Women athletes honored at `Girl Power' event

They are professionals personified.

They are legends who have written their own chapter of Rhode Island’s tradition-rich history book.

They have motivated many others and epitomize the meaning of “the extraordinary female athlete” throughout the Ocean State and beyond.

On Saturday, January 21, Olympic Gold Medalist Sara DeCosta Hayes, professional boxer Missy Fiorentino and champion kick-boxer Christina Rondeau will share the spotlight, as they are honored for their many outstanding contributions to the sports scene here in the Ocean State. DeCosta Hayes, Fiorentino and Rondeau are all native Rhode Islanders who have gone on to excel in sports.

“Girl Power” is Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. at Rondeau’s Kickboxing and RI Fitness Center, 12 Sunnyside Avenue in Johnston. DeCosta-Hayes will be on hand from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and Fiorentino from 12 to 2 p.m. for pictures and autographs. Rondeau will be available throughout the entire event.

DeCosta Hayes was born in Warwick and graduated from Toll Gate High School, where she enjoyed unmatched success as an ice hockey team goalie. She went on to star at Providence College and was a standout with the 1998 USA Women’s Olympic Hockey Team that captured the gold medal in Nagano. She helped the USA Women Olympians win a silver medal at the Winter Games in Salt Lake City and played in two IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championships in 2000 in Canada and in 2001 in the United States. The daughter of Nancy and Frank DeCosta of Warwick, Decosta Hayes was named by Brandies University as a contemporary Jewish sports heroine.

Melissa “Missy” Fiorentino was born in Cranston and went on to become a professional boxing champion in the Super Featherweight Division. Fighting under the nickname “The Fury,” Fiorentino made her professional debut on Nov. 16, 2001, knocking out Vanessa Pine in the first round in front of a hometown crowd. She then beat Ragan Pudwill by knockout in the first round on April 4, 2002. “The Fury” won her first four fights by knockout and beat Trisha Hill at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence. Hill became the first fighter to last the scheduled four rounds with Fiorentino, who won the four-round bout by unanimous decision. In all, “The Fury” won 15 of 16 professional bouts, six via knockout. Her only loss was in a world title match versus Emiko Raika, who scored a narrow 10-round decision.

Rondeau is a champion professional boxer who has won numerous titles in kickboxing and is a former member of the USA WAKO Team.

“Girl Power is all about supporting, motivating and inspiring each other,” Rondeau said. “We’ll also have some amazing vendors on hand and a raffle that goes towards the Knockout Wishes cause.”

For further information or directions should call Rondeau at 996-5425.