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NLL GIRL OF THE WEEK - KAREN

Medford, MA resident looks forward to trying out for Sparks again in 2010

08/16/2009

The last off-season installment of the NLL's Girl of the Week features Karen of the Boston Sparks. An editorial events manger for an IT media company who resides in Medford, MA, Karen has been dancing since the age of three. It was then that she started her dance career by attending a traditional tap/jazz/ballet combo class.

"I became more serious in middle school when I started competing," said Karen. "In my over 25 years of dance experience, I've studied jazz, ballet, contemporary, tap, hip-hop and some ballroom. I've also directed many local and national performances, most recently as a member of the Boston-based dance company DancEdge.

Those 25 years of experience include her time at Providence College, where she graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. She was a member of the Providence College Dance Team, performing at all Division I home basketball games for the Providence Friars. Her long list of dance accomplishments also includes her role as a company member of the Maine State Ballet in full-length ballets such as Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, Alice in Wonderland and The Nutcracker. It should come as no surprise that one day she hopes to be "90 years old and still dancing."

This past year, Karen danced in front of the Boston faithful during the Blazers' inaugural season. Those fans, she says, was her favorite part of her NLL experience.

"Whether we are cheering from the field, in the stands or even mingling before a game or at a promotion, the fans are always enthusiastic and supportive. It makes cheering for the Blazers even more fun."

Karen undoubtedly enjoyed her front row seat at TD Banknorth Garden for the Blazers' last second comeback against the Titans on February 7, as she cites the "nail-biting scenarios" as her favorite part of lacrosse.

"It's such a fast paced game. There is always at least one moment in the game where you think, 'Can they do it?'" she said. "Whatever it is, it's so exciting to watch moments like that."

An extremely active, detail-oriented person whose biggest pet peeve is disorganization, Karen says she doesn't really have a favorite player on the Blazers. However, she does admire Anthony Cosmo and the other goaltenders because "even with the padding they wear, I wouldn't want to be standing in the line of fire!"

Outside of dancing and editorial events managing, Karen says her perfect day is "full of life" and her favorite musical artist is Kenny Chesney. She is currently learning how to barefoot (water skiing without the skis).

With the 2010 season quickly approaching, Karen says she can't wait to try out for the Sparks again this year.

"I have been impressed since day one that everyone affiliated with the Blazers organization - the players, dance team, staff, etc. - is dedicated to making the Blazers an accessible, family-friendly team. Everyone is generous with their time for the fans and with local charities," she said. "Although the spotlight can be fun, it's not about that. It's about doing what you love."