SBOTD Presents: Kelly Gresser, BDB Writer

Posted January 1, 2012 by Kelly Gresser in Roster

Let’s talk sports. Wait, you want to know about me? I grew up in the Midwest playing soccer. I also managed to do some track, cross-country, horseback riding and hapkido. I love to watch hockey, but only mastered ice-skating and rollerblading as an adult. Now in the summer I like to get out and play roller hockey when I’m not training for a triathlon, open water swim or just hanging out with my pups.

23 Questions with Kelly Gresser:

(1.) In three words, how would your friends describe you?
rule-follower, energetic, passionate

(2.) Who are your favourite athletes or sports teams to watch?
Chicago Blackhawks, even when they were bad. Man, tickets used to be easy to get. Miss that.

(3.) Peanut butter: crunchy or smooth?
Almond butter

(4.) I love BDB but I pay my bills by:
I work for an employee assistance program researching client requests for anything from housing payment assistance and child care to puppy buying, monkeys for parties (NOT a good idea) or tickets to the Olympics. If it is searchable and ethical I’ll find it.

(5.) What’s in your DVD collection and/or what’s your favourite book?
I’ve watched the movie Elf more than any person should.

(6.) Growing up, did you have a role model or someone who inspired you to be who you are?
My dad has always been my role model. He was my soccer coach, helped me learn how to skate, and has always worked hard for the things he wants out of life. He is a multiple time Ironman Triathlon finisher and still spends quality time with his family. He has inspired my healthy life choices and my love of sports. Sometimes people question how ‘healthy’ staying up until midnight for a west coast hockey game and then waking up to swim before work is, but it’s the Gresser way.

(7.) Who would you bring back from the dead and what would you say to them?
I really don’t want to see dead people!

(8.) What song do you sing at karaoke – or would you sing if you had to?
I was told to kindly leave my high school choir program so nobody really wants me to sing, but probably “Call Me Maybe”. It is a fun song, and hopefully other people would sing along.

(9.) If you won a million dollars in a lottery, what would you do with it?
Pay off student loans!

Haven’t thought past that.

(10.) If you could interview any athlete, who would it be and why?
Stu Grimson. He was an NHL tough guy. I think he would have an interesting opinion of the sport and would like to get his opinion on how the game has changed with all the new safety rules.

(11.) If you could be a fly on the wall in any sports team locker room, which one would it be and why? Well, the locker room isn’t usually my favorite as a fly I’d probably have to keep my eyes closed unless everyone was fully clothed (pants, shirt, shoes, and you can wear a hat too if you would like). I’m curious if Coach Q is as scary in person as he seems, so I would like to see how he addressed the Blackhawks when they are losing a game.

(12.) Is there a motto, saying or core truth you try to live by?
Never, never, never give up.- Winston Churchill

(13.) Are you single, dating, or locked down? What do you notice first about the opposite sex?
Locked down. The first thing I notice about a guy would have to be their sense of humor. Having someone stare at you because they don’t get your joke is just so great!

(14.) What’s your idea of the perfect date?
Probably a hockey game; but only if you actually watch the game. Then is not the time to discuss current events.

(15.) What has been your proudest accomplishment to date and what are your goals for the future?
I hope this summer to say my proudest accomplishment is completing a 1.25 mile open water swim. Stay tuned.

I am currently trying to learn French to be more helpful to our Canadian clients at work. It isn’t going well, but a girl can try!

(16.) Name something you do when you’re alone that you wouldn’t do in front of others.
Climb on a counter to reach something up high. If I wasn’t alone I would ask you; you are probably taller than me!

(17.) What are your three biggest pet peeves?
1. Horrible grammar- If were going to hang out we’re going to have a problem with your bad grammar.

2. I am a twin and people ask me all the time how to tell my sister and I apart. Really? I don’t have that problem; I am one of the two of us. (if you do meet her, she is taller and probably has better accessories)

3. Late people.

(18.) If you had a round trip ticket to any destination in the world, where would you go and why?

Australia. I would love to go to their wildlife parks. Tasmanian devils are my favorite animal.

(19.) What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Don’t be afraid to try new things.

(20.) What’s your most memorable moment as a sports fan?
My dad and I went to game two of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. It was awesome to share that experience with my dad; and everyone else in the standing room only section! Wearing a hockey jersey and shorts is not usually something that happens when you are in Chicago.

(21.) What are your guilty pleasures?
I’m a big fan of hot chocolate. Even in the summer. Really, the stuff is great!

(22.) Name five items you couldn’t live without.

Phone, toothbrush, chap stick, my pets, alarm clock

(23) What do you want to be remembered for?
I probably will be remembered for having many pets; but would like to be remembered for caring about and helping others; even if they cheer for Detroit.