Q: Michelle, how and when were you first introduced to darts?

A: Shortly after moving here from South Central L.A. 8 years ago, I was at Angie's Tavern in Columbia City, enjoying an adult beverage. Some people were throwing little javelins at a lighted pie-cut contraption. Coral Gilmore saw me looking at them, came over and asked me if I would like to play. I told her I knew nothing of the game and she assured me she would help. I had so much fun, even though I couldn't hit much, I've been hooked ever since. Thanks Coral!


Q: What was your rating when you began and what is it today?

A: I started as a 2, am now a 5 and hope I roll to a 6 for this season.


Q: What have you done to reach this point in your game?

A: I don't play league anymore than 2 nights a week, usually only one night. I believe that if you play too many nights, you lose your enthusiasm for the game and it brings your rating down, or at lease you stay the same. I also try to play with the same partners. Pretty soon we are competing against each other, not the other team. It irks me when one of my partners gets a hat trick before I do! (he-he-he)


Q: Are there certain rituals that you perform before the big event?

A: Absolutely! I MUST have my rings - all 5 of them. Once I forgot them, drove my partner crazy. She was willing to stop the match so I could go home and get them - anything to stop my whining. Also, I have to have my lip balm in my right pocket. When I get under pressure, I'm putting on my lip balm. And, of course, a tall glass of tanquaray and cranberry juice close at hand - aiming fluid, you know?


Q: What has been your greatest achievement so far?

A: I won the lottery! Well, not THE lottery, but the Grand Master lottery at World's last year. That was too cool! I got to play with a male grand master from Cali and I was sooooo nervous. After the play started and I saw he didn't really need me, I relaxed and had a great time. What an opportunity that was for a low rated player! I'm disappointed that they don't have the lottery this year.


Q: Who are your favorite partners for leagues or tournaments?

A: Sally Gutierrez, she can really bang the boards! Liz Bowers, she doesn't drink during darts and keeps me pointed in the right direction - strategy wise. Coral Gilmore, she reminds me that darts are fun and it's just a game, so enjoy!


Q: Is there any one person that you credit for your skill progression?

A: That'd be my man - Chris Hoskins - MM13. He really makes darts look so easy.


Q: Which are your favorite dart houses and why?

A: Wayne's World - For Real - besides the great roomy dart area, they have awesome staff that really know how to keep those Tanquaray and cranberries coming and dancing, which is my second favorite pastime.


Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: That would be Chris again. Some day I dream of beating him...just one game...some day...


Q: Do you have short term and long term goals in the sport and what are they?

A: My short term goal would be to outshoot my partners every night of league. My long term goal is to be a female Grand Master this time next year. Maybe Medallist will have the lottery back next year and I can be the Grand Master, giving another player an opportunity to 'play up'.


Q: How do you react when somebody kicks the board out of anger?

A: I absolutely love to see any display of frustration in my opponents. Slam your darts on the table, I'm up next, watch me, I'll bang it! Yell a cuss word out loud, the louder the better, remember, I'm up next and I'll take advantage of the situation. Never let your opponent see you sweat! When I see that, I know I'm shooting well, pushing them and they can't hang.


Q: How do you feel about competing with higher-rated players?

A: I like to shoot with, against, or even watch higher-rated players every chance I get. I have learned so much about strategy just by watching. When I get to actually play with a higher-rated player, I learn even more. Probably drive them crazy with all the questions, but I don't want to ever stop learning.


Q: Are you doing anything to attract new players to the sport?

A: I think so. I'm always willing to practice darts with anyone available. I think my sense of humor helps people see that this is a fun game and should be played that way. And I especially enjoy it when a 'newbie' hits something good and gets so excited. That's a constant reminder of that three letter word we seem to forget...FUN.


Q: If you could make any changes anywhere in the sport, what would you do?

A: I'd like to see Singles matches in the B division. That would be another good skill builder for the lower rated people. Bring back the Grand Master events to World's. I might qualify next year, and with no events, where is my motivation to reach that goal? And I'd really like to see a better rating system for tournaments for the new or returning players. The systems seem to vary from bar to bar, making it very difficult to get a fair rating for the new/returning players. Has anyone ever been beat by a new male 4 that just shot 112 in '01 and 3.5 in cricket? I don't think I'm the only one that has seen this.