Paris Smith

Paris Smith
Season(s) Played with the Divas: 2015-2016
Jersey Number: 11
Position: LB
Age: 31
Height: 5-8
Weight: 190
Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC
High School: R.J. Reynolds HS (NC)
College: UNC-Charlotte; ECPI College of Technology;
Strayer University
Occupation: eDiscovery & Forensics Specialist,
Executive Office of the President

Paris Smith Q&A

Who was your childhood idol? Why?
Marion Jones…I looked up to her because of her drive as an athlete. She strove to be the best, and that was the type of role model I needed.
Who is your biggest supporter?
I am my own biggest supporter. I have a loving mother and father who have always been there for me, but my drive to keep going and be the best me I can be is coming from within.
Who is your female sports idol?
Marion Jones…she endured adversity with winning and then losing her Olympic gold medals after she admitted to using steroids and did not let that get her down. She followed another dream of hers to play professional basketball and played in the WNBA.
Who is your favorite NFL player? Why?
Cam Newton…he presents himself as a strong individual who takes the time to give back to the community – not to mention that he is a talented athlete!
What are your favorite hobbies or special interests?
I like to read, listen to music, and watch movies. I like technology, so I keep up-to-date on the latest gadgets and technology offerings. I am also recently learning film production.
What is your favorite movie?
Seven Pounds.
What is your favorite TV show?
The Office.
What is your favorite travel location?
It’s a tie between Paris, France, and London, England. Each place has their uniqueness and beauty, but both places are cool enough that I could call them home one day.
What is your favorite food?
Macaroni and cheese.
What is your favorite book?
The Left Behind series.
Who is your favorite musician or group?
Chris Brown.
What is your favorite quote?
“Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in one’s thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Danger is very real, but fear is a choice.”
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Kind, attentive, competitive.
What are your lifetime aspirations?
I hope to travel to far-off places so that I can experience other worlds. I hope to give back to those less fortunate than me in some capacity. I hope to be successful in the technology field, especially as a woman of color, and I hope to have a big family one day.
What was the first sport you ever played?
Basketball.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Running hurdles at the regional championships in high school. I fell in the prelims, got back up, and finished the race in front of some other runners. In the finals, I had the worst lane but still won the title.
How did you hear about women’s football?
I heard about women’s football from a friend who played. When I saw a posting for tryouts, I was very excited to be a part of it.
Why do you want to play women’s football?
Women’s football will give me the opportunity to work out, meet new people, remain competitive, and learn a new sport. I’ve been a fan of football for years, but I have never played.
What does it mean to you to be a D.C. Diva?
Being a D.C. Diva means pride, family, teamwork, and greatness!