5 Questions With Coach Lee

Dion A. Lee, CEO and Head Coach of the Las Vegas Showgirlz can be found all over the Women's Football Talk programming when he isn't working on his team or other contributions to women's football. He stopped his busy schedule enough to be a guest for five questions today:

1. Describe your coaching experiences that have led you to the Showgirlz. What other coaching experience do you have? Have you coached sports other than football?

Coaching goes back to 1994 for me as a full-time thing. After my college career I went back to my high school (Carson High, in Carson, CA) and made my coaching debut as the Defensive Back coach. That year I coached and developed one of the best secondary in the City, 3 out of 4 were selected on the first team All-League team and All-City team that year. I knew all along that I wanted to coach for a living. In my second year I was promoted to the defensive coordinator position. But as life goes on I went back into my true love full time, entertainment promotions. From 1996 to 2001, I made my living in the entertainment industry as an Urban Marketing Specialist.

The need to get back on the field came in 2001, when I saw an ad for a head coaching position at Pasadena High. When I answered that ad the position was filled but I was asked to join the staff as a Defensive Back coach. The following year I was promoted to Defensive Coordinator. From 2001 to 2005 I helped put Pasadena back on the map and we were the top defense in the C.I.F in 02, 03 and 04. I was also the head Track and Field coach, again building the program up by recruiting heavily on campus to get us rolling. In track we won two boy league titles while I was there, but was more proud of building the girls program from 10 girls to over 75 and help them make it out of league and into the C.I.F. After the 04 season I was interested in becoming a head coach as the head coach was stepping down. But again life happens and my wife and I decided to move to Las Vegas. I drove back and forth from Pasadena to Vegas for the next 2 years to continue teaching and coaching Track and Field. Before we moved, I had befriended Aubrey Duncan of the Los Angeles Amazons. He wanted me to help coach his team of women football players. At first I just laughed, "women, right!!!" It wasn't until I went to a WPFL Championship in the Fall of 04 that I saw a game live.........and I loved it!!!! I told myself I have to get involved. So in the Fall of 2005, I went to Dallas Texas and presented the Las Vegas Showgirlz as a team to add to the WPFL line-up.

The Spring of 2006 is when we got started and never looked back, the first tryout was a little disappointing, we only had 7 players make it out that day, but we had 10 different media outlets there to see us. We ran practice as though we had a full team knowing that the news was going to cover a select few anyway. Players started seeing on us on the news and in newspapers and the next week we had 20 new girls out there. The week after we had 30 more new ones plus the other 30 or so others. Now we have a team. That year we had over 120 women come out and tryout for the team. I told the ladies that it is going to take us 5 years before we are on top of this Women's Football "thang". We went 2-5 in 2006, 2-6 in 2007, 5-3 in 2008, and 8-0 in 2009 losing in our first appearance in the WFA National Playoffs. In 2010, this is the year - just like I planned 5 years ago!!!

2. Tell me about your annual conference - what was your motivation, inspiration, and how did it all come together?

The annual camp and conference is nothing new, it was just something that wasn't being done in women's football. There are 100's of camps and clinics for football players and coaches all over the nation but none were open or for women football players. I have been around the women's game since 2005 and saw a need for our product to get better. We had good players but the true football fan wants to see great players. So after talking to a few coaches out there we talked about the needs of the players and created the WFCC or the Women's Football Camp and Conference.

At first the Camp and Conference was not welcome with open arms. Even though it was a great idea, the leagues out there didn't feel in was needed. They felt that all the owners would get together and talk and recruit each other out of each others' leagues and the same with the coaches. They thought that teams would be lining up to recruit their players.

As you can see they were all wrong....lol! The purpose was to get everyone that wanted to improve their game on and off the field to come and experience that. To learn the game, to be taught by others, to get the latest in coaching, to find out how to get sponsors, how niche marketing is what we do, how to sell season tickets and getting fans in the stands, to come together and work together.

