Unless there is proof to the contrary, no United States ambassador has been more visible in Philippine sports events than Kristie Kenney.

Since assuming office in 2006, Kenney has been seen in various sports events in the country, from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball games, tossing the ceremonial jump ball in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), to throwing the ceremonial first pitch in baseball games.

When the BusinessMirror caught up with Kenney to talk about sports with the help of the United States Embassy Deputy Press Attaché Karen Schinnerer, there was a genuine love for sports in her.

“It’s a wonderful experience watching the games,” Kenney said when she hosted a barbecue dinner for Filipino-American pitcher Geno Espineli of the San Francisco Giants organization on Monday night at her home in Forbes Park.

“It is like you are really part of your community. A sport crosses national boundaries. Filipinos and Americans both love sports so it is natural to be affiliated with sports here,” she said.

The dinner was attended by different sports personalities like James Yap, Arwind Santos, Willie Miller, Asi Taulava and Chris Tiu, and Mount Everest conqueror Leo Oracion.
Kenney loved sports at a very young age.
Besides basketball, she also got to play baseball where she fondly remembers her best moment.

“I was a third baseman when I was eight years old. That was the peak of my baseball career,” Kenney said.

“I wasn’t good at any of the sports I played but it was wonderful to play and be with a team. I’ve always watch sports on TV because if you play a little bit, you get to appreciate it,” she added.

Before being named ambassador to the Philippines, Kenney served as an ambassador in Ecuador from 2002 to 2005. It was there where she enjoyed football.

“They have so much great teams. I had so much fun watching them. Once I got to know a little bit about football, I got hooked,” Kenney remembered.

Kenney is a Washington, D.C., native and it is no surprise that most of the teams she roots for are from the Washington, D.C., area. She is a Washington Wizards fan and likes Gilbert Arenas.

“It’s not exactly a good year for them but I’m a Gilbert Arenas fan. We met when he visited the country and watched the UAAP games, it was a highlight for me. He is a wonderful guy. He is so nice and so friendly. A great father and a great role model,” she said.

She also roots for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League (NFL) and admires quarterback Joe Theismann, who led the team to Super Bowl XVII. Another favorite is quarterback Boomer Esaison of the Cincinnati Bengals (1984-1992, 1997).
“I actually named one of my cats after him [Esaison],” said Kenney, who also roots for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Clemson Tigers, the team of her alma mater.

She has grown to admire Filipino athletes for the past two years that she has been in Manila.

“There are some wonderful Filipino players. James Yap, he is an amazing player. I also like two new players in Sol Mercado and Gabe Norwood. They bring a lot of excitement in the game,” said Kenney, who also supports and attends the charity work done by the PBA that includes basketball clinics for the kids.

Of course, Kenney admires the rivalry between La Salle and Ateneo, that’s why she really makes it a point to watch the games every time.

“They are great schools and great fans. I believe this year, it’s the year for Ateneo. De La Salle won last year, they had a good year last year. I’m also happy for Norman Black because he is an American and he is a decent nice person. I love both teams,” said Kenney.

She also recalled the time she got to meet Manny Pacquiao last year when the ring icon visited the United States Embassy and became a fan of him not only on what he does in the ring but outside of it.

“I’m not a boxing fan. It is a little bit violent for me but he is a terrific person. He went to the embassy last year and gave an inspirational speech. To me, he is such a humble guy. I admire his dedication. How can you not be a Manny Pacquiao fan?” said Kenney.

She finds time to exercise despite her hectic schedule.  She gets up early in the morning and run. During lunch time, she goes to the gym at the US Embassy where she has a personal trainer. She also plays tennis at times.

“I never ever miss exercise. My goal is to look less skinny. I like to gain a few pounds but that is something that might not happen because I’m not a weight gainer. But I’ve never been a gym girl but they say that I’m a lot stronger than most women,” Kenney said.

How about her security when she exercises?
“They go with me. I run, they also run. They are very healthy running every day.”
Kenney touched on more American sports personalities like Kobe Bryant and Michael Phelps.

“Everyone loves Kobe. He is a talented player but I believe he won’t match Michael Jordan. He is the best and a joy to watch,” she said.

On Phelps, she said that he is definitely an inspiration to everyone who wants to excel in sports.

“He is an amazing athlete. They inspire all of us. His story about him being a boy and his difficulties [with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder] and then he turned to swimming. He is a natural person, fond of his family, and to me, it also says that you can be good at a variety of sports. If you watch someone like that, how can you be not inspired by it?” she said.