Tina Marie Mares / Pursues her dreams with a piano and pumps

Tina Marie Mares of Lynnwood is, manicured hands down, most definitely a contender in the 2006 Miss America pageant. That's a scholarship pageant, mind you. Because no matter the sparkle and bounce of the 52 contestants parading on 4-inch heels, Mares, the reigning Miss Washington, points out how winning the Miss America title means $50,000 in scholarship money. She's already earned some $20,000 for school from her previous pageantry. Not bad for someone who started competing three years ago.

Mares' girlhood dreams pointed toward soccer cleats, not pumps. Her heroes were Mia Hamm and Michelle Akers. Now the 25-year-old, on hiatus from law school at Seattle University after completing her first year, wants to be a family lawyer.

"There's always room for one more passionate voice," she says of her intended career.

On a day not too long ago, Mares sat down for an interview just before heading to a Redmond Town Center parade. She brought a winsome smile; a winner's poise and, in a sturdy box, her rhinestone tiara.

About competing:

"I see pageants as sport. Not competing against others but competing against yourself. I played soccer for 12 years. I've also played basketball, run track and rowed crew. That's where I get my competitiveness."

About flubbing an interview question, or having a wardrobe malfunction, or messing up on the piano (her talent at the Jan. 21 pageant: playing Chopin's Nocturne in E Minor):

"The more embarrassing thing happened when I was a (Seattle M's) ballgirl and I dove for an Alex Rodriguez foul ball and ESPN called it a 'face plant.' Another time I tripped in front of the dugout. But I have that skill of being able to laugh at yourself and move on."

On working out six days a week (weights; running Green Lake):

"It's about being healthy and projecting a healthy look."

Role models:

"My parents, who were both migrant farm workers" (in the Yakima Valley). Mom Elizabeth is a kindergarten teacher; Dad John works in human services for the city of Seattle.

People she'd want to have over for dinner:

Mother Teresa, Christopher Reeve, Condoleeza Rice.

One competition superstition:

Putting on her left shoe first. She's also always wearing, or carrying, a gold crucifix, a gift from her godmother when she was 14.

Is she going to win?

"Oh, sure. Absolutely. Miss Washington has never brought home the crown, and I'd love to be the first one."