In 2008 we had 42 campers there, in 2010 we had 73 campers and 13 management staff attend. Has it hit the numbers that we expected? No, not even close, we have what - 100 teams or so out there!!! We were looking at 2 coaches from each team, 2 management staff and 4 players, giving us a total of 800 attendees for the Camp and Conference. Very real listed numbers. We will get there on day some, as of today, March 5th, we have over 130 signed up for the January 6th, 2011 Camp and Conference.

3. What sports have you personally been involved in throughout your life? What do you do now for fun, competition, or health & fitness?

I have been involved in several sports from the age of 5 to now. I started playing sports at the age of 5 with flag football and basketball. I stuck with football and track throughout high school and college. Later I earned a D1 scholarship to attend and graduated from Cal State University of Long Beach. I played Defensive Back and later switched to Wide Receiver, earned All Big West Conference in Track and Field.

What I do now as far as competition is compete against my two kids and wife in everything; from racing to the front door, playing the Wii System, Bingo and Candyland. I get a little more fit by working out, side by side with the ladies that I Coach in football. Other than that, walking and running at work as a Recreation Sports Specialist for Clark County Parks & Rec.

4. Who are your role models and why? Do you consider yourself a role model? Why or why not?

My role models are to this day are still my parents. They have always shown me the way. They have helped me become the man that I am today.

I see myself as a role model to many out there. Coaching is a position where you are looked as a role model, a teacher, a leader. I am a leader and believer and I show that in my everyday work habits to help build Women's Football.


5. Tell me something that may surprise people to know about you.

Wow, that's a hard question, but as I think about it, most people don't know how funny I am. I should of been a comedian.....lol!

5 Questions To Get You Ready For Football!

Yes, it is that time again - time to start thinking about the IWFL and WFA seasons. Here are links to some of my player interviews to get you back in the mood:

1. Wendi Kali, Portland Fighting Fillies. Wendi also has her own blog that chronicles her ups and downs as she trains for the season.

2. BJ Coletta, Women's Football Talk Host. Barb is part of the awesome team that brings the premier location for everything women's football radio.

3. Amanda Garcia, Southern California Breakers. I still remember the first time I met Amanda. She half-sarcastically asked me if I was going to interview her. So I did. Since then I've watched her do some serious crushing of the opposing teams to her Southern California Breakers.

4. Michelle Jacot, Southern California Breakers. Michelle is the living proof that Lingerie League girls really can play full-contact football.

5. Joy Barry, Southern California Breakers. Joy's rookie season with the Breakers was amazing. Prior to last year she had only played in men's leagues.

5 Questions With An IWFL/LFL Player

Are Lingerie Football League players actually athletes? Read today's interview with Michelle Jacot and find out:

Hello, my name's Michelle Amara Jacot, I'm 24 yrs old and grew up with my parents, three brothers, and an assortment of pets in Garden Grove, California. Since the age of four I was submerged in dancing until the age of about thirteen. From that point on I made a choice to pursue soccer, the sport I loved most and continued to play up until my two years of community college at Orange Coast College (OCC) were finished. In high school I also joined the track team and was involved mainly in the high, triple, and long jumps. After OCC, I transferred over to Cal State University of Fullerton (CSUF) and just focused on my degrees: BA in psychology and a minor in sociology while continuing soccer for the Orange County Women's Soccer League (OCWSL). I graduated in December of 2007 from CSUF and since then have traveled, been working as a dancer, model, athlete and enjoyed focusing on the new sport in my life - Football!

1. How did you come to start playing football? What other sports, if any, have you been involved in over the years?

Who knew women's tackle football existed?! I sure as heck didn't! I was at a friend's house and Christy Crizer was the one to tell me and Giovanna Ferraro about the IWFL. We both were ecstatic and decided to go to a training and the try-outs last December 2008. I grew up being around football as my dad (a true 49ers fan!) and brothers all watched the sport when we were younger, but I never was as interested in it because I didn't understand all the plays and positioning that took place! Now that I've learned the sport better and been playing for the past year I love watching football and it helps me notice more about what I need to improve on when I play.

