Listed below is some important information that all current and prospective student-athletes, alumni, athletics representatives, and fans should be aware of.

For example, if you plan on getting a job (summer or otherwise) then you should know the NCAA has strict rules about the amount and source of employment income a student-athlete may receive during the academic year. Be sure to read the regs carefully.

Division 1
Non-athletics award winners

A college’s athletic department can hire you as long as the college did not award you an athletic scholarship or recruit you. However, you cannot start the job until you’ve completed your senior year of high school. To apply for the job, you must use the college’s regular employment procedures, such as a bulletin board listing or newspaper ad; and if you’re hired, you can be paid only at the job’s going rate for the actual work you do.

Athletics award winners

If you’re an athletics award winner, any department outside of intercollegiate athletics can hire you. One exception: you can be hired for college recreation programs only if intercollegiate coaches are not involved in hiring or supervising employees. Your employment must be arranged through the college’s normal employment procedures and cannot involve any members of the coaching staff. You must be compensated at the job’s going wage and for the actual work you do.

Employment at a sports camp or clinic

Schools recruiting you cannot hire you to work at their sports camps or clinics.

Division 2

Once you’ve started your ninth grade classes, a college cannot hire you to work at their sports camps or clinics. However, you can be hired once you complete your senior year of high school.

Division 3

Once you’ve started your ninth grade classes, a college cannot hire you to work at their sports camps or clinics. However, if you’ve graduated from high school and intend to enroll at a D-3 college, you can work at their sports camps or clinics, after you’ve accepted the school’s offer of admission.

Division 1, 2 and 3
Transportation to a summer job

A college cannot provide you with free transportation to and from a summer job, unless the college’s established policy is that all employees receive transportation.

Concessions

It’s against NCAA policy for a college to arrange for you to work at a concession to sell items associated with their camp.

Other

You may also be required to fill out a form stating whether a representative of the University’s athletic interests, such as alumni, fan or staff member, assisted you in securing employment. Be careful here – this could mean anyone who made any type of contribution to the Department of Athletics and Recreational Sports or booster club. If there’s ever a question, check with the Athletic Compliance Office.

Did You Know?

The NCAA stipulates that once a person becomes an “athletics representative” they are one forever, even if no longer contributing to or involved in the athletics programs. (13.02.12)

Being a professional athlete is demanding but being a professional athlete and a mom? That’s a whole other level of determination. Being pregnant dramatically transforms a woman’s body so to come right back to the sport she left is an amazing feat on so many levels.

Soccer moms have long led the charge for elite female athletes returning to competitive sports while juggling motherhood. The U.S. Women’s National Team has consistently featured mothers on its roster since 1994, when Joy Fawcett became the first “Soccer Mom” to give birth and continue playing at the highest levels of international soccer. Carla Overbeck and Danielle Fotopoulos also had kids while on the U.S. team, and Christie Rampone (mother of Riley and Reece) continues on the defensive line. Though retired from competitive play, Mia Hamm joined the Soccer Moms Club when she and husband Nomar Garciaparra welcomed twin daughters in 2007. Five years ago, Brandi Chastain became mom to son Connor and four years ago Julie Foudy, former captain of the US Women’s soccer team, had a baby girl named Isabel. Long-time player Kristine Lilly returned to play after daughter Sidney was born and only retired from professional soccer at the beginning of 2011 before giving birth to another daughter.

Obviously, competitive women aren’t waiting until their athletic careers are over to start families. And while the physical and emotional challenges of motherhood can be difficult, most athlete moms wouldn’t have it any other way. WNBA player Lisa Leslie sat out a season with the Los Angeles Sparks to give birth to a daughter but she returned to the pro team for a year and had a great season before giving birth to baby #2 and retiring. Leslie’s teammate, MVP and Rookie of the Year Candace Parker is also a new mom enjoying two-year-old Laila, a constant sideline companion, while playing in both the Euroleague and the WNBA. Other WNBA moms share their favorite Mother’s Day memories on WNBA.com. But Parker and Leslie are far from the first WNBA stars to have their basketball careers impacted by pregnancy. In previous seasons, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, Taj McWilliams-Franklin and others have missed time, and occasionally entire seasons, to focus on their families.

Beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh-Jennings incredibly won a gold medal last summer at the London Olympics while pregnant and she, along with her husband, pro-volleyball star Casey Jennings, welcomed baby girl Scout Margery into the world on April 6, 2013. Scout joins older brothers Joey and Sundance and Kerri has publicly stated that she intends to compete at the Rio Games in 2016.

Jennie Finch and daughter Paisley (born January 2013)

Pitcher Jennie Finch and husband Casey Daigle have two sons, Ace and Diesel, and a baby girl, Paisley Faye, joined the family in early 2013. Finch  competed with the Women’s National Softball Team, ran the New York Marathon shortly after Diesel was born and until recently played for the Chicago Bandits.

USSF Pride player Jessica Mendoza is also a mom. Her son Caleb was born in 2009 and the gold medal Olympian announced in February that she is pregnant and will be adding to her family later this summer.  Stacey Nuveman also played for United States National Team and now balances coaching softball with motherhood.

When the U.S. women’s hockey team beat Finland to win the bronze medal at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, forward Jenny Potter skated around the rink in celebration with her then 5-year-old daughter Madison in her arms. Potter’s daughter was a fixture at the rink at an early age. A week after Madison was born in January 2001, Jenny was skating again. Three months later, she was back playing for the U.S. women’s hockey team in the world championships. What’s even more impressive is that Jenny did it all again. Just 83 days after delivering son Cullen, Potter helped the 2007 U.S. Women’s National Team to a 9-0 victory over Kazakhstan in the opening game of the 2007 IIIHF Women’s World Championship. As the only mom on the U.S. hockey team, she pulled off back-to-back hat tricks in the first two games of the 2010 Winter Olympics

Tennis player Lindsay Davenport had an amazing comeback after giving birth to her son Jagger. Just three months after the birth of her first child, Davenport became an instant and almost shocking success winning a number of high profile tournaments. She recently gave birth to her second child. Kim Clisjters came out of retirement after her daughter Jada was born and famously won the U.S. Open as an unseeded player. Apparently, she adjusted Jada’s daytime nap so she would be able to stay up at night to stay up and witness her mom’s straight set victory.

On the long list of athlete moms is Gold medal-winning swimmer Dara Torres, who made an amazing comeback after her daughter Tessa was born. At the ripe age of 39, just three weeks after giving birth, Torres was back in the pool at the Masters Nationals where she broke a world record.  She then wenton to qualify for her fifth Olympics. Fellow swimmer Summer Sanders who is married to three-time Olympic skier Erik Schlopy,  has a daughter and a son and  Amanda Beard, who has son named Blaise,  is currently pregnant with her second child – a daughter.

