To be a Renegade

Feb. 7, 2008 – At the end of August last year, I was reading through the local newspaper and I stumbled across a brief announcement for women’s football tryouts. I immediately got excited.

I’ve always wanted to play football. I tried in high school, but unfortunately had one of those misogynistic coaches who believed girls couldn’t play the game. He offered to let me play kicker, but only if I could kick at least a 30 yard field goal. No problem; I was a soccer player and had plenty of confidence. I worked hard and two weeks later demonstrated to the coach that I could actually hit 35 yarders. He completely reneged on his offer and wouldn’t let me play. He never thought I could do it to begin with. So, here it is,  almost ten years later, and I have a chance to play full contact football – and not just at kicker.

I told everyone I was going to try out. My husband worked with me to improve basic football skills such as blocking, catching, throwing, and running the 40. I am sad to say that I was very, very out of shape. Nonetheless, on September 15, 2007, I showed up for tryouts. I was nervous and excited. I think I did ok. I didn’t have the fastest time, I wasn’t the strongest, and I didn’t catch anything thrown my way, but I tried my hardest. (I pulled a hamstring in the process, too!) It must have worked. I was asked to start coming to practices.

Practices, or strength and conditioning sessions, started full swing in October. Two nights a week we get together to work on basic skills such speed and agility, strength, blocking, etc. After three weeks, I caught my first pass. The fifth week, I caught every pass thrown my way. I’m getting better, and that’s all I want right now. I want to get better and prove that I deserve a spot on this team.

 Today, I am an official member of the Alabama Renegades. The Renegades are part of the National Women’s Football Association and play 8 games of regular season, smashmouth football. Right now, I’m taking reps on the offensive line at right guard, I’m participating in defensive drills, and I’m working on my punting and place kicking abilities. I’m not the best, but I’m learning. I’m improving. I look forward to practices more than I have looked forward to anything in a long time. I’ve met some extraordinary people, and I’m looking forward to meeting more.

I love this team. The women are amazing. They run hard, hit hard, and play hard. They inspire me to work harder to become a better player. On and off the field, these women are an absolute joy to be around. I feel honored to be a part of it.

Our first game is scheduled for April 19, 2008, against the Chattanooga Locomotion in Chattanooga. This is our biggest rivalry, and I’m already anxious and excited about this game. I’m looking forward to the rivalry, and I’m looking forward to hitting someone! Now, I realize I’m going to take my fair share of hits, but quite frankly, I’m ready for it. Take your hits and hand them right back out. That is, after all, what it means to be a Renegade.