As I mentioned, the main sport I've played throughout the years is soccer. I also participated in jumping for Track & Field, played co-ed softball for two years, and have my outside athletic hobbies such as lifting in the gym, snowboarding, surfing, beach volleyball, wrestling, and anything else I find appealing and fun to try!

2. Which league is the tougher to play in: the IWFL or the LFL? What drew you to each?

It's quite hard to say whether the IWFL or LFL is tougher to play in! The biggest distinguishing factor is the protection involved! If you think about it, it's tougher to play with such minimal clothing & padding while your skin is more exposed to damage; especially when playing on a turf field! But, in my overall opinion the IWFL is tougher in the sense that I am going up against women that can range up to five times my size. In saying this, whether you're in full gear or not, overall body damage is worsened by hitting and getting hit by someone bigger in size than myself. In the LFL, yes there's taller and heavier women than myself but it's more comparable to play against than in the IWFL. Physically, the IWFL is tougher. Mentally, both are very similar in toughness. As an athlete in any sport, you have to be mentally stable and prepared to perform well consistently, take critique, and be open to learning the game and improving as well!

I was drawn to the IWFL at first simply because I thought it was so fantastic and empowering that women were playing full on tackle football! I wanted to be a part of. I'm very free-spirited and always wanting to try something new; and especially with my obsessive sport ventures I just knew I had to try playing for the IWFL. It was perfect opportunity for me (although expensive!) to learn the game and challenge myself and it set me up for then finding out about the LFL! After the Breakers season was finished Coach Manny mentioned that I would be a good candidate for the LFL, so I called Joey Davenport (QB for the Los Angeles Temptation) and ended up getting accepted to play for the LFL. I was drawn to the LFL because it was different in the sense that we're not only football players, but viewed as entertainment as well which I felt could open up more doors and opportunities for me. Yes, we're getting paid to play the sport, but overall I just liked the idea of it and I wanted to continue playing football!

3. Do you find you are taken seriously as an LFL player? How about an IWFL player? Which do you think has more respect and/or recognition?

Just the word "Lingerie" throws people off! It kind of insults me because at times people do not take the LFL seriously; well not until they actually go on the website to see our game clips or come watch a game live. Some people know about it and are total fans and respect us as true athletes, not just women running around half-naked! That's what I hope to accomplish. Yes, we're in tiny outfits, but I want people to know that we're training and playing real football and that we're women trying to accomplish that one day this may become just as big as the professional men who are athletes! I am very respected as an IWFL player because we're in full gear and have almost replicate to that of NFL rules. Still, just like the LFL, many people do not know these leagues exist and it's unfortunate. But because of the lingerie factor and us being viewed and put out there for entertainment and sex appeal, ultimately the IWFL is more respected in certain ways.

4. Who have been your role models thus far? Do you consider yourself a role model?

I can't say I have a single one role model, but there's specific people I've met along the way in my life that offer me outlooks and inspirations that I would consider that of role models. I admire certain people who have certain strengths and have experiences that I look up to and try to accomplish as well. I do feel in particular ways and circumstances that I am a role model to some. I can only hope so. I do feel I have a certain presence and strength that people look up to and I try to be as positive as I can to help others and my teammates out. There's a lot more growing I have to do and in that journey I hope to improve on being more of a role model for others!

5. What are your plans for the future? How much of your future includes football?

I'm one of those free birds where I just do whatever comes my way! I don't have exact plans for the future, but as far as right now goes my near future plan is to travel a bit more and try to do more soul-searching. I will be leaving March of this new year to Europe, thus the reason for not playing for the IWFL this season. I plan on continuing my athletic route in sports and I don't think I will ever give up sports until I'm too old and/or incapable of participating! I do feel deep down, even if I leave the country for a while that I will be back and continue playing football. It's rooted in me now and I would like to learn more and keep advancing as a football player, as well as being part of the wonderful teams & leagues I've experienced this past year!!!

