Erika Townes


	Season(s) Played with the Divas: 2017
	Age: 42
	Height: 5-5	Weight: 250
	Hometown: Clinton, MD
	High School: Gwynn Park Brandywine HS (MD)
	College: Allegany College of Maryland
	Occupation: Nurse, Department of Defense

Erika Townes Q&A

Who was your childhood idol? Why?
Michael Jackson…I loved how he could not only sing and write but was also the best dancer in the world in my eyes. His moves were not only unique, they were perfection. He strived for the ultimate perfection in an entertainer.
Who is your biggest supporter?
I could never narrow it down to one! But my support system is: my mom, who cheers me on and gives me encouraging words; my husband, who not only makes sure our home is running well but also has my back, all while having Multiple Sclerosis; and finally, all four of my kids are my “hypes”. They cheer me on with so much excitement and energy that I feel I can fly to the moon.
If you could have a conversation with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose? Why?
My grandmother and my brother Greg…both are deceased now, but they were both very influential in my life. They served as my backbone and always made me feel like there was nothing that I could not do.
Who is your female sports idol?
Venus and Serena Williams…I look up to both of them because they are masters of their craft. There is always someone saying that they can’t or that they look like this or that, but they always prove themselves on the field. As black women in sports, you may have to push the envelope a little harder…but why not do it while looking sexy, cool, and graceful?
Who is your favorite NFL player? Why?
I could not narrow it down to one, but a few are LaVar Arrington, Darrell Green, James Harrison, Clay Matthews, and J.J. Watt. All of them play with such intensity and drive, and they have a no-quit attitude for not only themselves but also their team.
What are your favorite hobbies or special interests?
Besides my love of football, I am also a singer. On Andrews Air Force Base, I sing the national anthem for some of their ceremonies and events. I have also sang the national anthem at a White House ceremony as well.
What is your favorite movie?
The Wiz…I like several musicals, but The Wiz is my favorite. The music, dancing, costumes, and good feeling with every song and scene is like no other.
What is your favorite TV show?
The Walking Dead…I already know there will be a zombie apocalypse one day, and I am going to have my team ready to go! I will probably be singing as I am handling the zombies, too!
What is your favorite travel location?
Jamaica…I love the smell of the air, the different texture of sand in my toes, and most of all, the clear blue water. I love warm climates and clear beach water.
What is your favorite food?
Chicken…I love it baked, fried, or however! It’s the easiest meat to cook but oh so tasty!
What is your favorite book?
The Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Day…it was made into a movie, which was even better. This book made me realize that even when bad things happen, it is all for a reason or for the greater good in the end. Although it sometimes looks like things are not going the way you want, know that every setback is a set up for the greater comeback.
Who is your favorite musician or group?
New Edition…they have so much vocal range and musicality. The fact that they can dance is only an added bonus.
What is your favorite quote?
“Always reach for the sky so you will always be amongst the stars.” (I made that up over ten years ago.)
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Passionate, laid-back, comedic.
What are your lifetime aspirations?
To live my DASH to the fullest and make it count. I never want to leave the earth saying, “I wish I would have.”
What was the first sport you ever played?
Football.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Making my high school football team. I tried out and made the team my senior year in high school, but my dad did not think it was right for a girl to play football and was worried I would get hurt playing against all the guys. I would have been the first girl on my high school team.
How did you hear about women’s football?
Facebook. I had heard that there was a women’s tackle football team, so I looked for it and I found the Divas.
Why do you want to play women’s football?
The biggest reason is because so many say I cannot play woman’s football at my age and size. I want to prove them all wrong and to make sure my children know there is nothing you cannot achieve if you try your best. Then on another note: to hit, defend, and make my dash count.
What does it mean to you to be a D.C. Diva?
To be part of a team that is not only there for each other but that pushes each other up. This is probably why they have won so many championships, and I want to be a part of the next championship.