Recently, the ABA Pro Girls class has found itself with a new Rookie Pro Girl by the name of
Stephanie Barragan. At only 15 years old, she is one of the youngest girls in the ABA pro ranks. Don't underestimater her, though. In her last 2 NBL appearances, Stephanie won both days of 14 Girls at the 2001 NBL Christmas Classic, placed high both days in 14 & Over Girls' Open, and took home the NBL National #1 plate in 12 Girls' at the 2000 NBL Grand Nationals. BMXStatz.com got a chance to talk to Stephanie about the big jump into pro.
BMXStatz.com: Hey, Stephanie. Do you have time to do your interview now?
Stephanie Barragan: Yea, sure.
BMXStatz.com: Alright... What drove you to turn Pro at such a young age?
SB: I think it was because since I first started racing I wanted to turn Pro right when I had the chance to.
BMXStatz.com: Then what will your 1st scheduled Pro race be?
SB: I know for sure im going to be racing it at Reno.
BMXStatz.com: Ok... Well good luck there.
SB: Thanks.
BMXStatz.com: Are you planning on racing any NBL this year?
SB: Yes
BMXStatz.com: Since you're still going to be in amateur in NBL, are you going to focus yourself more on ABA, or go for an NBL #1 plate?
SB: I think I'll focus more on ABA.
BMXStatz.com: So then what are your goals in both sanctions for next season?
SB: Just to try my hardest in all my races and try to get up there to be one of the top girl pros.
BMXStatz.com: Have you been doing anything new training-wise now that you're moving up?
SB: Not really. Just kind of been going to the gym now and trying to get my gate down a little better.
BMXStatz.com: Do you think that racing open has helped you prepare for pro a little better?
SB: Yea, because now I know what I have to do to do better and I've got an idea how they kind of race.
BMXStatz.com: So is there anything your paticularly worried about?
SB: No, not really. I just think its going to be a bigger challenge.
BMXStatz.com: Who do you respect the most, or think is going to give you the hardest time, in the pro class?
SB: Well I'm not really sure right now because there are alot of top girls out there right now.
BMXStatz.com: Who's helped you get to where you are today in racing?
SB: My Dad mostly.
BMXStatz.com: OK... Aside from turning Pro... What were some of your most memorable races in amateur?
SB: I think it was the first time that I beat Ashley Galia - The Hawaiian Punch. After that she gave me the confidence that I need to achieve my goals.
BMXStatz.com: Alright well I gotta get going... Is there anyone you would like to thank? - sponsors, friends...
SB: Yea... my dad, my mom, my grandma, my boy friend - Danny Caluag, Pats 605, Phatt Matts, Frank from ODI, and any one else thats been there for me that I left out!
BMXStatz.com: OK... Well thank-you so much and good luck next season.