5 Questions - Women's Football

There has been a lot of buzz about the upcoming seasons of WFA and IWFL, the LFL, and IWFFA so I thought we could revisit some of the great interviews that have been here with current and former players.

BJ Coletta, Women's Football Talk

Wendi Kali, Portland Fighting Fillies

Amanda Garcia, Southern California Breakers

Joy Barry, Southern California Breakers

Becky Leetch, Southern California Breakers

Vanessa Santiallan, Southern California Breakers

Jody Van Zanten, Southern California Breakers

Oh yes, you saw me mention the LFL. It seems like there is quite a bit of discussion about this league lately - more than past seasons. If you don't know what the LFL is then you can look here.

To keep up on everything in the world of women's football, check out Women's Football Talk. The blog and radio show is one of the most comprehensive locations for everything women's football.

Tales From The Inbox - December 3, 2009

*Today's video has a bit of foul language so if that bothers you then don't watch!*

Wow, December...bah humbug...

Women's Football: For all of you fans of the IWFL, WFA, or other women's football league did you know there is a social media site dedicated to the women's tackle football? Sign up for an account to the Women's Tackle Football Group here.

The IWFL also has their own network that you can join here. *Thanks KD!*

This Week's Sign Of The Apocalypse: I have signed up to play Fantasy Golf. Yes, I know.

Buy Some Cool Gifts: If you're looking for inexpensive, yet cool gifts that are also something that can be used then check these out (and yes, at one time or another I have been given or won samples of these but that doesn't change the fact that I use them and think they are very cool AND they didn't pay me to include them today). These are also easy on the budget:

Photo Ball Marker

The Tote Buddy

Identity Golf

Mid-November Blogspotting

Open Mic: The Women's Football Talk group has a new show that debuts tonight. Women's Football Open Mic will be hosted by Wendi Kali. Wendi has been a guest for 5 Questions as well.

Glam Slam: Speaking of football, today's post on A Glam Slam discusses the future of college football fashion. This is a newly launched blog, check it out!

Did I Already Share This? I can't remember if I ever shared the link to the Twitter Girls of Photo Ball Marker. PBM are a fun company with a fun product that is a great gift idea.

It's Getting Dark Earlier: This doesn't mean that you can't still try to squeeze in a round of golf in the afternoon. I tried this just over the weekend and so did Heather. I'm guessing my round was a bit warmer though.

Bad Golf: Yeah, I play plenty of bad golf myself. The One-Eyed Golfer has an interesting post about a documentary that covers a tournament that I want to enter. The Average Man Invitational has a big prize and very low requirements. I'm gonna try to catch the application window for next year and see if I can get in!

Wild World of Wednesday - November 18, 2009

If you've been a frequent visitor over the life of this blog you will have noticed that I have a rather short attention span when it comes to sports. Bring the next shiny highlight on the screen and I've already forgotten what it was that I was doing in the first place. It doesn't bother me at all, I just go with it. Honestly, I don't understand why I should only follow one sport! For me, that would be completely impossible. Don't get me wrong - I truly admire those who can focus on only one sport. I would probably be a much better golfer if that was all I did. Heck, I know I'd really shred in the water if I only concentrated on surfing.

The wild thought I realized this morning was that I have barely written about much of anything but surfing and golf in the last few months. This hit me when I heard a news headline as I woke up and heard that the Galaxy are in the playoffs? Wow, where have I been? Disgusted with the whole Beckham thing last year I guess.

Actually, I have really been trying to DO as opposed to WATCH. Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoy being at a stadium or even watching a good match up on television. Over the last year I've really been more focused on DOING. I can't sit quietly for long periods of time. I've got to get out and be active.

