A Hopkins woman will compete against some of the greatest obstacle runners from the popular "American Ninja Warrior" TV show in a new spin-off program.
Called "Team Ninja Warrior," the show will premiere Tuesday on Esquire network. But we'll have to wait until Feb. 23 to see Jennifer Tavernier, a personal trainer and mom. That's when her three-person team makes its debut, going up against all-star ninjas from previous seasons as they race on a timed dual obstacle course.
Tavernier, who goes by the name "Minneninja" on the show, was invited to compete on the new show after serving as a "tester" on the original series. As a tester, she ran the obstacle courses before the actual competitors performed their runs.
That experience — and a little social media exposure — led to her big break.
One of the athletes chosen for the new spinoff show saw her training videos posted on her Instagram account, and he asked her to join his team for the new program.
Her segment of the show was taped last fall in Los Angeles. Although Tavernier can't spill the beans on which team won the contest, she did reveal that she got to meet one of her heroes — former "American Ninja Warrior" contestant Kacy Catanzaro, aka "The Mighty Kacy."
Catanzaro was the first woman to make it to the final round of the competition.
"I got to ride in Kacy's car. I got to go out to eat with Kacy," Tavernier beamed. "I have Kacy's number!"
