

I’m not sure, maybe talking on the phone for hours… that is something I definitely like to do and trying to fix my hair even though I never get it how I want it.

Thanks, Chrissy! Great answers. Loved – patience, perseverance, and respect – good stuff. Best of luck with your 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!

Hugs,
Keri :)

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 2-6-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-year-old triathlete, Michelle Warburton. Check out Michelle’s interview below where she dishes about teammates, shares how she gets the results she wants, and much, much more.

Name: Michelle Warburton

Age: 20

Sport(s): Triathlon, Surfing, Cross Country Running

Hometown: Wantagh, New York

High School/Middle School/College: San Diego State University 

What’s your fave sport? Currently triathlon and surfing

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

About three, but I’ve been running and doing endurance sports for about six years.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

Finishing rookie training for ocean life guarding on Long Island.

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

Patience and determination always pays off.

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

A lot!  With endurance sports, the correlation between the work you put in and the results you get out is very strong!  So, in a nutshell, work hard, play hard!

What have you learned about teamwork?

Your teammates become your best friends and support system.  They become a family and when you’re away from home, this is crucial to doing well in a sport and living a happy, balanced life.

How do you balance school and sports?

It’s tough, but I plan ahead and schedule my time.  I’m also not as hard on myself as I was in high school, One bad grade isn’t that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things! 

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

MVP high school cross country, Gatorade Will to Win Award, LA Triathlon first age group, 5th place WSA Women’s Long Board Division. 

Who’s your fave athlete?

Right now Hannah Cornett.  She’s a pro surfer, triathlete and does a lot of volunteer work. I’d definitely like to follow in her footsteps.

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

Hmmm this is a pretty tough one. I’d say paint my nails and use body lotion?  I have to find some more fun girly habits!

Thanks, Michelle! Loved your answers, especially the last one. :)  Best of luck with your amazing 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 6-23-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-two year old kayaker and skydiver, Samantha Brunner. Check out Samantha’s interview below where she shares what it’s like to compete in kayaking, how she balances school and sports, and much, much more.

Name: Samantha Brunner 

Age: 22

Sport(s): Pro whitewater kayaker, but I also skydive and like most outdoor sports

Hometown: Memphis, TN

High School/Middle School/College: I am currently a student on full scholarship at the University of Memphis. I graduate in May with a bachelors in Exercise Sport Science, then its off to Physical Therapy school

How many years have you been kayaking? I have been paddling for about 6 years.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

The first time I ran a creek that I had to fully memorize. The small creek was so consistent that I had to remember all of the lines because there was no time to stop in between rapids. This made me learn to trust and rely on myself.

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

To trust myself. Kayaking, for me, is all about pushing your physical and mental limits and learning to trust yourself. Only you can truly know what you are capable of, nobody else can tell you that. Kayaking is a way in which I learn what I am capable of; it helps me become a more independent person and puts a lot of life’s experiences into perspective.

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

Always be a team player. Getting down the river is a group effort. Your friends depend on you to know your skills as much as you depend on them to know theirs. Also, to always be respectful and truthful. Also, kayaking is a pretty poor sport, so you have to learn how to work to make the bigger trips worthwhile and how to do them within a budget. With that being said, I have learned to be able to put a lot of work and preparation into my trips to make them work and be beneficial for both my sponsors and myself.

What have you learned about teamwork?

It is the only way to be successful, you can’t do everything all by yourself. Everyone has something to bring to the table and is better at something than you are. It teaches you when to lead and when to listen.

How do you balance school and sports?

Haha, that’s the hard one. I know that school is more important and I have the rest of my life to kayak. Being in Memphis makes me a weekend warrior when it comes to kayaking. I plan my major trips around my breaks in school.

List the sponsors that you currently have:

Pretty Tough, Jackson Kayaks, Stohlquist Waterware, Keen Footwear, Kavu Clothing, SnapDragon Sprayskirts, Gaia Paddlesports, Grateful Heads Helmets, Freestyle Watches, H2O Audio, Zeal Optics, Colorado Kayak Supply

How do you plan to use your sport to influence others?

When I get out of Physical Therapy school I plan to start a non-profit, whitewater kayaking camp to fight childhood obesity and eating disorders. I find that kayaking is not only enjoyable; it can be a great motivator to get into shape. I want to show how fun kayaking can be and I think that when one is having fun it is easier to be motivated to stay active.

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

Haha, I think it would be to dress up. So much of what I do requires pants and flats or sneakers (not that I’m complaining) so when I have a chance to have a date night with my boyfriend, which comes once every few months haha, I like to dress up. I’m usually “one of the guys” so this helps remind me that I’m not always. Also, I kayak in waterproof mascara which makes me pretty girlie ;)

Thanks, Samantha! Best of luck with your amazing 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 1-16-10

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on fourteen-year-old BMX racer and road cycling mountain biker, Mary Mae Duarte. Check out Mary’s interview below where she shares her fave BMX moment, how she balances school and sports, and much, much more.

Name: Mary Mae Duarte

Age: 14

Sport(s): bmx racing and freestyle road cycling mountain biking

Hometown: Riverside, California

High School: Citrus Valley High School

What’s your fave sport? bmx racing

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite moment while racing bmx was when I finally jumped for my first time.

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

Never give up! And once that gate goes down keep it pedaling!

What have you learned about teamwork?

When you’re all together we all equal as one person. Nothing will be able to happen if one person doesn’t get along with someone else.

How do you balance school and sports?

My dad makes me finish all my homework before I can go anywhere or do anything!

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

My favorite male would have to be Brian Deegan and my favorite female is Danica Patrick! (:

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

question)

HA OMG! The girliest “things” I LOVE to do are get my nails done, go shopping, make sure my makeup is perfect! haha (:

Thanks, Mary! I agree. Danica Patrick is amazing. Best of luck with your sports 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 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!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight 12-04-09

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on wakeboarder, surfer, skateboarder, and kiteboarder, Claire Lutz.  Check out Claire’s interview below where she shares her fave athletes, great advice, amazing action shots, and much, much more.

Name: Claire Lutz

Age: 22

Sport(s): Kiteboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, skateboarding

Hometown: St. Joseph, MI

Currently living in Cape Hatteras, NC

College: Western Michigan University studying marketing and public relations.

Dreams:

To work in the kiteboarding industry in marketing, and hopefully as a pro kiter so that I can travel the world.

What’s your fave sport?

Kiteboarding

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I started one year ago.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite memory was finally learning my first unhooked trick, the Raley.

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

To be confident but not over confident. And to share the love of the sport. No one likes selfish people who want all the spotlight for themselves..

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

You must work very hard!! It’s important to have a good attitude on and off the water, and always try your very best.

What have you learned about teamwork?

It’s important to support each other, your teammates should always have your back!

How do you balance school and sports?

I spend 6 months of the year on school and the other 6 months focusing on kiteboarding only. When I’m in school I work on snowboarding.

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

Female would be Lisa Anderson, who is a legendary Pro surfer. She has been very inspirational to all women because of her hard work and determination. She  proved to everyone women can do anything.

Male would be Jason Slezak, who is a Pro Kiteboarder. He has been in the industry since the beginning, winning hearts with his great attitude towards life and others, along with being a caring supportive friend.

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

I’m a fan of painting my nails. It makes me feel more girlie to have hot pink nails, versus chipped dirty nails from being in the water ☺

Thanks, Claire!! And thanks for sharing your fabulous pics! Wow. Kiteboarding looks fun and amazing. Best of luck with your career. :)

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

Happy Saturday!

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