Other images from the world of women’s sports clearly show the tide has turned. Legendary Czech cross county skier Katerina Neumannova collapsed on her knees at the finish line after winning gold in the 30-kilometre race at the 2006 Turin Olympics, her poles askew as she hugged her two-year-old daughter, Lucie. Former Ironman world champion Lori Bowden placed second at Ironman Austria, just 10 months after giving birth to her son Tyson. And pro cyclist Sue Palmar-Komar, a 2002 Commonwealth Games silver medallist, at age 41, had a sibling for her seven-year-old daughter Trinity.

And who can forget Paula Radcliffe, arguably the greatest woman’s distance runner of all time, who won the New York Marathon months after giving birth to daugher Isla.  Kara Goucher is the newest marathon mom – having completed the Boston race last year six months after having her son.

Most of these working moms admit they can’t do it alone. And while their spouses and families pitch in, they are also assisted by their leagues and teams. Potter said USA Hockey provides helpful financial assistance during Olympic years. And before the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) folded, the league mandated that home teams must provide child care for the mothers on visiting teams. The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) takes things to a whole new level. Since 1993, the LPGA has operated the LPGA Child Development Center, which travels to more than 25 tournaments per year. Bardine May, the Center’s director, said the LPGA was motivated to provide child care so that its athletes didn’t have to choose between playing the game and having a family.

There are many different kinds of mothers in this world. Working moms, homemakers, politicians, fashionistas, artists and advocates.  Although it may not have been true a generation ago,  many moms are competitive athletes as well.  While all moms should be recognized on Mother’s Day, we’d like to single out  the very special moms who manage  to balance their family and their career as an athlete. Happy Mother’s Day!

Be sure to tell YOUR mom how much you appreciate her this Mother’s Day.

Our May 2013 Athlete of the Month is Kaitlyn Farrington. This new B4BC team rider tells us about herself and shares why she’s Pretty Tough.

  BASICS:

  Name: Kaitlyn Farrington

  Sport: Snowboarding

 Nickname: Twerp

Birthdate: December 18,1989

Birthplace: Hailey, Iahdo

Home Mountain: Sun Valley, Idaho but I live in Salt Lake City so I also ride at Brighton and Park City.

Stance: Goofy

College (major): I did 2 semesters at Westminster then took winter off and never went back. College will always be there.

LIKES/DISLIKES:

Favorite Riders: Barrett Christy

Favorite Sports Moment (as a fan and/or rider): Realizing I could play golf…

Favorite Workout Music: As I like to call them ” Radio Bangers ” is what I like to listen to when working out. The upbeat tempo keeps me going.

What do you do for fun: I spend most of the summer in Salt Lake City floating the river and spending time with my friends.  I travel year around and that’s a pretty fun activity! ha

Favorite Books/TV Shows: I love Harry Potter! TV shows: Dexter and Breaking Bad

Pet Peeves: When someone takes my clothes out of the washer and puts them on the top of the dryer, not in the dryer on top to just sit there all soggy.

One thing always in your fridge: Soy Sauce

Fave quote or inspiration:
If you cant dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with BS

Fave board? Any other shoutouts for gear: GNU B-Pro is my board of choice. The North Face for outerwear.

BACKGROUND/PERSONAL:

First snowboarding memory? When I first started snowboarding I remember kids laughing at me from the chairlift as I fell on my butt the whole way down the run!

How would you describe your snowboarding style to someone who’s not a serious rider? I would say sometimes I can be a little wild style but id like to think of myself as having smooth style.

Describe a perfect day: A perfect day would be a bluebird powder day followed up by lounging on the beach.

If I wasn’t a snowboarder my dream job: I think I would like to be some sort of a beach bum.

Lucky charm, superstition or pre-comp ritual: I try and not believe in superstition because then I get superstitious about being superstitious!

One thing people might not know about you? I grew up on a ranch south of Sun Valley. When I was younger I used to barrel race and pole bend in rodeos.

How would your mother (or best friend) describe you? They would describe me as bubbly and energetic!

What were you like as a teenager? As a teenager I was pretty shy until I started traveling with the Sun Valley Snowboard Team. I was so shy I would barely even talk to boys and now I can’t shut up when I see a cute one.

Superhero or Princess? Which do you identify with most and why? Princess, my mom and sister called me that when I was being a brat.

What makes you Pretty Tough? I think growing up on the ranch made me pretty tough…I spent most my life being a tomboy and being daddy’s little girl.

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS:

2010 Dew Cup Champion

2010 1st Euro X-Games

2011 2nd X-Games Aspen

2012 Dew Cup Champion

Podium that means the most? I think winning Euro X-Games in 2010 in France is my most memorable podium. It was my first real professional podium

INTERVIEW/PRO

You’re following in the footsteps of some great female riders. Any mentors/role models? Barrett Christy has been a big role model to me in my snowboard career. Barrett found me in Mt. Hood when I was 16 and started sending me GNU snowboards. GNU was my first sponsor.

Fave and/or most progressive trick: One of my favorite tricks to do is ally opp back 540.  It feels so floaty and is just such a fun trick to do.

You’ve had your share of injuries. Besides physical rehab, how do you mentally recover? Luckily for me my injuries have mostly been my wrists so I have still been able to ride throughout the season.  My rehab on my wrist mainly consist of doing a lot of handstands to get my movement back.

What is the biggest challenge female riders face? Do you think women will ever ride at the same level as men? I think we just have something imbedded into our mind that we can never be as good as the boys because we our women. I think one day maybe that could change. Maybe not tomorrow though…

What was the best piece of advice you ever received? From whom?  My old swim team coach, Chris Jeffy, when we would be in the pool getting ready for our swim meet, would always give the same pep talk: “Cowgirl up. What are you gonna do when you’re tired and losing the race? COWGIRL UP!” I will never forget it.

What would you tell your 12 year-old self about pursuing a career as a professional athlete? To never give up and always do what you think is the right thing.

Even though you’re still pretty young, how can you be a role model to younger girls? I think by just being myself. When I go to Sun Valley for Christmas I always go riding with the Sun Valley Snowboard Team and it is so fun with all the little girls!

Thoughts about Sochi? Will you try to make the team? I would love to be on the team going to Sochi in 2014. I did the test event there this year and it was defiantly a great experience to be able to check Sochi out.

COMPLETE THESE SENTENCES:

Success is … something that doesn’t come easy.
Happiness is … finding the one thing that you can always find joy in which for me is snowboarding!
My greatest fear is … hitting a jump for the first time.
My biggest challenge is … admitting I’m wrong!

WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Facebook or Twitter? Twitter, I don’t even have use Facebook.

