The True American Model

Crystal Ruland is a model going places, but where she is headed just might come as a surprise to everyone who sets eyes upon her.

Ruland is a recently turned 21-year-old beauty from Chiefland, Florida. In high school, she was a star second baseman and catcher for two-time state champion Clay High. She had scholarship offers to continue playing in college, but instead of turning heads and double plays at a university, her dream was to join the military of all things.

Instead of following that desire straight out of high school, Ruland decided to become a licensed insurance agent for her godmother's company in Orlando. Upon her arrival, and at her godmother's urging, she decided to give modeling a shot in her free time, so she began developing a portfolio by working with local photographers that she met through the website One Model Place.

Soon thereafter, Ruland was signing a two-year exclusive contract with BMG Models, an agency out of Orlando. It was a decision that Ruland would grow to regret. Shortly after signing, BMG began pressing Ruland to go International and accept a two-month assignment in Japan. Weighing her options, she decided against the move.

"I never went because I was too chicken," she recalls. "It was a difficult decision for me, simply because you never know what might have happened."

Story by Rich King
American Superstar Mag, February 2006