Sporty Saturday Spotlight Presents Snowboarder Whitney Frankovic

March 6th, 2010

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!

Hugs,

Keri

Whatever Wednesday: Book Review Club

March 3rd, 2010

Yay, Spring! FINALLY!! If I don’t see another flake for five years, it will be too soon.

The first Wednesday of the month means another edition of The Book Review Club hosted by Barrie Summy, author of the I So Don’t Do Mysteries series (who I’m finally going to get to meet in person in fifteen days – ). Today, I’m featuring the amazing Jennifer Hubbard author of The Secret Year. I was lucky enough to attend Jenn’s book signing and launch party in January (surprise – it was snowing). And Jenn is just as nice in person as she is talented.

Here’s a quick synopsis – High school opposites Colt and Julia are involved in a secret relationship until Julia is killed in a car accident. After her death, Colt begins pouring over her journal, reflects on their relationship, and attempts to pick up the pieces.

Five Reasons Why I Loved The Secret Year

1. Written in Colt’s Point of View – Well done and different.
2. Haunting Voice – Between Julia’s diary and Colt’s voice, the book is packed full of emotion.
3. Forbidden Romance – Kept the pages turning and kept me intrigued.
4. Characterization – Hubbard created characters I cared about and thought about even after I finished reading.
5. Real – The situations the character’s faced were real and relatable. Hubbard’s writing is raw.

Be sure to check out Hubbard’s amazing debut, THE SECRET YEAR. It’s a goodie.  And don’t miss the rest of the fabulous Book Club reviews here.

Happy Wednesday!

Disclosure: I often receive ARCs and/or books for reviews (most of the time due to my Chick Lit column for South Jersey Mom magazine and sometimes because I’m an author and other times because I beg). However, I do not blog about every book I receive, only the ones I absolutely adore or feel the need to recommend to fans of sporty lit.

Sporty Saturday Spotlight

February 27th, 2010

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!

Hugs,

Keri

Whatever Wednesday – Teen Tales Book Signing

February 24th, 2010

Check out interviews with the authors and full coverage of the Teen Tales: Volume One Book Signing below.. I’m soooo proud of the authors. And I really need to stop talking so much with my hands.. Thanks to Justin the Librarian for the video!

Happy Wednesday!

Hugs,
Keri

Sporty Saturday Spotlight Presents Katy Schlemmer

February 19th, 2010

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! 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 

Teen Tales Author Signing!!

February 18th, 2010

This Friday, February 19th, the amazing authors from our Summer Teen Writers Workshop will be signing their very first anthology – TEEN TALES: VOLUME 1 at the Cape May County Library in Cape May Court House, New Jersey from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Justin the Librarian and I are soooo proud of this hardworking group.  If you’re from the area, please stop by and support these budding authors.

Happy Thursday!

Hugs,

Keri

Sporty Saturday Spotlight

February 12th, 2010

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

Guest Post with PJ Hoover

February 10th, 2010

Hope everyone is staying safe and warm… We’re experiencing our second blizzard in less than a week. In fact, my yard seriously looks like snow scenes from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.. Pics coming soon.

In the meantime, check out my fun interview the fabulous PJ Hoover. PJ and I will be appearing together to talk about genres at The Virginia Festival of the Book this March.

Happy Wednesday!

Dreaming of Spring…

Keri

Sporty Saturday Spotlight

February 5th, 2010

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!

Hugs,

Keri

Guest Post and a Freebie

February 3rd, 2010

I’m over at Literary Rambles today chatting about what I’ve learned about the book industry so far.

In the meantime, I have a exciting announcement. In honor of NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY, CHANGE UP is now available for free!! Just click on Books, scroll down to CHANGE UP and you can download the entire novel. Yay!!

Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday!

Hugs,
Keri