Coffee or tea? Tea

Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds

Dogs or Cats? I love them both but my roommate and I have 2 cats. Thumper and Zilla

Sweet or Savory? Sweet

Rom-Coms or Horror flicks? Rom-Coms

Yup, the beverage and snack bar maker is funding the planting of  real trees through The Nature Conservancy each time a participant creates a virtual one and completes the online registration, up to 100,000 trees.  Why trees? Because clean water, healthy soil, and fresh air are the not-so-secret ingredients that make Odwalla’s beverages and bars as good as they are.

Since great taste truly starts from the ground up, Odwalla works hard to gather the finest, juiciest goods possible. And nothing nourishes the earth’s elements more than trees. They’re like nature’s caretakers, and Odwalla is delighted to show the world just how much good a few little seeds can do. Pretty Good? Check.

It’s easy to get your tree planted and enter the sweepstakes. Just go to this website and create or design a tree by dragging icons of Odwalla drinks, snack bars and healthy fruits onto the tree from the bottom of the page. Then click Finished and complete the registration. Once you have created a tree and completed the registration process, you automatically will receive one entry into the Sweepstakes. Boom. You can enter once a day. Odwalla’s goal is to help keep the land going and growing. Nature is an inseparable part of the brand’s DNA and has been their inspiration since they started squeezing orange juice more than 30 years ago so why not nurture Nature?

  Between March 20, 2013 and May 31, 2013, Odwalla will contribute $1 for each tree you create to The Nature Conservancy for the planting of trees– no less than $75,000 and up to $100,000.  The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends.  More information about the Conservancy is available by mail at 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203, by phone at (800) 628-6860 or at www.nature.org   Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Odwalla via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Odwalla

Brittney Griner, after a crushing Sweet 16 defeat ended her career, found herself filling headlines instead of the lane when Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban floated the possibility of choosing her in the men’s NBA draft.

Experts quickly weighed in on the odds that Cuban would truly do it, with a consensus that the chances were as slim as Brittney herself.  Indeed, her slimness made it unlikely that she would have met much success in the NBA; her lightest would-be teammate on the Mavs outweighs her by five pounds and stands eight inches shorter.  This female player at this time is probably not the trailblazer (lower case “T”) that the league may one day employ, but with a few multiple-dunk games, she took the laughability right out of the idea.

And if anyone can generate buzz, it’s Cuban.  Pieces like this would have once been considered absurd.  Now that the Mavs have cracked the door, it’s downright plausible.

Admittedly, Griner is a once-in-generation athlete.  But it’s always been some single dominant player that shakes up the scene of an entire sport.  In 1980, who would have pictured the international profile taken on by so many professional sports?  Before Kukoc, before Boll, before Nomo, there was teenage prodigy Masanori Murakami, who pitched a scoreless inning in a relief role for the Giants in 1964.

Murakami’s dominance brought him to the states, and Griner’s put her on Cuban’s radar.  Today there are players from Japan, the Sudan, the Czech Republic, and countless others populating pro sports teams in the US, and some of the credit must trace back to Murakami.  Griner may one day be viewed the same way.

Indeed, the overall trend is upward in women’s sports.  Rather than a narrow spear of attack tipped by Griner and others, the movement is more like an ocean wave pushing ashore.  My female schoolmates in the ’80s arrived at basketball practice in old T-shirts from church groups or country music concerts.  Today, custom-printed performance clothing by www.ooShirts.com and other custom t-shirt companies are offering more in cuts and colors that female shoppers want.

Griner isn’t surfing that wave alone.  In auto racing, which is considered a male dominated sport, a petite brunette by the name of Danica Patrick led the field to the green flag in NASCAR’s signature event, the Daytona 500.  The breakthrough sold a great deal of newspapers and lit up social media, but when she finished the race in 8th place there was proof that on the sport’s biggest stage with its best performers, a woman could certainly compete, not just survive.

Those girls are watching their horizons widen, because the pioneers of their sports have chiseled away at old ideas and sculpted them into a welcoming world of competition.  The female athlete is slowly just becoming an athlete, and what she will do will amaze us.

Six-foot-four freshman forward Breanna Stewart poured in 29 points in an amazing performance, leading the Huskies to an 83-65 win over Notre Dame in front of 17,545 at the New Orleans Arena.

“Given the stage, and what was at stake, I don’t know that I’ve seen any bigger, way bigger,” said UConnciach Geno Auriemma. “I know there have been NCAA tournament games where we’ve had individuals play great tournament games, but I don’t remember a player having a better game in this environment, certainly not a freshman.”

The victory thrust the 34-4 Huskies into Tuesday night’s NCAA championship game against fellow BIG EAST member Louisville – a new and unexpected team to make a Final Four appearance.

The championship game will be broadcast Tuesday night from New Orleans.

I was planning to write a post titled “Can Brittney Griner Be Stopped?” about the greatest female to play NCAA basketball. Like most basketball fans, I thought the answer was a definitive no. But Louisville found a way Sunday night, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA tournament history.

Considered a lock for the Final Four – and favorites to win a second straight NCAA championship – Griner and the Lady Bears got bounced 82-81 in a heart-pulsing contest.

Baylor had been practically invincible for the past four months, winning 32 straight games mostly by double digits. But Griner, the team’s 6-foot-8 star, didn’t make a basket until the second half of tonight’s game, then committed a foul with 2.6 seconds left giving Louisville a chance at victory.

“I told our kids we’re going to come out and fire it up. We got nothing to lose,” Louisville coach Jeff Walz said. “Our goal was to make this a street ballgame.”

The nothing to lose mentality paid off big time. Shoni Schimmel scored 22 points and Monique Reid hit two free throws with 2.6 seconds left to send the Cardinals to the win.

Guard Odyssey Sims scored 28 points and hit a pair of free throws with 9.1 seconds left to give the Lady Bears (34-2) their only lead of the game.

It was a stunning end to Griner’s college career. Not only was she the second-highest scoring player in NCAA history, but she was the only collegiate player to regularly dunk during games.

“I’m just sad,” Griner said. “I didn’t do what I needed to do to get my team to the Elite 8 and just disappointment in myself.”

Griner, who had averaged 33 points in Baylor’s first two games in the tournament, didn’t make a basket until she converted a putback with 15:20 left in the second half. She wound up with 14 points and 10 rebounds, making only four of her 10 shots.

Meanwhile Louisville poured threes from the perimeter and double- and triple-teamed Griner in the paint whenever she touched the ball, effectively neutralizing the dominant center.

Despite the early loss, Griner will be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. She’ll likely leave Baylor a three-time first-team All-American, a two-time national player of the year and the second-leading scorer in women’s college hoops history. She was the lone collegiate player to make USA Basketball roster last year and with a 88 inch (7’4″) wing span and hands bigger than the LeBron’s, she will continue to make an impact on the game.

