Marissa Guthrie

• Age: 18
• Sebastian, Florida

Sport Interests:  Surfing, softball, and golf.

How I got started in sports:  I feel blessed to have been born into a surfing family. Both my parents surfed and I have three older brothers that surf as well. They give me a lot of encouragement. We have traveled to Hawaii and Costa Rica on surfing vacations. I've been surfing for five years.

Athletic goals and achievements: I have been competing whenever I can, mostly in NSSA college division, Christian Surfers, and the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic, where I finished 4th this year in the Pro Women's division. (Though surfing is her first love, Marissa broke her high school's record as a pitcher for the Sebastian River Shark's softball team by striking out 16 girls in one game.)

Philosophy: Surfing helps me in so many ways! It's nice to paddle out on a good day and catch some good waves. One good wave can change my whole day. Even when the waves aren't too great, it is still nice to be out with my friends. It is the best sport and an awesome lifestyle.

Education:  I am now attending Flagler College in St. Augustine, the oldest city in the USA and loving it! Communications is my major, but I am considering switching to education.  I have a 3.5 GPA and have received scholarships from the Eastern Surfing Association and NSSA. I also received the Florida Bright Future scholarship and the Dollars for Scholars award.

Favorite Girls4Sport wear: The string bikini... It is so comfortable and I love the design!