You're Up

Getting Psyched

We want to know what music gets you pumped to play. But before you tell us, check out some of our favorite responses to our previous question: Who got you in the game?

Nina Hilton
Menifee, Calif.
Ever since I was five years old, when went to watch my dad and two uncles play in a three-on-three basketball tournament, I knew I wanted to play the game. I loved seeing them work as a team and have a great time, whether or not they won. I have to admit when I first started playing, it wasn't as easy as they made it look. But I got better and now I play for my high school. Every time I step on any court, I remember how much fun they had; whether or not I win or lose, I continue to love the game.

Naoko Funayama
Boston, Mass.
By the time I was ten years old, my mother was convinced I had some wicked piano playing talent and was considering sending me to Julliard. But when I came home from school and talked endlessly about how we could tryout for the junior varsity volleyball team in sixth grade, she let me have a shot (she was a former volleyball player herself). We quickly learned volleyball and piano don't match -- I had to skip volleyball practice once a week to attend piano lessons, and had to skip the lessons when I sprained my fingers in practice.

Jennifer James
Staten Island, N.Y.
Some of my earliest memories are of my father and me practicing for softball hours at the local school yard. When we finished practice, we would go home and he'd invent tools and drills to help me become a better player. Even though I'm now playing at Wagner College, you can still find us practicing at the school yard and inventing new drills.

Amy Earley
Harleysville, Pa.
My mother played high school and college sports in the 50's -- way before it was acceptable for girls to play. She coached and officiated field hockey for over 25 years after college, so naturally, when I was old enough, she wanted me to play it. Even though I liked sports, I was a shy seventh grader and didn't want to go play at the high school (7th and 8th graders were allowed on the 9th grade team). After a few discussions and a lot of tears, I found myself at the high school so my mom could introduce me to the freshman coach. I loved the game; I played through high school, college and currently play on a club team, the Generics, out of Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

Veronica Jones
St. Louis, Mo.
When I was young, my older sister was a student at St. Joseph's Academy at the same time Kristin Folkl, who now plays for the WNBA Minnesota Lynx, was there. I would always try to get to the games to see her play -- she never made herself out to be the superstar she really was. Ever since I saw her, I knew I wanted to play basketball and I do: I'm now a point guard now at St. Joe's!

Vicki Hudson
Oakland, Calif.
I've been involved in sports ranging from Aikido to softball since I was 11 years old, and two factors contributed to my life-long participation in sports: my mom and the biography of Babe Didrickson Zaharias, which I read when I was ten. My mom provided everyday support and encouragement, while Babe was my role model and hero. To this day, I treasure a simple note my mother wrote me while I was in college, which read "I hope you are writing and fencing."

Sarah Campbell
Jenks, Okla.
Although the idea to try wrestling was mine, my three best thought I'd be good at it because I'm super competitive and aggressive. After speaking with them, I stayed after school to watch a practice and was instantly hooked. Although I finished my first season with an 0-8 record, I was the first girl to be on the team, and am now preparing for season number two.

Carrie Peterson
San Mateo, Calif.
Although I've played a number of sports, I hadn't found the one sport that brought the most excitement, dedication and passion out of me until I watched the Women's World Cup. I was so impressed by the U.S. team -- not only by their athleticism, but also by their enthusiasm and appreciation of their fans. I'm 23 now, and have been playing soccer for two months. When start thinking I'm too old to learn a sport or have problems with my asthma, I just look at pictures of the team relishing their victory and feel inspired. Someday I hope to be half as good as Team USA!

Ariana Jostad-Lawell
Fair Oaks, Calif.
Two years ago, I hated sports and thought basketball was the worst sport of all. But that was before my friend Lois invited me to one of her basketball games. While there, she suggested I play -- she lent me her shows and assured me it didn't matter if I didn't know how. I decided to try. When the coach put me in, I ran onto the court before the buzzer. At half time, he took me aside and explained screens and our plays, "Mambo" and "Monster." I nodded but didn't understand. Despite my confusion, I fell in love with basketball and am now starting my third season.

Next Up:

When you're getting ready to take the field or charge the court, what psych-up music do you listen to? Is it heavy metal? Old school rap? Disco? Use the form below to let us know. Be sure to fill out all the information so we can contact you if we want to put your response in a future issue of Sports Illustrated for Women.

 
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