PORTLAND, Ore. -- The former Blazers dancer who wowed fans with her athleticism by winning NBC’s American Gladiator last season is now starring in the show as one of the gladiators herself and says it’s quite a challenge.

Monica Carlson told KGW while she was enjoying life as a soccer mom after leaving the dance team and having twins, she’s very proud of her new identity as “Jet” on this season’s American Gladiator show.

Carlson said she’s definitely a thrill seeker and while she never would have imagined this in her future, it was an exciting new challenge she was eager to try.

“Crossing over [from contestant to gladiator] was hard. I didn't now how to act, then you have to become that character."

Carlson, 32, earned the name “Jet” on the show, for her speed and agility.

“It was the most fun thing I've ever done. It was a blast,” she said.

She added that the only downside of being on the show is how much it limits the time she can spend with her twin daughters and her husband, who is the Lincoln High School football coach.

After two months away during filming, she longs just to be a mom back in Milwaukie, Oregon again.

“I’m really looking forward to it, including making cookies, report cards, and all that,” she said.

 Background: How Carlson earned her gladiator title

American Gladiators is broadcast on KGW Newschannel 8, every Monday night at 8 p.m.