The Baylor loss comes on the heels of Stanford getting knocked out of the Sweet Sixteen round by Georgia. Both Baylor and Stanford were favorites for the Final Four. Anyone who thinks that only a couple schools are dominant, hasn’t been paying attention.

Along with Louisville and Georgia, Notre Dame, Duke, Cal, Tennessee, Kentucky and UConn round out the Elite Eight.

If you haven’t been a women’s basketball fan, now is the time to tune in. This weekend took fans on a wild ride and the fun is not over yet. Anyone who thinks women’s sports aren’t exciting, is missing out. Run, don’t walk, to the nearest game.

BASICS:

Name: Madison Peavler

Sport: Karate, BJJ, Kickboxing, MMA

Nickname: Mad Mad Madison

Birthdate: 7/18/1999

Birthplace: Indiana

Siblings: Yes a 22 yo brother who is a first degree black belt in Karate. 21 yo sister who played Varsity basketball and softball. A 9 yo brother who is also in Karate and BJJ.

BACKGROUND:

When/how did you first start practicing MMA? I started Karate when I was six. I started training in the cage when I was seven.

What is it about combat sports that you like so much? Favorite discipline? I really enjoy individual sports. I am super competitive and I like the fact that win or lose it’s all on me. Kickboxing is definitely my favorite.

Role model (s)? I have so many. I have been so fortunate to have met so many women and men in combat sports but to name a few of my favorites…Gina Carano, Alexis Davis, Jessamyn Duke, Meisha Tate, Urijah Faber.

Other hobbies and interests? I love to  read and write poetry. I also am into antique tractor pulling.

Favorite Books/TV Shows: Tuck Everlasting and Dear John

Fave school subject: Language arts and of course gym class.

Lucky charm: I don’t really believe in lucky charms but I always say a prayer.

Special or secret talent: I am really good at jump rope.

Fave quote or inspiration: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

One thing people might not know about you? I name my bruises…my last one was Willard.

How would your friends  describe you? Competitive and dedicated and unique.

Future goals? I want to fight in the UFC and be in the UFC hall of fame.

What do you think you’ll be doing in 10 or 15 years? Hopefully living my dream to be in the UFC. Later I would like to be a medical examiner or a nurse.

Fave competition and why? My last fight. Because I beat a girl three years older and four inches taller than me. TKO first round. I also believe you are only as good as your last fight so my answer would probably always be my last win no matter when someone asks.

MORE WITH MADISON

What’s your first sports memory? T-ball. Definitely not my thing!

What is it like having your own dojo? I love having my own dojo. I like the fact that I can train whenever I want. I love teaching as much as competing so it’s awesome that I am able to do both. I have a student that is three and one that is 59 and everything in between.

You’ve competed against adults.  Is that intimidating? How do you focus? Sure it can be intimidating but I just say a prayer and do what I do. I know you have to fight above your skill level to get better.

Ever experience any gender or age discrimination? If so explain: I have been lucky that I have not really had this happen yet. It certainly helps that the popularity of womens MMA is on the rise.

What do boys your age say when they learn you’re a MMA competitor? I asked some of them this question and they all said it was cool.

Do you think cage fighting should be illegal for minors? NO! I got to fight in the cage three times before it became illegal. I have never had to go to the hospital for an injury…my sister who played softball and basketball was there lots of times. I think that there has to be rules for kids to keep them safe just like any sport. It is just surprising to me that I can go to a karate tournament or kickbox or box or do BJJ but it’s illegal to use all of the disciplines together. Doesn’t really make sense.

What was the best piece of advice you ever received? From whom? My old kickboxing coach told me to always come prepared. Sounds simple but how many times have you watched a sport and thought to yourself that the competitor was not prepared? I try to always be prepared in everything I do in life.

How do you deal with loss in a competition? Honestly I hate to lose but you just have to look at what you were weak in and get back at it. There is always going to be someone out there better than you so you just have to learn from it. Anyone can be beaten.

Superhero or Princess? Which do you identify with most?  Superhero for sure but I do have a lot of princess in me too!

What makes you Pretty Tough? I would say my determination to achieve any goal I set for myself.

COMPLETE THESE SENTENCES:

Success is …achieving a goal

Happiness is …having that moment when everything clicks and comes together

My greatest fear is …losing because I did not try my hardest

My biggest challenge is …finding new ways to motivate myself.

COMPETITIVE HIGHLIGHTS: 

2008 Circle City Classic-1st place sparring
2008 Circle City Classic-1st place point sparring

2008 IAMA Tri State Championship- 1st place sparring
2008 IAMA Tri State Championship- 1st place point sparring

2008 AMAA Martial Arts Championship- 1st place sparring
2008 AMAA Martial Arts Championship- 1st place point sparring

2008 Indiana Taekwondo Academy Invitational Championship- 1st place sparring
2008 Indiana Taekwondo Academy Invitational Championship- 1st place point sparring

2009 AMAA US Championship- 1st place sparring
2009 AMAA US Championship- 1st place point sparring

2009 Southern Indiana Championship- 1st place sparring
2009 Southern Indiana Championship- 1st place point sparring

2009 Tri State Championship- 1st place sparring
2009 Tri State Championship- 1st place point sparring

2009 Indiana Taekwondo Academy Invitational Championship- 1st place sparring
2009 Indiana Taekwondo Academy Invitational Championship- 1st place point sparring

2009 AMAA National Championship- 1st place sparring
2009 AMAA National Championship- 1st place point sparring

2009 Ohio Karate Championship- 1st place point sparring
2009 Ohio Karate Championship- Womens Black Belt Grand Champion

2009 Premier Cage Fights- Winner also awarded Outstanding Fighter Award

2010 Ironhorse Clash Cage Fights- Winner

2010 IMAA Indiana Open- 1st place sparring
2010 IMAA Indiana Open- 1st place point sparring

2010 Roar Of The Lion Championship- 1st place sparring
2010 Roar Of The Lion Championship- 1st place point sparring

2010 Indiana Taekwondo Academy Championship- 1st place sparring
2010 Indiana Taekwondo Academy Championship- 1st place point sparring

2010 Gonzo Fight Series Cage fight- Winner

2010 USAKA National Kick boxing Champion

2010 Central Indiana Martial Arts Championship- 1st place sparring
2010 Central Indiana Martial Arts Championship- 1st place point sparring

2010 Mid state Martial Arts Championship- 1st place sparring

Shiro Toro Dojo Championships- 1st place 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,2010

2011 Arnold Classic Kick boxing winner

2011 AAU TKD State Championships- 1st place point sparring
2011 AAU TKD State Championships- 1st place continuous sparring
2011 AAU Junior Olympic Taekwondo Silver Medalist- Olympic Sparring
2011 AAU Junior Olympic Taekwondo Bronze Medalist- Point Sparring
Numerous other awards for weapons, Kata, and board breaking.

