Woman of the Month: Angie Loewen

WhatIsPaintball.com: How did you get into paintball? Angie Loewen: I started playing paintball in 1997 with my boyfriend (now my husband) Darren Loewen. He went out to a bachelor party and played for the first time, and he told me how fun it was so we decided to purchase spyders and start playing as well. We played once a week at a friends feild (he had lots of old houses, cars and wood bunkers out there). It was a blast!

WIPB: How was your first time? AL: My first time playing was with a bunch of guys that I didn’t even know! We were out near Dawson Creek, playing at the local field. I just remember how scared I was sitting in a hole in the ground hiding from the other team! I had never been shot before and I was terrified of how it will hurt so bad! Then all of a sudden “BAM!” I was shot in the back of the head and I remeber thinking, “Wow! That didn’t hurt so bad!”

WIPB: How did you feel your first time bunkering a guy? AL: Well, the first time I bunkered someone was actually Darren, my hubby! It was in Calgary at MR Paintball. It was really exciting though! I felt so sneaky, because he didn’t see it coming at all!!! The only problem with that was I got too cocky and got shot out by someone right after I bunkered him!!!

WIPB: What is the funniest story you have? AL: Actually, the funniest story that I have is when I was playing rec ball with Darren and my friends Marc and Jason, and it was the middle of winter (really cold and snowy outside!). Darren and I were all dressed in white and playing on the opposite teams. I was being really sneaky and just starting to get closer to Darren and Marc to get a shot. Just when I was about to shot “Whack” I was shot in the back. I yelled “Hit” and was really confused because Marc and Darren were in front of me, so how could they possibly hit me in the back??? Then I look behind me and Jason shot me!! It was funny!

WIPB: What do you think about women in advertising? AL: Women in advertising??? Well, I think it is great. I would have to say that I think both men and women in advertising is good. I like to see things equal.

WIPB: Who do you play for and what teams have you played for? AL: I play for Team Initiative. I have actually never played for any other team. I have only been playing tourny ball for a year now, and I love it!

WIPB: What marker do you shoot, have shot, and your favourite out of all of them? AL: Right now I have a 2001 Lockout Edition Freeflow Autococker and I love it!! It NEVER breaks paint because of it’s low 30 psi cocking pressure. I have had a Bob Long Autococker, PMI Pirahna, and a spyder in the past. What is one piece of advice to other female paintball players?

The best piece of advice I can give other female paintball players is get out there and give your best! Don’t worry about the pain because the way I see it is no pain, no gain! It is a great sport and I think that women can be great at it as well as men! Don’t be shy, the guys are all great and very supportive of female players! I’ve never met a guy that doesn’t support a female paintball player. Men want to see women in the sport. So get out there and have fun!

Where do you see the future of this sport and women?

Paintball is growing rapidly! I think over the next few years, more and more women will be playing and who knows, maybe it can become a summer Olympic sport!

Who are your sponsors and other supporters that have made a

big difference in playing paintball?

Well, at this time I have no sponsors yet, but My Husband and team mate Darren has been a wonderful support to me as well as the rest of my team Brian, Chad, Derrik and Jeff. Thanks guys!!!

Finally What Is Paintball to you?

Paintball is the funnist game that I’ve ever played and I think brings out the best in me! It is full of adrenaline, and pure excitement! It is a great way to make good friends, and a great family sport as well.