CanadaTorqued Magazine recently had the opportunity to talk with LFL player Carmen Bourseau, see what she had to say about life, playing in one on the fastest growing sports in the world and becoming one of the hottest internet sensations to light up your screen.
Carmen, I want to thank you for taking the time to talk with me and Torqued Magazine.
TM: Carmen, can you tell us which team you currently play for and your position on that team.
This past 2016 season I decided to take off however, I was recruited half way through by Dallas Desire. I mostly played DE and RB.
What is it like playing for one of the top teams in the league?
Playing for LA Temptation has always been incredible and playing for Dallas Desire, during the short time that I did, was also an amazing experience. You are among some of the most talented women who push each other to succeed not only on the field but in life as well.
So what gave you the idea to play women’s full contact football and how long have you been involved in the LFL?
Having spent my whole life as an athlete so when I graduated college my track and field career had ended and I felt this void. I think every athlete can attest that there is this loss of identity when you stop competing. I was trying to find something to fill that void and came across a fitness magazine that had an article about the LFL. I was instantly intrigued, looked up online the tryout dates and began to train for it. Tried out for Las Vegas Sin, got on and have been playing for about five years now.
Do you currently reside in LA or do you travel between playing?
Currently I live in Vegas and make the commute every weekend, except for this past season. However, I plan on moving this coming January to avoid such an exhausting commute.
Speaking of traveling, what is your favorite place to visit?
Ooooooo that’s a tough one. I have traveled to so many different places around the world and each place I have loved for different reasons. And there are so many other places I want to go. It depends on my mood I guess, but typically anywhere by the beach is bliss.
What were you like growing up, were you always involved in sports?
I was a complete tomboy haha. Played with the boys and was obsessed with Hot Wheels, DC and Marvel action figures. Involved in any and every sport growing up, but exceled in track and field, which took me to CSULB on a scholarship.
Take us through a typical day in the life of Carmen Bourseau!
Haha I am extremely boring…. I wake up and workout; go to work; workout again on my break; go home and relax, sometimes with friends, and start all over again.
I am curious, what is the typical response to when people find out you play contact football?
Inquirer: “So you play flag football?”
me: “No, full contact football, just like the guys except with less padding”
Inquirer: “Full Tackle Football?!??! Wow that is so crazy”
Haha that is about how most conversations start, complete bafflement and then they become a diehard fan…gets them every time haha.
I can imagine that football takes up a lot of your time, what do you to do get away from it all and just relax?
Go to the beach!!! It is my escape from everything!
Let’s get a little more personal Carmen, it seems that the good old fashioned cheeseburger has topped the list but what is your food of choice?
TACOS!!!!! Although give me a burger with bacon and I am sold!
Now on to music, what is playing in your car right now?
I listen to literally all types of music… Right now I just had Iration playing
And of course I have to ask the automotive questions as well, what is your current ride and what is your dream ride?
Currently I drive a Kia Optima… My dream car is a white Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 or a mat black, all blacked out Ford Bronco would be epic!!
Do you have an interesting secret?
Mmmmmm not that I can think of, I am a pretty open book.
With the uniforms LFL players wear, have you had any embarrassing moment on the field?
HA! I have definitely had wardrobe malfunctions on the field with girls pulling on my uniform. It is what it is, I just make sure I am wearing an extra nude bra underneath and I have some cool Star Wars or American themed pasties. I feel like you do not see the whole boob unless you see the nip as well haha.
I have seen footage of the LFL games and I have to say they are nothing short of intense. How do you psych up before hitting the field?
I have a play list that usually amps me up. But what really gets me going are inspirational videos and highlights of my favorite football players on YouTube.
Tell us what your favorite thing is about you?
Someone once described me as a controlled intensity, which I would say describes me pretty well and I love about myself.
Who has inspired you most throughout your life?
My older sister! She is my hero and I strive to be just a fraction of Bad Ass that she is!
It is easy to see your a dedicated not only on the field but off the field as well, where do you see yourself in 5-10-15 years?
Once I finish up with the rest of my schooling I see myself working as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
What words of advice would you offer to someone who hopes to follow in your shoes?
Push yourself to the limits; stay focused and dedicated to whatever it is that you want to do. Do not let other people persuade you even if you are the only one that believes in you. I have had many people tell me I could not do something and I have used that to fuel me even more. Dream big, believe in you and work hard for it. The greatest accomplishments of mine did not come easy but they were worth all the blood sweat and tears.
Carmen, again I thank you for taking the time to talk with me and I wish you the best both on and off the field.
Want to see more of Carmen? make sure to check out her social media sites listed below:
Facebook: Carmen Bourseau
Twitter: Carmen Bourseau
Instagram: Carmen Bourseau