11/17/2012 Saturday Fight Series kickboxing champion-winner 1st round TKO

3/23/2012 PKC/MMA Fit Club Kickboxing Tournament winner by decision.

Be sure to follow – and support – Madison on her website: www.madisonfights.com

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Okay, it’ s really  time to send winter packing now and what better way to welcome the new season than by getting out and helping others.  No task is too big or too small.  It’s time to figure out ways how you can do good this spring!

With so many options, sometimes the most daunting task is figuring out where to start.

photo credit: lululemon athletica via photopin cc

In order to escape the hectic stress of New York City, I retreat to a yoga studio called Yoga to the People. Their mission statement clearly states, “Yoga to the People is a unique yoga studio with the goal of recapturing what we consider to be the essence of yoga…simply put, yoga made available to everyone.” The studio runs on donations where users pay what they can afford. As a student, I use yoga to de-stress and take a break from my busy schedule, but as a student, I also have a tight budget. I can’t afford to buy a monthly yoga pass. Not only does my local yoga studio let me stretch and strengthen my body, but it unites me with the rest of the yoga community.

Yoga is an amazing form of exercise that lets me escape from the world for an hour. Yoga helps tone and sculpt muscles while gaining strength, flexibility, and balance, while helping decompress and achieve a sense of inner peace. However, the most rewarding aspect of yoga, in my opinion, is its community. Achieving “inner peace” with 50 other like-minded individuals in a room? There is nothing more powerful. I walk out of each and every class feeling empowered and ready to take on the world.

What better way to transition from months of hibernation? I urge you to try a yoga class (Yoga to the People has locations in New York City, Seattle, Berkley, and San Francisco) this spring. If you’re already a yoga enthusiast, introduce your friends by taking them to a class or demonstrate the fundamentals.  It’s the perfect exercise during this transitional phase into the sunny spring season in which, like the blooming flowers around us, we begin to stretch and grow.

Using the same model as Yoga to the People, are there skills or talents that you can share with others in your community? If you truly want to help, you can offer your services for free or accept donations. The rewards may not be monetary but the good will you generate may help in other parts of your life.  Be a part of the community. Make a difference. Feel a difference.

I promise – you’ll feel Pretty Good!

Alex Morency is a soccer player and NYU student studying Media, Culture and Communication. Follow her@am0rency

Now, it’s actually healthy to wash your hair every day. AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Aveeno via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Aveeno.

Well, spring is the perfect time to get inspired! I just got back from a spring break trip to Paris. I had never been to Europe before and experiencing a city so packed with art and culture was just the push I needed to get me over my winter slump. However, you don’t need to travel thousands of miles to be inspired. I’ll share  some tips that will help you beat the winter blues and make your passion a reality.

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography via photopin cc

 1. Wake Up Early – Don’t stop reading now.  Waking up early may seem like a drag, but it increases productivity throughout the day. There’s no better feeling than checking the clock at 11:00 am and having three items checked off your to-do list. Finishing required tasks early in the day – homework, bills, errands – opens up the day and lets you get to other activities – shopping, hiking, gardening – free of stress!

2. Go Outside – It’s spring (despite the fact that here in the Northeast we’re expecting one more snowstorm).  Time to take a break from technology, get out of your dorm or apartment and soak up that vitamin D – your mind, body, and soul will thank you later. Studies show that when you spend time outside, you will have a clearer and more focused mindset for future activities. Plus you will get a better night sleep and feel more rested. Need ideas fun ways to get outside? Take a walk, start a garden, visit a local park, go on a hike, meditate under a tree. Whatever it is, make spending time outside part of your daily routine. After all, there’s nothing like the great outdoors.

 3. Spring Cleaning – Getting organized is a great way to jump start the season. Clean out your closet and give away any clothes that are out of style or don’t fit anymore. Make an effort to get that old grass stain out of your white pants and take anything with missing buttons/broken hems to the dry cleaner or tailor. It feels good to look good. While you’re at it, take this time to organize other facets of your life. Buy an accordion folder and sort through your drawer of receipts. Being organized is empowering and relieves unnecessary stress.  Less stress = more time to pursue your passion!

4. Visit a Museum – Okay, I’ll admit this bullet point may or may not stem from the fact that I just visited The Louvre for the first time…regardless, going to any museum (big or small) is a great way to get inspired. Monet’s impressionist flowers, Degas’ ballerinas or Van Gogh’s pink roses will lift you up and get you ready for a new season.

 5. Goal Time – Make a list of a few things you want to accomplish this spring. The list doesn’t have to be extensive; rather it’s more productive to focus on 2-3 key tasks…Bored of your room? Paint it! Been eyeing an awesome DIY project? Create it!

Whatever you do, take advantage of this season to kick things into high gear.  It’s your time!

Alex Morency is a soccer player and NYU student studying Media, Culture and Communication. Follow her @am0rency

Now, it’s actually healthy to wash your hair every day. AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Aveeno via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Aveeno.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rookie Danica Patrick’s won for favorite female athlete at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards for the third time.

Patrick  beat out the Williams sisters — tennis champions Serena and Venus  – and Olympic gold-medal gymnast Gabby Douglas at the USC Galen Center on Saturday in Los Angeles..

After hearing she had won, the petite Patrick  ran up to the stage and playfully slapped kids’ hands on the way by to accepting the honor.

“This is a huge award. It means so much when I see you at the race track, and you cheer for me.”

Her growing fan base and ability to make a mark in a predominantly male sport is nothing short of impressive. National media appearances and respect from other drivers flowed in Saturday night, but nothing was more important to Patrick than gaining the admiration of her youngest fans. Sprint Cup stars Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards all brought their daughters to meet NASCAR’s sweetheart.

It  is the second straight year Patrick has won the award. She also won in 2008. Other winners include basketball player Candace Parker (2009), volleyball player Misty May-Treanor (2010) and ski racer Lindsey Vonn (2011).

In an E interview, Patrick gushed about seeing and meeting celebs like Kristen Stewart, Sandra Bullock, Neil Patrick Harris and Johnny Depp while  in LA.

The driver , who turns 31 today (b. 3/25/1982), became the first female to win a Sprint Cup pole and lead the Daytona 500 last month. Patrick started her birthday celebration earlier in the week, posting photos of her and her  bf,  fellow NASCAR Sprint Cup rookie Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.,  attending a Shania Twain concert in Las Vegas and  blowing out candles on a cake.

After winning the Kids Choice Award, Patrick head down to the Sprint Cup Series race at the Auto Club Speedway in nearby Fontana, Calif.  where she finished 26th in Sunday’s race.