No matter the season or region, there is something that you can be DOING. Seriously. Get off the couch or bar stool and do something.

What are you going to do?






Today In Sports History - The Birthday Edition

Happy Birthday to: Warren Moon, Gary Sheffield, David Ortiz, and Jason Williams

5 Questions With Another Football Star

Social media rocks! I meet so many awesome athletes this way and today's guest is a great example of that. Wendi Kali is a dedicated football player that recently realized her dream of raising enough funds to attend the 2010 Women's Football Camp in Las Vegas in January. She is chronicling her training ups, downs, and lessons learned in her blog My WFA Days. You'll see her on the field with the Portland Fighting Fillies for the upcoming season. She's pretty amazing and I know you'll see what an inspiration she is after reading this - I'll let her introduce herself:

I was born in San Diego, CA and grew up in Escondido, CA. I spent a couple of years in the Marine Corps and had my son at a pretty early age. I spent 15 years, off and on, getting my degree in business finance while working full-time and supporting my son and me. Today my son is 19 and attends the Art Institute of Portland and is majoring in Media Arts & Animation. I graduated with a BS in Business from Portland State University in August 2007 and have worked for a chain of pubs & breweries in the Pacific Northwest as a Senior Accountant from October 2007 until now. This December I turn the big 40!

1. How did you get started in women's football? How long have you played? How long do you hope to play?

I first heard about the Portland Shockwave back in 2006 or 2007 and attended a few games in 2008 but, at the time, my schedule wouldn't allow for time to play and practice. At the end of 2008 a lot of things had changed in my life and I fell into a pretty deep depression. A friend of mine got me to finally go to a therapist to turn things around and while in therapy I decided to play for the Shockwave. Football, quite literally, saved my life. I had found my outlet and felt incredibly empowered by it. Last year was my rookie year and I hope to play for as long as my body will let me. It's such an incredible adrenaline rush and a great way to get out all of your frustrations.

2. How do you train for your position and what position(s) do you play? What is your ideal position to play and is there another position that you would prefer to play?

I play Offensive Tackle and Defensive End. I love to play defense and love being on the line because it's that much closer to the action and the quarterback. I haven't been able to get a number in the 'sack' column on the stats yet but I'm working on it. We've started our practices this past month and have been working mostly on form and technique but I've been working out at the gym two to three times a week plus I've been attending Bikram yoga classes this past week. I do some sort of work out every day and focus a lot on the muscle groups I need to perform on the line. I also work on my mind set and determination while working out. Focus, strength and determination are important in this game.

3. What are the biggest challenges playing football for you? The greatest rewards?

The biggest challenges playing football have been the physicality of it and the time commitment. I watch the NFL players and wish I was able to commit my day time hours to working out and getting better for myself and my team like they do. I hope that someday, women have the same opportunity as men do as professional football players. The greatest reward in this sport is accomplishment. We start together as a team and we learn and grow and win as a team. On a personal level the greatest reward for me is the opportunity itself. As a woman who grew up wanting to play baseball and football but didn't have the opportunity to do so because of my gender, I feel incredibly blessed to have this opportunity.

4. Who are some of your role models? What types of people make the best role models in your mind? To that effect, do you consider yourself to be a role model? Why or why not?

My Grandfather for his joyful outlook on life, His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his compassion, and Junior Seau and LaDanian Tomlinson for being excellent individuals both on and off the field. Any athlete that walks his/her talk, is passionate about their sport, looks to the positive side of life and is compassionate towards others are also great role models to me. People who rise above their life struggles and constantly strive to be better while helping those around them are excellent role models. To that effect, yes, I do consider myself to be a role model. I strive to always be that teammate everyone wants on their team. One they can trust, who supports them and encourages them and can also just listen when needed.

5. If you were asked to give a talk to young people (pre-teen) about playing football what are some of the things you would say to them?

