Woman of the Month: Jennifer Wanner

WhatIsPaintball.com: How did you get into paintball? Jennifer Wanner: Well when I met my husband a few years ago, he was into rec playing, showed me his Autococker, (what a pick up line huh? “hey baby wanna see my cocker?”) Probably his biggest mistake was letting me try it. I wasn’t instantly hooked, I admit I was a little scared, ok a lot scared! I played rec for a bit and was always very intimidated at speedball. My husband started to play tournament ball and I started to go with his team to tourneys and help fill pods and stuff (yes I was a pod bitch) I would always get really excited when they would play and watch the other teams for moves and stuff. I found myself watching some of these guys and thinking, hey I can do better then that! So I started going to team practices trying to prove myself, so to speak, to a bunch of guys that had never taken me seriously as a player. When an opening on the team came up I expressed interest in it, which surprised my husband along with the other guys. There was a team vote for the spot because there was another guy wanting on the team as well. Lucky for them they picked me! (sorry Steve! He later joined the team as well) I now play on the novice team and am honing my skills as a killer back player, no longer the last one picked at practice for teams yippee! The road to respect was not an easy one in coming and I think it sucks that a lot of guys are naturally accepted into the sport yet women have to “prove” their skills first, but hey, baby steps, we are getting there!

WIPB: How was your first time? JW: The first time I went out it was with all guys on someone’s property. They all had semi’s and I had a pump, nice eh? My husband stayed with me because it was my first time. He was a more seasoned player then the rest of them so every one was afraid of him, in turn, no one would shoot me because they didn’t want to be shot by him. Almost took the fun out of it for me. After my first day of playing and crawling around in the dirt I bought knee pads!

WIPB: How did you feel your first time bunkering a guy? JW: WONDERFUL hehe I mainly play back so I don’t get much opportunity to do it, but on occasion it happens, and I love the look on their faces!

WIPB: What is the funniest story you have? JW: A few months ago we were playing in this tourney out of town on one of the angel fields with the big pyramid “A” We had agreed earlier in the day that if we maxed a game with all players alive on our team we would meet under the “A” and do a little dance. So last game of the day against a local rival team (couldn’t have planned that better) we maxed the game and with 30 seconds left we ran under the “A” and did a little ring around the rosey dance then ran and hung the flag. It was priceless and got the crowd roaring. I will never forget that moment.

WIPB: What do you think about women in advertising? JW: I personally don’t agree with it, but sex sells right? I think a sport that is trying to attract more players shouldn’t do things to exclude 49% of the worlds population just to sell a few products. Some companies are now developing products with women in mind (dye slide shorts and sports bras yippee) this is a great thing!

WIPB: Who do you play for and what teams have you played for? JW: I play for Team Exodus based on Vancouver Island. I have been with them since 2000 and will continue to play with them in the future unless I can get a girls team going. (slowly making progress in that department) They are the only team I have played with, but I have had an offer from another team in the past.

WIPB: What marker do you shoot, have shot, and your favourite out of all of them? JW: I currently have two markers, a 2K1 Angel Fly and a 2K2 Vision Impulse. I personally prefer the Angel, but the Impulse was a gift and I haven’t given it much of a try yet. In the past I have had a traccer, stingray, Alley Cat and a mini mag. I would still choose the angel over any of them. Its my mean, green, boy killing machine! (hehe)

WIPB: What is one piece of advice to other female paintball players? JW: Don’t get stuck in a stereo type that this is a man’s sport. Girl power all the way!

WIPB: Where do you see the future of this sport and women? JW: The future of the sport is now gearing towards spectators I think. With the whole X ball stuff happening now its bound to be heading towards tv and stuff, and that can only be a good thing for us. As for women on the scene, I can say watch your back guys! we are coming!

WIPB: Who are your sponsors and other supporters that have made a big difference in playing paintball? JW: Our local store Bastion Paintball Supply (owned by my hubby) is our main sponsor right now. We are working on a few others, so keep your fingers crossed! My main supporter would be my husband of course, always pushing me to do snap shooting drills and sweet spotting drills, getting me out of bed too early on Sunday mornings for practice. My mom is a big help too, she knows how important paintball is in my life and is very accommodating in babysitting my little ones for overnight tourneys and stuff. And I would have to thank my job for giving me Sundays off when I ask so I can go play :)

WIPB: Finally What Is Paintball to you? JW: Lots of words come to mind, teamwork, dedication, patience, a good attitude, bruises, lol I would have to say that there aren’t many things that are this fun that are legal!