How did you get interested in bodybuilding/working out?

I've weight trained for years, but was heavily involved in martial arts, so never trained for mass. A friend of mine, who is a power lifter, started preparing me for power lifting in 1997, but I decided in 1998 to switch to bodybuilding.

How was your first show like, any interesting experiences?

My first show was very exciting as I won the middleweight class and the overall!

What do you like and dislike about competing?

I LOVE competing. I've always been competitive and have always enjoyed sports that push me to my limit. I can't say that there is anything I dislike about competing, not even dieting.

What are your future goals in this industry?

Like everyone, I want to get my pro card. I also want to become more active in writing articles to help other women learn how to train and diet (be it to better themselves or compete). I also would like to work to help the sport be more widely accepted. This has been attempted by many before me as well, but hopefully if we keep working on it, that goal will be realized eventually.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

I'll still be training! :) It's very important to me to keep myself healthy. I would like to be a role model for younger women and also would like to become more involved in volunteer activities, especially Special Olympics, etc.

Please tell us something special about you that most people wouldn't know?

I'm a very laid back, easy-going person. I think that the public persona of female bodybuilders is that we are just the opposite, but all the ladies I know are basically natured like me. I can be somewhat guarded until I get to know people and I'm trying to do better with that.

Any additional notes? People you would like to thank?

I want to thank my kids and my family and friends. They are always so very supportive! I also want to thank the fans of female bodybuilding. You guys are the best and we all greatly appreciate your love, support, and dedication to the sport!

Competition History:

-2004 NPC Nationals - 5th place, middleweight
-2004 NPC Elite Muscle Classic - 1st place light-heavy weight and Overall
-2001 NPC Nationals - 5th place middleweight
-2000 NPC Nationals - 16th place middleweight
-1999 NPC Mountaineer - 1st place middleweight and Overall
-1999 NPC NC State - 3rd place middleweight
-1999 NPC Metrolina - 1st place middleweight and Overall