Believe in yourself, always strive to be your best, keep a positive attitude and remember that you will never know all there is to know about football or the position you're playing. Just like in life, there's always more to learn.



I'll be sure to catch up with Wendi again in the near future to check her progress. You can find her on Twitter and follow her blog.

GOOD LUCK WENDI!!

Wild World of Wednesday - October 21, 2009

Another Contest, Just From Somewhere Else: I was sent the link to today's video with a website and some information about a new contest. The whole thing is promoting LASIK for those of us who participate in water sports. Watch the video and go to the website to learn how you can win prizes valued up to $5,000.

Here's some copy from the source:

It’s no secret that many of our beaches/lakes/rivers are polluted. What many people don’t know is that soft contact lenses absorb this polluted water. As if that weren’t enough to make you think about getting your eyes fixed, did you know that using contact lenses in water causes them to stick to an eye’s cornea for up to 30 minutes and if someone tries to remove them before they loosen up, damage or infection could occur.

Out in the woods, whether hiking, biking or camping, we all know that the trails are far from a sterile environment. That being said, if you do wear contacts, you need to be extra careful to keep make sure your hands a clean before you touch your lenses, especially on overnight trips. Bringing solution or spare glasses can add unwanted bulk, but that’s better than getting an infection or not being able to see because your primary set of glasses broke while mountain biking!

A big misconception with LASIK is that there's a ton of downtime and the procedure hurts. In reality, LASIK is virtually pain free and uses lasers, not blades, to help correct your vision. Downtime is only about one to three days, depending on what it is you want to do.

Visit This Press Release: Click here to read about the Southern California Breakers tryout dates. Spread the link around to your friends and ask them to click it as well. The more clicks, the more chance the information gets picked up by larger news sources.

Don't Forget My Contest: Remember to enter my silly contest. You have until this Friday, October 23.


Today In Sports History

1979 - Ozzie Newsome begins NFL streak of 150 consecutive game receptions.

Happy Birthday to Willis McGahee and Whitey Ford

5 Questions Football Reruns

It is getting to be that time where IWFL and WFA teams are starting up team tryouts for the next season. The Southern California Breakers recently announced their tryout schedule as have many others around the country.

An excellent source for information about women's football is the Women's Football Talk website and radio show.

For those of you that aren't new around here you know that I have covered the Southern California Breakers for the last two seasons. Here's a rerun of some of the interviews I've done with the team:

5 More Questions About The Southern California Breakers

5 Questions With A Professional Football Lineman

5 Questions With A Kicker

5 Questions With Ocho Cinco

5 Questions With A Running Back

If you've never been to an IWFL or WFA game you really should go. Tickets are very affordable and you get to watch elite athletes playing full-contact, NFL-style football. The games are a family affair and there are usually young boys and girls throwing a ball around outside of the field to emulate the teams. The players are more accessible and very appreciative of all of the fans. Here in SoCal there are raffles, giveaways, and other outside events with the teams.

Check the IWFL and WFA websites for a team near you and get out to support your local athletes!

Tuesday Housekeeping

*CONTEST UPDATE* Yes, the HEAD contest is over. Yes, there are three winners. I am figuring out the details and will contact you soon if you have won. I promise.

It's That Time Again: Tryouts for the Southern California Breakers IWFL team start this weekend. If you want more information visit the Breakers website or email them at info(at)socalbreakersfootball(dot)com.

Walk Around The World: Fitness Magazine wants to see if we can walk around the world:

"The idea is for participants to log every mile he or she walks, record the number on the Fitness.com website, and hopefully, all participants’ cumulative miles will reach the target of 24,901 (the circumference of the earth) within 31 days."

Are you in?

