SCOTT PETERS ARIZONA STATE
By Kevin McSpadden
At Scott Peters’s Fight Ready Fitness in Scottsdale, Ariz., the former Sun Devils’ football star puts his Arizona State training into action in more ways than one.
“At ASU we did a lot of really good charitable work, which I val- ued because I got to utilize our role and responsibility to help oth- ers,” said Peters, who played football at ASU from 1998-2001. “It is a privilege to be someone who is looked up to in the community.” The proceeds of the November 2011 grand opening of Peters’ gym, in fact, went to two charities important to him and the Scott- sdale area. Peters serves on the Leadership Council of the MS So- ciety of Arizona, dedicated to helping those with multiple sclerosis. He also started Fight Your Way Out to help underprivileged youth stay in school. Fight Ready Fitness sends athletes to visit schools and inspire kids to graduate from high school.
Responsibility stretches outside of his business into the commu-
nity. Peters wants everyone to feel comfortable walking into Fight Ready Fitness, even if they are new to mixed martial arts (MMA). “It can be intimidating trying a new sport, but for me, when I tried, I found out I liked it,” Peters said.
Scott Peters learned the value of engagement in the community through Arizona State. Now he and his gym are fi ghting to become a valuable part of the Scottsdale community.
MIRANDA RUSSELL UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
By Emi Komiya
Sometimes having something taken away from you can open up new vistas. Miranda Russell thought her life would revolve around gymnastics. “There were never any other options than gymnastics,” said Russell, a Wisconsin native. “I never thought of doing anything else,” said Russell. But a career-ending injury in 2009 sent the three-time Academic All-America in a different direction. Several surgeries could not get her back to a competitive level, and though she does have another procedure set for this winter, the experience has taught her some things she did not expect. “It’s made me learn to roll with the punches and face adversity,”
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KRISTINA BASKETT UTAH
By Alisha Roemeling
As a gymnast, Kristina Baskett was used to ups and downs, fl ips and twists. But even this former MVP for Utah’s gymnastics team was not expecting the changes in her life’s direction. While winning 88 career event titles with Utah, Baskett earned her degree in com- munication and media studies, and planned to become a photogra- pher. That all changed when she joined Cirque Du Soleil. “I never planned on this at all,” she said. “I had plans to come back [home] to Seattle and get an internship, but it all changed when I got into the world of performing and acrobatics.” Along with her work in the Las Vegas edition of the acrobatic extravaganza, Baskett has steady work in television, including her third season as a stunt double on the ABC Family series Make It or Break It and guest roles on shows such as 90210. “I love the fact that it’s such a challenge and totally defi es the laws of gravity and physics,” she said of her work with Cirque Du Soleil. “I’m doing something that I shouldn’t technically be able to do. It’s something I will get to enjoy forever. “Physically and mentally, gymnastics has helped to get me to where I am today. Being a student-athlete helped me to learn how to take care of myself and to stay on top of the things I need to get done. I’m taking everything I’ve learned in college and applying that knowledge to the real world.”
she said. “It’s not something you can control. I went through a lot of pain and lost a lot of my dreams.”
With degrees in both Spanish and political science, Russell is now in Kansas City working for the Teach for America. Her career as an athlete has allowed Russell to excel in a demanding environment.
“Being an athlete has helped me be one of the most disciplined people in this environment,” she said. “I am effi cient and I know how to manage my time. That is a result of having to balance aca- demics, athletics, and a social life as a student-athlete.” When Teach For America concludes, Russell is looking to keep her options open. Returning to school or coaching are both options. “Coming back to gymnastics as an athlete will never be an option now, but to me it was always worthwhile. If it’s worthwhile, then you can do anything.”
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