One game, I was sitting in the stands and one of the coaches, a former NFL player for the Patriots and the Raiders, asked, “Are you thinking about playing?” And I was like, “Well, you know, I'm thinking about it for next season. We'll see.” After going to those games, I went to some tryouts and was instantly hooked. Then came the decision: I would really enjoy this but, logistically speaking, how is this going to fit into my schedule? I really grappled with how I was going to make this work. I remember calling my mom and I was like, “I think I can do it. I think I can make this happen,” and she said, “I think you could make it happen.” I thought, “I’m going to do this! Here we go. We're going in.”
What are some of your favorite experiences playing so far?
I think one of the coolest things about it, besides the physical nature of playing the sport and being able to try something new and learn a new skill, is really the team aspect of it. I think it has been one of the most meaningful things. This is really the equivalent of the women's NFL when it comes to being a professional stage football team. But needing to pay to play versus being paid creates a different type of environment surrounding the sport, in a really positive way. A lot of the women we want on the team are in a variety of different careers. We have chefs, teachers, physical therapists, personal trainers, and moms. You get this wide variety of backgrounds, living situations, and places we grew up. Everyone is coming together on this common stage with this common passion, motivation, and drive to be the best at what we do. And without the financial compensation for it. That breeds an environment that's really hard to replicate in the best way.
It’s so cool to see this family atmosphere
develop among this variety of culture and backgrounds, and seeing how that comes together as a product on the field. This organization has now won four championships in a row and has seven championships overall. It is setting quite a high standard for women's football in general and is leading the pack when it comes to talent and performance on the field. Knowing what goes into it, the practices and the people coming from all over, that type of motivation is something that's really special. Everyone looking out for each other and setting the precedent for what teamwork and a team atmosphere really means.
Travel is the other portion of it. It's fun to get out and adventure all together. Like we're going to one place this weekend when we have to travel to DC, then to Tampa, then to Saint Louis, and then the championship in Ohio. We got to do some trips all together and that was kind of fun. Being in the hotel as a team and getting to have meals as a team and then doing breakfast on game day all together. This is just such a good time.