*Fitness Magazine sent me this information to post but did not pay me to do so. They did say they would link to my site, an arrangement we've had for other posts in the past.*

Get Crackin': I received word of another interesting campaign and contest that I thought I'd pass along to you. This information landed in my inbox and I have not been paid anything to post it. It came to me from the new Get Crackin' pistachio campaign:

“Get Crackin,’” the first-ever TV campaign for pistachios, features eight celebrities demonstrating how they crack open a pistachio, each in their own humorous, unique way.

Featured celebrities include Miss South Carolina beauty pageant contestant and YouTube sensation Lauren Caitlin Upton; America’s Next Top Model beauty Adrianne Curry and Brady Bunch alum husband Christopher Knight; Jackass prankster Wee-Man; The Sopranos gangster Vincent Pastore; the Denny quintuplets; a real-life dominatrix; father of Sarah Palin’s grandchild, Levi Johnston; and Olympic swimmer and record-setting medalist Dara Torres.

The campaign supports a YouTube video contest challenging aspiring film makers to create a video showing how they “Get Crackin.’” The winner’s ad will air on national TV and also earn them $25K – a pretty wonderful deal.

We hope you’ll check out the new ads and contest online.

IWFL All-Stars

Recently the IWFL released their All Star picks and it was no surprise that running back Vanessa Santillan was chosen from the Southern California Breakers. Vanessa had an amazing season and was nearly unstoppable. The complete list of Breakers that made the list is as follows:

#43 PRICILLA GARDNER LB ALTERNATE
#97 AMANDA GARCIA LB ALTERNATE
#80 JESSICA JOYCE LB ALTERNATE
#76 JENNIFER RIOS OL ALTERNATE
#79 ASIA SALAZAR OL ALTERNATE
#28 VANESSA SANTILLAN RB ALL-STAR

All named to the All Star team are invited to attend and participate in the ProBowl on July 26th in Round Rock, TX. The complete list for the league can be found here on the IWFL website.

Congratulations to the Breakers and every other player in the league that was chosen. These are remarkable athletes that have worked very hard to attain their elite status.

5 Questions With A Rookie

Yes, "5 Questions" is usually on a Monday but I couldn't help but move it a day after the Lakers won the title! Woo! At any rate - back to reality now...

Today's guest is one of the amazing women that plays for the Southern California Breakers. Monique Boone joined the team this and made quite an impact. I'll let her introduce herself and answer five questions:

I come from a small family (one sister and parents) and resided most of my life in Newark, Delaware. After college, I moved with my girlfriend (now wife) to pursue my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. At the beginning of the season, I had graduated with my Masters and was counseling elementary students in Garden Grove Unified School District. I received exciting news that I would be starting the PsyD Doctoral program in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University, Orange County. On the football field, I play a variety of positions (tight end, defensive end, linebacker, fullback, and offensive line). My number is #39 and my nickname is Beast (with the origin still being debated).

1. What sports did you play (if any) as a child growing up? Was your family big into sports or is this something you came to later?

As a child, I was excited about sports. I mainly played soccer, basketball, and the sport I became most passionate about, lacrosse. My dad was the athlete in the family. He received sports scholarships in college and played football for Hampton University. Although my dad had those accomplishments, it was an open invitation to become involved in sports. I am really happy for that kind of structure.

2. How did you get started playing football? Is this a sport you have always wanted to play? Are there any other sports you are active in today?

In the spring of 2008 I was looking at the newsfeed on Facebook from my friends on the East Coast and I noticed that a few of them were trying out for women's football. I could not believe it. Women playing football? Since it was already the spring I felt that it was too late and I did not give it too much thought. Sometime in October I remembered women's football and started doing some Google research. The first team I found was actually the Los Angeles Amazons. I went to their December tryouts and was truly considering playing for them. During the tryout, one of the players was mentioning other teams in the area and the Southern California Breakers name came up in conversation. My ears perked. I was a girl from Orange County and if they are closer then that would make it a lot easier for me to get to practices, meetings, games, etc.... anyways, after the tryout I Googled again and found the Breakers. I contacted Enrique (the team’s Chief Operating Officer), went to my first preseason practice, and really the rest is history. I felt I made the best decision and I do not believe I would be as happy as I am right now anywhere else. In high school during the football games, my friends and I would joke about putting a helmet on and throwing me in but of course I could not do that because I was in marching band. I have always loved the sport of football but I had no idea I could actually play. I’m not active in any others sports at the moment.

