Not too far from Houston is the town of Lumberton. It's a small and friendly community where everyone knows each other. It's also the hometown of Crystal. Of all the thousands and thousands of beautiful women who entered Maxim's Hometown Hottie Contest, Crystal was one of the elite few who made it to the semi-finals. Houstonist had a chance to talk with this Texas beauty last week on her new found fame.

Crystal, can you tell us how you got involved in Maxim's Hometown Hottie Contest?

I saw it in the magazine and I decided to enter.

So, did you have in previous modeling experience?

No, no previous modeling experience, but I have been told that I'm photogenic and that I should do modeling many times. I never really pursued it because I thought you had to be really tall and stick thin.

What's the buzz been like around Lumberton?

My hometown has been really supportive. I have received countless e-mails and phone calls from friends, family and people I haven't seen in eight years; and even strangers telling me that they are voting and supporting me. It is really neat to have your community backing you. It means a lot. Oh, and the attention is nice too. I feel like a celebrity if someone recognizes me in Wal-Mart. (laughs)

So Lumberton is only 90 miles from Houston. Are you a fan of any of the sports teams?

I love the Astros and I'm a Texans fan. I really enjoy watching live games when I get a chance.

If Houstonist were to come and visit you, would we do for fun in Lumberton?

Well, there's not a whole lot to do in Lumberton. I would probably take you to Dippity's for a good old-fashioned burger and then go canoeing on Village Creek.

So you're a registered nurse, huh? What's that like?

I have worked on the Oncology (Cancer) unit at a local hospital for the past three years and it has been one of the hardest, yet most rewarding experiences of my life.

What's a guy gotta do to win you over?

He has to make me a priority in his life!

So you've made it all the way to the semi-finals. What is it about Texas girls that America loves so much?

Besides our charming personalities, it's our fun-loving independent spirit.

Houstonist fans can help out Crystal by voting for her daily at Maxim.com now through July 7.

Photo provided to Houstonist by Crystal