Curls out of: Potomac Curling Club

Curling start: "I got started curling by marrying a Canadian. You know, I'm not positive, but I could swear that he never mentioned this sport until after we were already engaged. Then we moved to a new area, he suggested I come out curling with him (on hockey ice, one night a week) to meet people in the area. I tried it, we went on a bonspiel, and then I was hooked."

What she enjoys most about curling: "I love the way making a great shot feels (whether you're the shooter, you're the sweeper who's just gotten the stone to exactly the right spot, or you've just called the line perfectly). I really enjoy all of the friends I've met along the way and the great camaraderie of the sport. And I enjoy being able to play competitively with my husband (okay, maybe I enjoy playing against him and beating him more.)"

Curling goals: "I know that people don't think much of curlers from the GNCC and they probably think even less of home-grown GNCC curlers (and one who learned on hockey ice to boot). So I'd like to surprise people and change peoples' impressions of curling in the GNCC. I'd like to win the Mixed National Championship with my husband as well as make it to women's Nationals and be competitive there."

Curling strengths: "I think one of my strengths is that I'm a really quick, good, and dedicated learner. I pick up things fairly quickly and I'm always soaking in information to get better."

Hobbies: "I enjoy traveling and trying out new things. Last year we went on a bike trip in Tuscany, Italy (we've also taken bike trips to France). I've learned how to golf, scuba dive, and curl since Derek and I got together and I'm still working on a dog-sledding trip."