With the Gophers looking to complete an undefeated season with the NCAA championship, a sellout crowd at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis watched Patty Kazmaier Award winner Amanda Kessel tally two goals and two assists, giving Minnesota a 6-3 triumph over 2nd seeded Boston University and a 41-0 season.

The Gophers became the first Division I hockey team — men’s or women’s — to complete an undefeated NCAA championship season since the Cornell men’s team went 29-0 in 1970.

This meme pretty much sums up the accomplishment:

Last year, the Gophers won their final eight games to win their third NCAA title. Their winning streak now stands at 49 games.

“It’s very surreal,” Frost said. “I still remember on Day One, I made a comment such as, ‘We’re going to lose a hockey game, so it’s not always about the wins and losses; let’s focus on the process.’

“And here we are, 41 games later without a loss. It’s just mind-boggling. This is an incredibly special team and one that will go down in the history books as one of the best ever, if not the best ever.”

Minnesota opened the scoring 11:38 into regulation and never looked back.

Scalpers outside Ridder Arena were getting $65 apiece for general admission tickets Sunday — 10 times face value – and there wasn’t an empty seat in the house. Not bad, considering the Gophers averaged just 933 fans at their 3,400 seat arena for this season’s first eight home games.

What fans saw might be considered the best team ever in women’s hockey history.  The pressure of finishing a perfect season had started to wear on the team. The Gophers needed three overtimes to get past North Dakota in the NCAA quarterfinals, and another overtime to defeat Boston College on Friday night in the semifinals.

But the championship game never seemed in doubt.

Boston University (28-6-3) trailed just 2-1 after the first period, but the Gophers pulled away with impressive second-period goals by Kessel and Milica McMillen.

Gophers Goaltender Noora Räty garnered Most Outstanding Players honors with 46 saves on the weekend.

It is important to try on bathing suits in store – even if you can’t bare to face the sale-crazy shoppers, and would much rather order a bikini online from the comfort of your home so you can relax, play a game like FoxyBingo; and dodge the manic crowds – it’s better to know your bikini fits perfectly. The last thing you want is for your bikini to fall down because it’s too loose or for you to feel uncomfortable because it’s too tight.

This is why we have put together a bathing suit guide to help you out. Are you curvy and worried about exposing too much skin while jumping up and down playing volleyball? Wearing a swim skirt is perfect for curvy women because not only are skirts cute and feminine, but they also provide coverage, support on the bottom and are flattering on the thighs. Try wearing a patterned top with a plain swim skirt because this will draw attention away from your curves while you’re working up a sweat.

Petite? You can make your athletic legs look even longer by wearing a high-cut, solid bottom (without spaghetti string tie-ups). Pairing it with a printed bikini halter-neck top provides support as well as elongating your figure. This is an ultra-flattering bikini which is ideal for both sportswear and showing off your figure. Big bust? The best swimwear for you would be a halter-top or tankini. They provide great internal support, which allows you to still do all the sports you love, without feeling self conscious or uncomfortable.

Image via Flickr

Despite the late snowstorm that hit the east coast a couple of days ago, I remain optimistic that spring is just around the corner. Spring signifies a simplification of sorts – melting snow, de-layering of clothes, and of course shedding the extra pounds accumulated over the winter. My ideal cold weather night this year  included a movie, a cup of hot chocolate, and a handful of mini marshmallows – hence the extra pounds.

Winter is a new experience for me. I grew up in Los Angeles where winter temps barely drop below 50 degrees. I’m used to being outdoors year-round enjoying the sunshine. Now I go to school in upstate New York where the thermometer typically hovers below the freezing mark. While snuggling up  and keeping out of the  cold is wonderful, the warmth that accompanies spring will be equally – if not more – rewarding this year. As flowers begin to bloom, I am inspired to get some fresh air and detox any negativity left over from the winter gloom.

During the winter months it became increasingly harder to bundle up and trek across campus to the gym. And when the temperatures dropped, so did my motivation. When I did make the effort, I would oftentimes reward myself with a baked good of sorts. I realized how this essentially cancelled out my hard work, but I didn’t realize the effect it had on my psyche. Working out and eating healthy go hand in hand, and actually fuel each other in some sort of symbiotic relationship. By eating healthy, I have energy to go to the gym, and working out gives me the motivation to pick better food options.

 Image Credit: Muffit via Flickr cc license

Learning how to eat healthy is key.  For the most part,  I’m pretty aware of my nutrition and actually grew up in a fairly healthy household. There are certain key things that I have ingrained into my diet. For example, I never drink soda of any kind. Going on “a diet” doesn’t make much sense to me; it is temporary and often leads to worse eating habits afterwards. However, reforming everyday diet and food choices is a healthy and permanent solution to staying fit.

Beginning each day with a well-balanced breakfast is key to warding off hunger later in the day. Another trick I’ve found helpful is to eat smaller meals and snack in between. Some snacks I like include a handful of almonds, a bowl of garbanzo beans with light salt and pepper, or banana and peanut butter. Another good addition to my everyday diet has been about an ounce of chia seeds added to water, yogurt, or really any type of food. Since it is high in fiber it keeps me feeling full longer.

My track season is starting up and while I may have slipped into complacency during the off-season (note to self: never a good idea), I’m going to be hitting it hard in the weeks ahead. I’ve already begun eating better and am getting back in shape with pre-season runs and workouts in the weight room. Those of you in other spring season sports can now enjoy getting outside, going for a jog and eating high-energy foods packed with carbs such as whole-wheat pasta or toast.  With the warmer weather,  it’s also important to stay hydrated so I have a refillable jug with me all the time.

There is still snow on the ground – yes, even though it’s technically spring –  but I’m encouraged that it will soon be gone. I always crave foods in season and am looking forward to the farmer’s market with all  it’s seasonal fruits and vegetables.  My favorite post-workout snack – fresh cherries – are a super fruit  rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

When I feel good, I run better. When I run well, I feel satisfied. And I’m so looking forward to feeling great this spring. A change in season and a change in attitude. Bring it on.

Now, it’s actually healthy to wash your hair every day. AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Aveeno via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Aveeno.

Image: © Tiger Woods/Lindsey Vonn

I guess it wasn’t a well-kept secret but yes, I am dating Tiger Woods.Our relationship evolved from a… fb.me/1NhzikWDM

— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn) March 18, 2013

The pair sparked relationship rumors earlier this year when they were spotted skiing together in Vail, Colo. Vonn is currently recovering from a season-ending knee injury suffered last month in a crash during the FIS Alpine Ski World Championship super-G race in Schladming, Austria.

