10 Questions With Valerie Coolbaugh (11/17/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Valerie Coolbaugh (by Darrick Patrick)

Valerie "Vicious Val" Coolbaugh is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as Bellator Fighting Championships, Take That Promotions, Xtreme Fighting Organization, HOOKnSHOOT, and MAX MMA. At the time of this interview, her next scheduled match is against Tara LaRosa in Extreme Force Productions at Extreme Force: Locked In The Cage 1 on November 20th, 2009.

Darrick: What was the path that led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Valerie: I have always enjoyed and been involved with wrestling. I grew up very tomboyish and had a dad who was tougher than leather. After having my three children, I had gained some considerable weight. I began taking Karate lessons, in combination with coaching wrestling, to help me to shed the pounds. I met C. Prakit through a friend who was taking his Muay Thai classes. He invited me to attend and found that I had a natural ability for the Thai style of striking. He thought it would be interesting for me to do a MMA fight with the wrestling background, combined with newfound striking skills, and see how I would fare in this world. I had always watched UFC on TV, but never even knew that women existed in the sport. I have been super hooked ever since!

Darrick: Are there any extra struggles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be basically the same difficulty for both genders?

Valerie: There are some extra struggles that women go through that I don't think the men have as much difficulty with. Women have children...that said, it takes time away from our training. Then after the child arrives, we have households to run and kids to take care of - plus most of us still have careers. So, finding the gym time and balancing the family time in the middle of that full schedule is tough. Most, not all, guys just have careers. So they have the luxury of the wife or girlfriend at home to handle all of those things. They just have to worry about work and getting to the gym. The little woman has the kids, dinner, laundry, house cleaning, school meetings, etc. (Laughs)

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Valerie: I respect everyone involved in this sport that respects it. Anyone strong enough to train, work hard, accept being hit, and come back for more...respect. The referees that have one of the hardest jobs and hold our safety in their hands (to an extent)...respect. The promoters that put on quality shows with a fighter's best interest and match accordingly...respect. The coaches that come every day, drill things into our heads, motivate us, and sometimes deflate us...respect. The educated fans that understand the sport and stay current, join gyms just to learn more and not even to fight...mega respect! The reporters that get the word out there, honestly, no matter how bad it may hurt, but do so much to further the sport and get OUR names out there...super respect! Like I said - everyone.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Tara LaRosa on November 20th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Valerie: I am very excited to be across the cage from Tara. I have always admired her as a fighter and as a person. She was the very first woman I found when I began looking up women in this sport and I have yet to find another as amazing as her. Rosi Sexton is a close second though. My hopes for this fight is that I can give her just that - a fight! I think my best chance against her is on my feet, so I hope to be able to keep it there. My cardio has always been a strong point for me as well and I definitely plan to utilize that.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Valerie: Helping others along is the most fulfilling aspect for me. Really though, I find everything about the sport fascinating. I have gotten into refereeing over the last several months and I enjoy that challenge, but I really like helping new people get involved and learn about martial arts. I enjoy new women that join and want to learn. I like teaching things that I have learned to adapt because women are built a little differently than men and some moves work better with my adjustments. I like passing that knowledge on hoping that the next generation of fighters is even better.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Valerie: Join a reputable gym, train hard, stick with it, and have fun! Don't do it for any other reason than because you enjoy the sport and want to have fun. Don't do it for the money, fame, or to always win - you will never get true enjoyment from this game if that's your motivation.

Darrick: Outside of mixed martial arts, what are your other interests?

Valerie: I love running, cooking, camping, water and snow skiing, scuba diving, and canoeing. I enjoy coaching and always have. I currently only coach cheerleading - in the past however I have also coached softball, basketball, dance, and wrestling.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Valerie:Oldest memory. Hmmm...I remember the first time I broke my nose. I was four years old, tripped over a parking stump thing, and face planted on the sidewalk. Broke it good and bled everywhere. I remember the visit to the ER and the doctor setting it for me. Ah, the first of several times. (Laughs)

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Valerie: I hate waxing my eyebrows, it causes horrible pain for me! Also, I always wanted to be in the Navy but having kids so young helped me to replan my future.

Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?

Valerie: My proudest moments involve my children, they are so wonderful and strong. Watching them grow to become wonderful people, despite some of the rough patches they have endured, makes me humble. They are my biggest fans and best support and I love them dearly. I view my children as an extention of myself and knowing that they are happy and successful means I have accomplished my only true duty and responsibility in life - and I am proud to say that I am their mother.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Valerie Coolbaugh in the following places:

Official Valerie Coolbaugh MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/valeriecoolbaugh

Official Valerie Coolbaugh Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/vcoolbaugh

Valerie Coolbaugh on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Valerie-Coolbaugh-34755

Valerie Coolbaugh Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/34755