Stephanie Ziajka, performs the Orlando Solar Bears National Anthe

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you!) if you make a purchase using any of these links.*

During the short period of time I’ve been crowned Miss Tampa Bay USA, I’ve experienced quite a few memorable adventures. Wearing the crown is an empowering sensation; it’s as if you have unbreakable armor on, and you can conquer the world. Last month I was invited to conquer the rink. To my utter shock and elation, I was asked to sing the Orlando Solar Beras National Anthem before a huge game at the Amway Arena, where the Orlando Magic play, on December 22nd, and it was hands down the coolest (no pun intended) thing I’ve done in a long time.

Orlando Solar Bears, Ice Hockey, Orlando, Stephanie Ziajka, Miss Tampa Bay USA, Diary of a Debutante

Top: Forever 21 | Jeans: Express | Boots: Dana Buchman | Bag: Longchamps

It’s been a while since I’ve performed, so my nerves were on high alert. Honestly, the last time I was on a stage was probably during the 2012 local MAO season. I never imagined my next performance would be in a huge arena for my favorite sport in front of thousands of people–7,000 to be exact.

My bestie M and I arrived early for a sound check and were escorted in through the VIP media entrance. We were then taken to a huge and rather baller green room, where we did somersaults and hand stands until it was time to sing.

The sound check went really well, and it only took one run-through to mesh with the acoustics… so back to the green room we went. It’s really not fair to assume that you can put M and I in a room together for roughly an hour and expect us to behave. We’re really mature.

After all the gymnastic shenanigans, it was showtime. The 60 seconds of my time on ice is really a haze… it went by so fast, but the minute in the spotlight is one I’ll never forget. If y’all have been following me for a while, you may remember that “Sing the National Anthem at the Amway Arena (Magic Game-same thing)” was on the 25 before 26 list I posted on my birthday. This was before I became fully healthy, before I decided to compete in pageants again, and before I decided to resume facilitating my life mentality of taking the chance while I have the choice. I never honestly thought I’d have the opportunity to fulfill this dream.

Heyyy, cutie pie. I’ll be honest… a sliver of the best part was flirting with the opposing team. They were all so sweet (and smokin’). It also didn’t hurt that both teams’ players skated around on ice prior to the anthem, so I got to majorly creep, which calmed my nerves.

Hurray for my proper vocalizing posture. M recorded a portion of it, and even though I wish I could share the entire thing, only about 40 seconds made it in the video. My voice was a little hoarse, as I was recovering from a sore throat, but it went well–all things considered. You can watch my super cool video here:

This is truly a memory I’ll cherish forever. I’m a lucky titleholder. Go Solar Bears!

40 thoughts on “Miss Tampa Bay USA 2015:
Performing the Orlando Solar Bears National Anthem”

Jackie Harrison January 5, 2014 at 12:54 am

Awesome post Stephanie great job on the Nation Anthem you look beautiful doll. Have a great Sunday.
http://tifi11.blogspot.com

Always Enough: How to Start Your Own Fundraiser with Custom Ink

Clear The Shelters: A Day at Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter

Hope Is the New Pink: 15 Products Benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness

40 thoughts on “Miss Tampa Bay USA 2015: Performing the Orlando Solar Bears National Anthem”

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

40 thoughts on “Miss Tampa Bay USA 2015:
Performing the Orlando Solar Bears National Anthem”