NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
You can teach a ton of things when it comes to sports. How to throw a spiral, shoot a three pointer with proper form, or how to really nail that perfect free kick. But one thing you CAN’T teach is SPEED. Either God blesses you with it or you get the slow gene and use the other skills to make up for it. Once in a while, you get the athlete that has speed and learns the game at a high level. Our featured athlete has speed and the moves.The dream chaser series is all about people who have a goal and won’t quit until they reach it. Having a passion for different things is always a good thing, and something dream chasers are all about. Meet Michelle Roque, you may have seen her on ESPN or one of her YouTube highlight videos. She is a standout flag football player and trick shot artist. When not running circles around the girls AND guys she is a recording artist and writer. So let’s get to know a little about the latest FSU sensation.
JC: You made a HUGE splash with your YouTube video’s, why football and who are some of your favorite players?
MR: I have played football since before I can remember. I wanted to do everything and anything my older brother, Matthew, did. So I was always outside playing sports. I’ve always loved Devin Hester and Michael Vick. I was told when I was younger that I played similar to Vick and that always stuck with me.
JC: What other sports did you play growing up?
MR: I was always outside playing sports no matter what it was. My main sport was always soccer. My plans where to play in college but I decided to focus on school.
JC: When I think of top schools to go to in terms of awesome weather and exciting sports FSU is near the top. What is the experience like and some of your favorite game day traditions?
MR: Going to FSU has been one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made. FSU students have so much pride in our school not to mention an amazing athletic program. I even had the opportunity to witness our football team win the National Championship! For game day’s I enjoy going to my brother’s fraternity, Chi Phi, then walking to the stadium.
JC: Not too many people get a chance to represent their country, what was the Flag Football World Championships like?
MR: It was an unbelievable experience. I feel so blessed that I was chosen and got to play for Team USA. It really opened my eyes up to how competitive flag football is around the world. I was unaware of how big this sport is. We didn’t win in 2016 but I am hoping to come back more experienced and prepared for 2018 and bring home the Gold!
JC: For those of us who don’t know a lot about Flag Football, besides the contact what makes it different from tackle football?
MR: That’s a good question, but what you may not know is there is actually contact flag football as well as non-contact flag. For contact, there is blocking, a line, kick off’s, kick returns, field goals, etc… it is definitely a twist to what most people think of when they think of flag. I have been laid out a few times, to say the least. Non-contact flag has different rules depending on the league. There are many different styles such as 4v4, 5v5, 7v7, 8v8 varying from women’s, men’s, and coed. There is no contact allowed and the rules are still very similar to tackle just no kick off’s/returns, field goals.
JC: Fitness is a big part of your routine, what do you do to stay in such great shape?
MR: I personally love working out. When I first wake up I look forward to two things, eating and the gym! I will do cardio about 4 times a week and lift weights about 6 times a week!
JC: And how do you keep yourself motivated and locked in?
MR: Good luck comes from hard work! So it’s easy to stay motivated when it creates a healthy happy life.
JC: How did you decide to get into the trick videos (which are sick) and how do you come up with the ideas?
MR: Someone said I couldn’t do it, so I did. I like to prove people wrong and I hate to be told what I can and cannot do. In terms of the ideas, I kind of just winged it. What ever seemed cool at the moment!
JC: You are so versatile! Music is now on deck for you. What has the process been like, and what type of music do you do?
MR: So my step dad always tells me, “overnight” successes took years to be famous… aka no one just becomes known through one lucky song. They had lots of failed experiences before hand but it was their hard work and dedication that got them noticed. What I am trying to say is, the process has been hard and long. I have played the piano since I was 4 and been writing since I was 10. I love music with all my heart so it does not seem like a job at all. I just want to share my stories with the world. I write mostly alternative/singer songwriter and some pop but I love to challenge myself and write in all genres!
JC: Who are some artists that influence your sound and style?
MR: Not to sound cliché but I love Sam Smith and Adele. They are so true to themselves through their music and that’s what I hope to be as well.
JC: What is next for Michelle Roque in 2017 and moving forward?
MR: Moving forward I am going full throttle on music and hope to become a writer. I sing some of my songs but my true passion is writing.
Bonus Questions:
JC: With all the interviews and TV interviews you have done. What has been the coolest moment and why?
MR: Easy, I did some trick shots live on ESPN with Marty Smith! It was great to meet such an awesome guy and I loved challenging myself by overcoming some fears of live tv.
JC: When not working, what do you enjoy doing?
MR: I love to hang out with friends and family whether it’s a movie, grabbing dinner and a beer, or just laying out by the pool. I am lucky to have a great group of people who show unconditional love and support.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvJwbqVrtq8[/embedyt]
Whether it be the football field, trick shot video or in the studio, Michelle Roque is all in! Follow all her adventures on her social media accounts.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleroque/
Her Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4hV4YeS2t6I7FibCOtgyYn
SnapChat: MichelleRoque
Never letting anyone say what they can or can’t do, pursuing their passions. All these traits are what make up a dream chaser. Keep it locked with us to see who’s got next and get inspired to strive for greatness. Can’t thank Michelle Roque enough, for her time and letting me share her story.
