TopJInterview: The gorgeous Kristen Kjellman 09/19/2010
So over the past few months followers to TopJLax might have begun to see a pattern emerging with regards to the things that we like (Lax, extreme sports, babes, music, video...). Well here at TopJLax we're really happy with ourselves today because even better than following our passions is combining our passions, and we really feel like we've gone and outdone ourselves on this one. Not only is she a laxer, and a damned fine one at that with Tewaaraton trophies, accolades, and championships overflowing from her CV, but she is also an absolute stunner. Ladies, Gentleman, and Bro's alike, meet Kristen Kjellman, of Nike Lax, who talks us through some of her career so far.
TopJLax: Hey Kristen, welcome to TopJLax and hello from the UK! You won the Tewaaraton Trophy in 2006 & 2007, Three-time National Midfielder of the Year, All-World team midfielder in 2009 (the list could go on and on…), so it’s safe to say you’ve had a very decorated career so far, what one thing or person would you put down as your biggest reason for this success?
Kristen Kjellman: Hey TopJ! I would have to say great coaches. I received the best teaching, guidance and support from my coaches over the years.
TopJLax: We read your Player Bio on the Northwestern site, and for the record, it reads like a movie script: “…Scored game-winning goal in final minute of state championship game…became the first athlete, male or female, to win the [Tewaaraton] award in consecutive seasons…”. If there was a movie made about you, which actress would you like to play you and why?
Kristen Kjellman: Hmm, I would have to go with Kate Bosworth. She played a very athletic and sassy role in Blue Crush, so I think she would play the part well.
Kristen Kjellman: Hey TopJ! I would have to say great coaches. I received the best teaching, guidance and support from my coaches over the years.
TopJLax: We read your Player Bio on the Northwestern site, and for the record, it reads like a movie script: “…Scored game-winning goal in final minute of state championship game…became the first athlete, male or female, to win the [Tewaaraton] award in consecutive seasons…”. If there was a movie made about you, which actress would you like to play you and why?
Kristen Kjellman: Hmm, I would have to go with Kate Bosworth. She played a very athletic and sassy role in Blue Crush, so I think she would play the part well.
TopJLax: Great choice, we could definitely see that working. Unlike Men’s Lacrosse that has the MLL as an obvious choice, what form of competition to you play in post college to keep your game at a high level, and more importantly, to continue get your lax fix?
Kristen Kjellman: I currently play for the US Women’s Elite Team. I also play for the New York Athletic Club Team. Between these 2 programs and running clinics for young players, I definitely get my lax fix!
TopJLax: We all know how dull life would be without it! How often would you say you have a lacrosse stick in your hands these days then?
Kristen Kjellman: It really depends on the season and if I’m training for an event… but it probably averages from 2-4 times a week.
TopJLax: You graced the cover of Sports Illustrated which is even a well known magazine over here in the UK! How did that come about and what did it feel like to be on the front of such a major magazine?
Kristen Kjellman: It was very cool and a little surreal to see my photo on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It actually came as a surprise to me. I also did a cover shoot for Sports Illustrated on Campus which was distributed to Colleges across the US. That shoot was a lot of fun and it was great because it brought some increased exposure to our team.
TopJLax: We're totally all about upping exposure as well over here in the UK. Have you ever been to England or played lacrosse over here? If so, what were your thoughts on the Queens country?
Kristen Kjellman: I have been to England to play lacrosse… I went with my High School Team back in 2000. It was an awesome trip and we had a great time traveling and playing the English teams. I’ve also been there just to travel and can’t say enough great things. I had a blast!
TopJLax: Glad to hear you enjoyed it! You played at Northwestern for your collegiate career. For those of us who wouldn't know what it's like to be a college athlete, what was a typical day during the season like?
Kristen Kjellman: A typical day usually involved a 2-3 hour practice, lifting 2-3 times a week, Classes for 2-5 hours a day, study time and then we would often do extra shooting sessions at night. Game Days were the best!
TopJLax: Do you still stay in touch with your teammates? Regular alumni events?
Kristen Kjellman: Yes, I’m still close and keep in regular touch with many of my teammates. We always have a big alumni weekend every fall which is always so much fun. The final 4 has also seemed like an alumni weekend for the past few years. It’s great for all of us to get together and cheer on the current team. The tailgates aren’t too shabby…
Kristen Kjellman: I have been to England to play lacrosse… I went with my High School Team back in 2000. It was an awesome trip and we had a great time traveling and playing the English teams. I’ve also been there just to travel and can’t say enough great things. I had a blast!
