Post by Banana Cat on Jan 4, 2013 19:55:12 GMT -5
www.lfl360.com/articles/angela-rypien-leads-era-baltimore-charm-lfl360-com-jenifer-rodriguez/
Angela Rypien Leads The New Era For The Baltimore Charm
LFL360.com, Jenifer Rodriguez
As the New Year begins, so does the new quarterback era for the Baltimore Charm. Angela Rypien’s transition from the Seattle Mist to the Charm has brought with it new challenges, but she plans to use her experience to lead this team to a successful season.
There hasn’t been much of an “off-season” for the Charm. They have continued various training camps, practices and team activities consistently since April 2012. As Rypien settles in, she is adjusting from Seattle to Baltimore quite comfortably. “It’s been amazing. It’s been really interesting just because it’s such a different environment. Out in Seattle, it was great, but just being here with my family support is awesome. It’s been a really easy transition. As far as the plays and everything, the expectations are about the same, so it’s been a lot of fun.”
Adopting a new team for Rypien meant adopting new teammates as well. As a leader and a veteran of the game, there were still obstacles in joining a new and young team. Who are these women? How do they usually prepare during the off-season? How well do they know the game? Rypien’s previous experience with the Mist will be a major guide for the Charm in 2013. “I felt so fortunate playing for Chris [Michaelson]. When I was new, he brought me up to the pace and expectations that he had for his vets. I think that’s what’s difficult here. A lot of the girls don’t understand the pace of the game, and we’re a little bit behind from where we should be.” Rypien continued, “…no doubt in my mind, we are going to be where we need to be for that first game.”
Rypien will continue to adjust in Baltimore. As she helps the rookies on and off the field, she has been welcomed into a closely-knit group of four Charm players. They call themselves “The Clique” after the Kanye West song. Julie Oleson, Tiana Mesta (TC), Jeanine Batchter, and Tashawna Gaines spend extra time together practicing drills, looking over their playbook and working out. When asked about Rypien’s contributions as a leader, Mesta replied, “She has helped me so much in learning the game. The bond with her as the quarterback and me as the running back; she gives me a lot of key points on what I need to work on, so that’s helped me a lot.”
As Rypien builds close relationships with the rookies on her team, she is also working on her goals to become a better player herself. “Now that I have a little more experience I’m just trying to grow on it. Get stronger, get quicker, get faster. You know, all those things that athletes try to do. Just become a better athlete, and become a better leader [by] getting the team where they should be.” Although Rypien is the leader of this team, bringing the Baltimore Charm up to speed and preparing them for their season opener against Jacksonville on May 25th will have to be a team effort.
The rapid expansion of the LFL has been exciting for everyone across the league. Rypien had the opportunity to talk with LFL Chairman Mitch Mortaza, and afterwards she expressed how fortunate she is to be a part of this ever-growing league. “Literally the sky is the limit, and it’s amazing to be a part of it now. I personally want to be in the league for 5 to 10 years, and knowing I’m going to be a part of all this growth is amazing. It’s a dream come true.”
LFL360.com, Jenifer Rodriguez
As the New Year begins, so does the new quarterback era for the Baltimore Charm. Angela Rypien’s transition from the Seattle Mist to the Charm has brought with it new challenges, but she plans to use her experience to lead this team to a successful season.
There hasn’t been much of an “off-season” for the Charm. They have continued various training camps, practices and team activities consistently since April 2012. As Rypien settles in, she is adjusting from Seattle to Baltimore quite comfortably. “It’s been amazing. It’s been really interesting just because it’s such a different environment. Out in Seattle, it was great, but just being here with my family support is awesome. It’s been a really easy transition. As far as the plays and everything, the expectations are about the same, so it’s been a lot of fun.”
Adopting a new team for Rypien meant adopting new teammates as well. As a leader and a veteran of the game, there were still obstacles in joining a new and young team. Who are these women? How do they usually prepare during the off-season? How well do they know the game? Rypien’s previous experience with the Mist will be a major guide for the Charm in 2013. “I felt so fortunate playing for Chris [Michaelson]. When I was new, he brought me up to the pace and expectations that he had for his vets. I think that’s what’s difficult here. A lot of the girls don’t understand the pace of the game, and we’re a little bit behind from where we should be.” Rypien continued, “…no doubt in my mind, we are going to be where we need to be for that first game.”
Rypien will continue to adjust in Baltimore. As she helps the rookies on and off the field, she has been welcomed into a closely-knit group of four Charm players. They call themselves “The Clique” after the Kanye West song. Julie Oleson, Tiana Mesta (TC), Jeanine Batchter, and Tashawna Gaines spend extra time together practicing drills, looking over their playbook and working out. When asked about Rypien’s contributions as a leader, Mesta replied, “She has helped me so much in learning the game. The bond with her as the quarterback and me as the running back; she gives me a lot of key points on what I need to work on, so that’s helped me a lot.”
As Rypien builds close relationships with the rookies on her team, she is also working on her goals to become a better player herself. “Now that I have a little more experience I’m just trying to grow on it. Get stronger, get quicker, get faster. You know, all those things that athletes try to do. Just become a better athlete, and become a better leader [by] getting the team where they should be.” Although Rypien is the leader of this team, bringing the Baltimore Charm up to speed and preparing them for their season opener against Jacksonville on May 25th will have to be a team effort.
The rapid expansion of the LFL has been exciting for everyone across the league. Rypien had the opportunity to talk with LFL Chairman Mitch Mortaza, and afterwards she expressed how fortunate she is to be a part of this ever-growing league. “Literally the sky is the limit, and it’s amazing to be a part of it now. I personally want to be in the league for 5 to 10 years, and knowing I’m going to be a part of all this growth is amazing. It’s a dream come true.”