“ Our relationship evolved from a friendship into something more over these past few months and it has made me very happy,” Vonn wrote on her Facebook page. “I don’t plan on addressing this further as I would like to keep that part of my life between us, my family and close friends. Thank you for understanding and your continued support!”

Vonn finalized her divorce from from her husband and former coach/manager, Thomas Vonn, in January. Woods divorced his wife, Elin Nordegren, in 2010 after it was revealed the golfer had multiple affairs (remember that bit of news?)

Between them, Woods and Vonn have 14 major golf championships, 76 PGA Tour victories, 2 Olympic medals and 4 overall World Cup titles. Woods may be the best golfer ever, Vonn may be the best female ski racer ever and could over the next few winters become the most decorated World Cup ski racer — male or female — in history.

Is this a match made for “SportsCenter” or what? Despite their appeal for privacy, expect to see a lot more news about sports hottest new couple.

@jschonb
dare to dream
Also online at prettytough.com and womentalksports.com

Another favorite trick of mine is to allow my products to do the multi-tasking so I don’t have to. Instead of groggily trying to navigate a bathroom filled with various tubes, bottles, pumps and spritzers, I find it much easier to simply use fewer products. One of the best is a tinted moisturizer/sunscreen combination. As long as the SPF is at least 15 (though I usually prefer something higher), it is a huge time (and skin) saver. Plus, the tinted moisturizer makes my skin more  radiant, so time spent fussing around with concealer, foundation, powder, etc. is cut down considerably.

It is important to remember, though, that certain things cannot be skimped on. While I am an advocate for spending less time in front of the mirror caking on make-up and picking out outfits the night before to feel less rushed, certain things are worth the time. The best example of this is breakfast. Instead of shoving left-over pasta or pizza in your mouth on the way out the door, or even skipping breakfast all together, it’s important to make time for proper fueling. It can be simple – vanilla Greek yogurt or toast with peanut butter and banana – but it cannot be ignored and energy in allows me to expend more energy throughout the day.

Finally, skipping over a much-needed shower is also a bad idea. I prefer the night-before shower so I have an appropriate amount of time to dry and style my hair – which is long and needs a certain amount of attention. Then, when I wake up in the morning I can just run my fingers through it or use some dry shampoo. If I do  shower in the morning, though, I try to keep it short and productive. I like to brush my teeth and wash my face in the shower to cut down on time.  I keep a spare toothbrush and tube of toothpaste in the shower stall and come out smelling fresh and clean all over.

After I’m dressed, a quick moment of meditation – some deep breaths (inhale through my nose to a mental count of four, hold my breath for a count of seven and exhale completely through my mouth to a count of eight) and I’m out the door ready to take on the day.

What do you do to make your morning routine easier?

Now, it’s actually healthy to wash your hair every day. AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Aveeno via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Aveeno.

Caroline Pia, who has played organized football since kindergarten and for the past two years was an All Star guard and defensive end, was told last fall the no-girls rule would be enforced in her Bucks County league.

The player and her family petitioned the archdiocese, leading to Thursday’s decision from Archbishop Charles J. Chaput and a reversal of the rule.

“It’s a great step for the future of the church,” said Caroline’s mother, Marycecelia Pla of Doylestown. “Archbishop Chaput is starting with young girls, who are the future of the church, and I thank him for it.”

The Plas had taken their fight to the media, with frequent interviews and TV appearances including the Ellen Degeneres show. But they were not hopeful given their exchanges with the church officials, who had expressed concerns about safety and the potential for inappropriate touching. A Change.org petition asking the Archdiocese to reconsider recieved more than 100,000 signatures.

“I didn’t even really think the rule was going to be changed because of all the things that they said,” said Caroline, who turns 12 on Wednesday. “Today is like double (excitement) for Catholics because now girls can play football and there’s a new pope.”

Pia a twin and one of four children, had previously played on a Pop Warner team, and could have returned to that public league. However, she wanted to stay with friends and neighbors on her CYO “Romans” team.She does not plan to play in high school because she probably won’t be big enough to play tackle at that level. She is currently 5-foot-3 and 110-pounds, and made the all-star team last season.

Women’s Sports Foundation Senior Director of Advocacy, Nancy Hogshead-Makar,  a leading voice in this issue’s national conversation said “we are thrilled about the victory and the precedent it sets.” The WSF believes co-ed training and competition fosters mutual respect, and takes boys and girls out of what one former Olympian called “these straightjackets of gender roles.”She believes the publicity surrounding Pla’s fight “makes it that much less likely that another school or sports league is going to do the same thing.”

On the heels of 9-year-old Samantha Gordon getting national attention for her running and tackling skills, and other girls succeeding on the gridiron, this is another victory for female football players.

 BASICS:

LIKES/DISLIKES:

Favorite Riders: Travis Rice, Robin Van Gyn, Gabi Viteri, Wille Yi-Luoma,

Favorite Sports Moment: (as a fan and/or rider) the ones that haven’t happened yet.

Favorite Workout Music: Dance music, techno, something with a beat.

Hobbies and Interests: Hiking, camping, biking, thrifting, traveling

Favorite Books/TV Shows: Book- The Last Season, TV- anything HGTV,

Pet Peeves: slow people in the fast lane, untidy-ness, flakes

One thing always in your fridge: pickles

Fave quote or inspiration: “life roughest storms prove he strength of our anchors” “not everything is meant to be, but everything is worth a try” ” decide you want it more than you are afraid of it” ” don’t forget to play”

Fave board? Any other shoutouts for gear? the Ride Hellcat in a 154, and my signature outerwear that will be out next season with Cappel.

BACKGROUND/PERSONAL:

First snowboarding memory? Some faint memories from being up at the half pipe at snow summit when it was up by chair 6, and seeing all the older gnar pipe riders dropping and riding it. I think my mom was encouraging me to give it a try and I think I got to go down it. It wasn’t anything like pipes are now, it was 1989 or something, haha, so it was barely walls. I can barely remember it. crazy.

How would you describe your snowboarding style to someone who’s not a serious rider? I give’r

Fave style: rails, jumps or backcountry? backcountry jumps!

Describe a perfect day:  Good night of sleep with an early wake up to a beautiful day and 40cm’s of fresh snow. A quick drive to the sled zone then rip up with friends to untouched zones with great stability. The sled trails would be in to every feature already built but nothing would be hit. We would ride and land everything until we couldn’t ride anymore, then take a delicious snack break, with a brisk massage. A single cloud would form in the sky, dropping the perfect snowflake down onto my tongue to quench my thirst. Then we’d continue to shred until the sun dips below the rugged mountains and we’d watch the mind-melting sunset from the ridge, before hopping into a heli that delivers us to a catered sushi dinner at home, followed by a hilarious Rom-Com movie. Foot rub from a hot mountain man, Sleep.