TopJLax: Glad to hear you enjoyed it! You played at Northwestern for your collegiate career. For those of us who wouldn't know what it's like to be a college athlete, what was a typical day during the season like?
Kristen Kjellman: A typical day usually involved a 2-3 hour practice, lifting 2-3 times a week, Classes for 2-5 hours a day, study time and then we would often do extra shooting sessions at night. Game Days were the best!
TopJLax: Do you still stay in touch with your teammates? Regular alumni events?
Kristen Kjellman: Yes, I’m still close and keep in regular touch with many of my teammates. We always have a big alumni weekend every fall which is always so much fun. The final 4 has also seemed like an alumni weekend for the past few years. It’s great for all of us to get together and cheer on the current team. The tailgates aren’t too shabby…
TopJLax: Unfortunately we don't get to participate in too many tailgates over here, but hopefully we can change that...You've been a regular member of Team USA, how nerve wracking was the 2009 World Championship game to play in?
Kristen Kjellman: The World Cup finals last summer was certainly a nerve wrecking game. Australia is an incredible team. I do think it’s definitely easier to be on the field than in the stands… because you don’t have much time to think about it. But every time I re-watch the game, I still get nervous! [Note: the USA won 8-7]
TopJLax: You’re now working over at Nike in the Sales area… what does your day to day role involve and what sports/products do you cover?
Kristen Kjellman: I’m currently a Lacrosse Specialty Account Executive. I sell Men’s and Women’s Footwear, Apparel and Equipment to specialty retailers throughout the East Coast. My day to day mainly involves managing the inventory levels of my accounts, selling in new products, and connecting with coaches to push Team sales. I’m really lucky because I love my job!
TopJLax: Should we be excited about the “big” companies, particularly Nike’s recent heavy involvement in the sport?
Kristen Kjellman: Yes, I see it as a great sign for the game. I think that if a company like Nike is invested in the sport, you know people are confident in the continued growth of lacrosse. I was psyched when Nike jumped on board with Lacrosse because it made me feel like my game was now validated as one of the major sports in this world.
TopJLax: Feel free to shoot us any tasty updates from the Nike Lax world. Finally, we don’t suppose you’re single and looking for "hunky" English lacrosse boyfriends? There are a few of us working here @ TopJLax…?
Kristen Kjellman: “Hunky” English Lacrosse boys… sounds just lovely!!
TopJLax: Now all we need to do is find a way to move permanently to the states...any ideas?
Kristen Kjellman: The World Cup finals last summer was certainly a nerve wrecking game. Australia is an incredible team. I do think it’s definitely easier to be on the field than in the stands… because you don’t have much time to think about it. But every time I re-watch the game, I still get nervous! [Note: the USA won 8-7]
TopJLax: You’re now working over at Nike in the Sales area… what does your day to day role involve and what sports/products do you cover?
Kristen Kjellman: I’m currently a Lacrosse Specialty Account Executive. I sell Men’s and Women’s Footwear, Apparel and Equipment to specialty retailers throughout the East Coast. My day to day mainly involves managing the inventory levels of my accounts, selling in new products, and connecting with coaches to push Team sales. I’m really lucky because I love my job!
TopJLax: Should we be excited about the “big” companies, particularly Nike’s recent heavy involvement in the sport?
Kristen Kjellman: Yes, I see it as a great sign for the game. I think that if a company like Nike is invested in the sport, you know people are confident in the continued growth of lacrosse. I was psyched when Nike jumped on board with Lacrosse because it made me feel like my game was now validated as one of the major sports in this world.
TopJLax: Feel free to shoot us any tasty updates from the Nike Lax world. Finally, we don’t suppose you’re single and looking for "hunky" English lacrosse boyfriends? There are a few of us working here @ TopJLax…?
Kristen Kjellman: “Hunky” English Lacrosse boys… sounds just lovely!!
TopJLax: Now all we need to do is find a way to move permanently to the states...any ideas?
TopJLax would like to extend its thanks to Kristen for having a chat with us "hunky English gents of the game". We realise that featuring a Womens Lax player on the pages of TopJ is a break from the norm, but we're all about embracing all forms of the game here at the Gamma Gamma Frat House and would welcome comments from anyone out there with regards to the impact of this decision. Kristen is a model athlete who has gone on to make a career from the game that she loves, and has surpassed her role as a player to become an ambassador for the sport. TopJ valid? No doubt.
Comments
11/29/2010 06:19
Obviously, a decorated athlete. I think it's a great move to do an interview with her! Another angle to think about is lacrosse athletes that were dominant in other sports prior to making the decision to play lacrosse collegiately etc.
