Sylvia Espinoza


	Season(s) Played with the Divas: 2015
	Jersey Number: 91
	Position: LB	Age: 32
	Height: 5-2	Weight: 145
	Hometown: Arlington, VA
	High School: Fairfax HS (VA)
	Occupation: Executive Administrative Assistant, Greystones Maritime International

Sylvia Espinoza Q&A

Who was your childhood idol? Why?
Growing up, I always loved Michael Jackson…his music, his style – he was an original. And nobody can touch his dance moves! He is one of the reasons why I fell in love with dance and music.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My brother, Jonathan…we grew up in a single-mother household, so he has always held me down as an older brother and somewhat of a father figure. As adults, we are best friends. He’s my go-to man, my confidant. And he has always supported me in whatever decisions I’ve made in life, even my stupid ones. He’s my lifting partner, and he always has my back no matter what. He’s one of the few people who never hates on me, he understands me, and I trust him implicitly. He has always been my #1 motivator. We have an unbreakable bond.
If you could have a conversation with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose? Why?
It would probably be my late grandmother…she is someone I was very close to as a child. I would just want her wisdom and guidance at times and would like to know if I’ve made her proud. I miss her very much. She was someone taken from my life way too soon. She loved me unconditionally. When she passed, that was the first time I felt true heartbreak.
Who is your female sports idol?
Serena Williams…she’s a bad ass! She always displays that ultimate determination to be the best and beat the best – the kind of motivation, drive, and role model I want as a female sports athlete.
Who is your favorite NFL player? Why?
Ryan Kerrigan…always killing people out there as a linebacker and making great plays (despite the rest of the team!) He is determined and plays like a champion, no matter what. I wanna play just like him!
What are your favorite hobbies or special interests?
Lifting weights, Bikram yoga, and writing…I find all of them therapeutic and necessary to my well-being. I also love wine tasting and cooking…so needless to say, I like to eat!
What is your favorite movie?
Dirty Dancing, Bronx Tale, The Lion King, Pretty in Pink, Beat Street, and Grease.
What is your favorite TV show?
Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Sons of Anarchy, Dexter, and Homeland.
What is your favorite travel location?
I don’t get to travel as much as I would like, but Spain is a place I would love to visit…or anywhere else in Europe for that matter.
What is your favorite food?
Anything spicy is a winner in my book. I love Thai and Indian food especially…the spicier the better! I also love meat…I’m a meat and potatoes kinda girl.
What is your favorite book?
I read too many books to choose just one favorite, but I especially love murder/mystery/thrillers.
Who is your favorite musician or group?
Music is everything to me…I listen to it all. I’m more of an old soul when it comes to music, so I listen to a lot of old school music: Motown, ‘80s music, jazz, and salsa. But if I had to pick a favorite musician, I’d probably go with Dave Matthews. Seeing him live is just an experience every time.
What is your favorite quote?
“With pain comes strength.”
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Bad Mother F—er!
What are your lifetime aspirations?
To be a good mother to my daughters. I want them to look at me and be proud of what I’ve accomplished as a woman and mother, and I want them to say, “If my mama can do it, so can I.” Everything that I do, I do for them. They’re my ultimate motivation. They’re my drive, every day, to do what I do. They are my light when times are tough, and they are what keep me going.
What was the first sport you ever played?
Basketball in middle school.
How did you hear about women’s football?
I don’t recall the exact moment, but I came across the Divas’ website a few years back and was immediately in love with the fact that there was a women’s full-contact team that wasn’t lingerie. I was instantly inspired and wanted to be on the team. I still can’t believe I am…it’s truly a dream come true!
Why do you want to play women’s football?
I want to show people, including all female athletes and especially my daughters, that women can do it all. We can be tough. We can be athletes and still be moms, have careers, and be beautiful women on the inside and outside. We make the impossible, possible.
What does it mean to you to be a D.C. Diva?
It’s about empowering women. It means showing the world that women can play football with skill and do what the boys can do…maybe even better! Being a D.C. Diva means showing the world we are here, we are present, and we play ball – well!