If I wasn’t a snowboarder my dream job: Forrest Ranger

Special or secret talent: Interior designer, or so my friends tell me.

Lucky charm, superstition or pre-comp ritual: Nuthin.

One thing people might not know about you? I have my bartenders license in WA

How would your mother (or best friend) describe you? silly, adventurous, loyal, dependable, sensitive, strong

What were you like as a teenager? I was pretty good I think, had my fair share of party time and getting in trouble but, compared to some, I’m a gem! Didn’t really have a clique, hung with a few good friends and slightly older crowd of snowboarders though and they were awesome.

What is the biggest regret you had as an adolescent?  Hmm, don’t think I have any. Or maybe I just blocked them out…

Superhero or Princess? Which do you identify with most and why?  Superhero all the way. I always dreamed of being able to fly or have super strength, being able to effect peoples lives in a positive way. I feel like I have that to some degree

What makes you Pretty Tough? Wearing Spanx in the backcountry

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS:

Snowboarder Magazine, Women’s Rider of the Year 2013
TransWorld Snowboarding, Womens’ Video Part of the Year and Rider of the Year nominee 2013
6th Place – X-Games, Slopestyle – 2011
5th Place – X Games, Slopestyle – 2010
1st Place Ride Shakedown -2009
5th Place – X Games, Slopestyle – 2009
#1 TransWorld Business Women’s Exposure-O-Meter – 2006/2007 Season
2nd Place – Abominable Snow Jam, Slopestyle – 2007
1st Place – Abominable Snow Jam, Quarterpipe – 2007
8th Place – US Open, Slopestyle – 2007
1st Place – Vans Cup, Slopestyle – 2007
1st Place – Nippon Open Japan – 2007
Silver Medal – Winter X Games, Slopestyle – 2007
Snowboarder of the Year, TransWorld Riders Poll Awards – 2006
4th Place Overall – TTR World Snowboarding Tour – 2006
Silver Medal – Winter X Games, Slopestyle – 2006
1st Place – US Open, Quarterpipe – 2006
1st Place – US Open, Slopestyle – 2006
Overall Burton US Open Women’s Champion – 2006
11th Place – Winter X Games, Slopestyle – 2005
7th Place – Vans Cup, Rail Jam – 2005
9th Place – Vans Cup, Halfpipe – 2005
2nd Place – US Open, Rail Jam – 2005
Snowboarder of the Year Nominee, TransWorld Riders Poll Awards – 2004
3rd Place – US Open, Slopestyle – 2004
Snowboarder of the Year Nominee, TransWorld Riders Poll Awards – 2003
Silver Medal – Winter X Games, Slopestyle – 2003
1st Place – US Open, Slopestyle – 2003
1st Place Yahoo Big Air & Style, Slopestyle – 2003
1st Place – World Snowboarding Championships, Slopestyle – 2003
1st Place – World Snowboarding Championships, Big Air – 2003
Womens Rookie of the Year, TransWorld Riders Poll Awards – 2002

VIDEOS: 

INTERVALS short film, PS Webisodes productions
Winter Was, PeepShow – 2011
P.S.Webisodes – season 10-11
The Storming, Standard Films – 2010
Stance, JMills Entertainment – 2009
LaLaLand, Runway Films – 2007
Ro Sham Bo, Misschief Films – 2006
Revenge of the Grenerds, Grenade SFBF Productions – 2005
Smell the Glove, Grenade SFBF Productions – 2004
Night of the Living Shred, Grenade SFBF Productions – 2003
Full Metal Edges, Grenade- 2002

PRO INTERVIEW

Do you consider yourself a pioneer in the sport? Why/why not? No, not really, I’m just trying to keep up, I feel. It’s definitely a compliment when somebody says stuff along those lines but I really just try to focus on the moment and what is ahead.

Fave and/or most progressive trick? My favorite trick is probably a nice floaty front three right now, but I think it would be rad to get a double cork, that’s what I’m working towards this season.

How do you mentally recover from injuries? I tell myself that sometimes it just happens and that we learn from the mistakes we make, then I come back slowly and confidently. I like to rebuild a strong foundation before I get all crazy again.

What is the biggest challenge female riders face? What do women have to do to ride at the same level as men? I think we battle a lot of preconceived ideal and double standards. Considering that women were only really allowed to be involved in sport for the past 100 years (if that), which in the grand scheme of things is nothing. So, in the past 30 years, we’ve done pretty good. I think we just need to keep improving and support each other.

Thoughts about Sochi? Will you try to make the team? I am trying to make the team, but since I have a lot of commitments already this season I’m trying to balance all of it which can be hard at times. But I’ll do my best and see what happens.

What was the best piece of advice you ever received? From whom?   Probably anything my parents have told me.

What would you tell your 12 year-old self about pursuing a career as a professional athlete? Follow your dreams, whatever they may be.

Best part of filming your web series?  Any ideas brewing for a new film project? Having the best crew to shred with. Nothing for sure yet as far as films go, but we’ll see how the season pans out.

Who should play you in a movie version of your life? Drew Barrymore

Do you have any causes or charities close to your heart? Yeah, B4BC is something I’ve always tried to be involved with. All their campaigns have such a positive message that every woman can relate to and be a part of.

COMPLETE THESE SENTENCES:

Success is … relative.

Happiness is … the motivator.

My greatest fear is … not being good enough.

My biggest challenge is … staying in one place.

WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Facebook or Twitter? Instagram

Diamonds or Pearls? Chocolate

Goofy or Regular? Natural

Dogs or Cats? Plants

Sweet or Savory? Salted Caramel

Chocolate or Vanilla? chocolate chip

Anything else you want to add? Nope

Hana Beaman Individual part 2011-12 from P.S… Webisodes on Vimeo.

Women should be recognized for their strengths and accomplishments and we don’t do it enough so this month provides  a really great an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the roles that women play as leaders, policy-makers, athletes, caregivers, educators, and peacemakers from the past to present day.

From the New York Times Learning Blog comes this great, thought-provoking assignment:

What makes an athlete ‘great’? Choose your own “most memorable female athlete of the the year” and write a newspaper profile or blog post, or make your own video, about her. How does she compare with her predecessors?

Are girls’ sports popular at your school? Why or why not? Consider the immediate and ongoing benefits of female participation in athletics. Then interview an alumna on how her high school sports career has affected her life, and write an article using the interview and commenting on the changes in female sports participation in the past three generations.

Like what you created and want to share with the world?  Send it our way and we’ll post it this month on PrettyTough.com

Diverse events during March reflect on the roles females have played throughout history as well as what remains to be addressed in terms of recognition and rights. These events occur not just on International Women’s Day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women so pay attention and get involved.

Girl power, indeed.