Kristin Baja

Nickname: "Baja or Builder Bob"
Height/Weight: 5'8", 155 lbs.
Age: 26
Birthplace: Michigan
Current Team: New York Rugby Club
Position: Flyhalf
Past Teams: Minnesota Valkyries
      Washington DC Furies
      Ponsonby (New Zealand)
      Arizona State University

Rugby honors earned:
      US National Team 01-07
      US National Team 7's
      05 ITT's Champion Northeast
      02 ITT Champion Midwest Select Side
      00 - 02 Atlantis Select Side 7s
      MVP 03 Minnesota Valkyries
      MVP 99, 00, 01 (Arizona State Univ.)
International Caps: 18, U-23: 2, US 7's: 11
College: Arizona State University
Years playing rugby: 8
Occupation: Director of Operations, Oasis Children's Services
Favorite Pre-Game Music: "Something calming with a good beat to keep me focused."

Get to Know "Baja"

How did you get involved in rugby?
"I met a girl at work who had gone to a few rugby practices. We were talking about soccer and how I was beginning to get burnt out and she mentioned how much she liked rugby and suggested that I come to a practice. I went the next day and loved it. The transition from soccer to rugby took a couple weeks but I then started playing full time and never looked back."

Other interests:
"Kayaking, surfing, climbing, hiking, painting, drawing, and reading."

If I had a million dollars I would ...
"Save, invest, donate and take care of the people I love. Work part-time in 2006 in order to train harder for World Cup."

Favorite rugby memory:
"Making a drop goal from the side line in Hong Kong Stadium during the final 2002. That entire game felt magical. My teammates were amazing and we were so in tune to each others energy- we all knew we could win."

Rugby mentors/inspirations:
"Jonny Wilkinson and Carlos Spencer have always been two of my favorite rugby players to watch and learn from. All of my teammates inspire me to train harder and play harder - they are like family and I never want to let them down. Coaching influences: Barb Fugate, Candi Orsini, and George Metuarau. All three have been great coaches to me in different ways. Barb always encouraged and believed in me. George worked on my fitness and becoming a more versatile player. Candi has worked on improving me as a flyhalf and continues to amaze me with her attention to detail and inspire me with her love for the game."

Favorite Motto/Saying:
"Second sucks. Refuse to lose." also ...
"When I get in a fight, I go all crazy, and I'm a raging ball of brown fur! I don't wanna brag or nothing, but I got some moves." - Koda (Brother Bear)