3. What have been the biggest challenges for you as a football player? What are the biggest rewards?

A few of my challenges have been confidence and facing personality traits. With confidence, I had only watched football and here I was trying to learn formations, route numbers, feet placement, how to block, how to tackle and run through tackles, catching a football, etc... There was so much information that the coaches and the veterans were trying to cram. I stated several times throughout preseason that football was the most complicated sport I had ever played. It was through the long practices and study material provided by the coaches and just sheer commitment of thinking about football that were factors and the building blocks toward having confidence. With my personality traits, it definitely differs from the way that I play. Honestly I am really shy, and it is difficult for me to put myself out there. With the Breakers team, where there are so many big personalities, you have to bring your personality so this opportunity gave me a chance to work on my shyness. I feel the biggest reward I received from this experience is family. In psychology, there are two phrases: "family of origin" and "family of choice". Currently, my family of origin lives in St.Louis, MO and the only family in California is my wife. Before football, I did not have a family to call my own. The Breakers came along and welcomed me into their family. It sounds pretty sappy, but the Breakers showed that loyalty and friendship could be found in Orange County. I am not sure if I ever will be able to repay the Breakers for everything they have done for me and becoming my family of choice.

4. Who have been your biggest role models in sports and otherwise? Do you consider yourself a role model? Why or why not?

This is tough. I would say all women athletes were my role models. This is a large group but every time a woman steps out to play a sport, she is covering new territory that was never stepped on before. I definitely consider myself a role model especially now playing football. Football was a sport traditionally held for men. Granted, it is still seen that way but the NFL just started having camps for girls. In the new NFL commercial they show girls playing football. With every person that I discuss about football is another person being enlightened and educated about women and sports.

5. What advice would you give to young people that are interested in playing a sport like football?

I would tell young people that football equals commitment. As I look back over the season, there was a considerable amount of time given to conditioning, playing, and learning the game of football. This sport gives little room for people that only want to run at 50%. It has to be 100% every time for the safety of your teammates and yourself.

Sunday Breakers Wrap - June 7, 2009 *Twitter Version*

Okay, so I covered last night's game on Twitter as it happened for the most part. It was an exceptional game and a heartbreaking loss for the Breakers. A few missed opportunities and it would have been theirs for the winning. Here is my Twitter feed that you have to read backward to follow the events as they unfolded. Someone suggested I give this a try as the post recap. Read from the bottom and tell me what you think!

# Congrats to the Quake - good game about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Quake win on a 4th and 31 final score 26-20 about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Breakers fg att no good about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Quake fg att no good about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Breakers fg att no good about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Breakers recover Quake fumble about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Breakers fg att blocked - Quake ball about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Breakers get ball 1st in OT about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Going in to OT about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# 17 second left Breakers ball about 19 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Score still tied at 20 and Quake have ball with less than a minute about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# 2:00 Breakers fg att no good about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Q4 Breakers recover Quake fumble 6:03 about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Quake cannot capitalize and punt 1:13 Q3 about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Q3 3:02 Breakers fumble and Quake recover about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Quake TD pat good score tied at 20 about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# TD Breakers #28 and pat good 20-13 now Breakers about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Breakers #22 intercept the ball 11:41 in Q3 about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Everyone is ragging on my Raiders jacket - they won a Super Bowl in my hometown! about 20 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# At the half tie score at 13 about 21 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Quake score with1:24 in half pat good 13-13 now about 21 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# 2:14 in half Breakers #43 long TD run - pat good Breakers 13 Quake 6 about 21 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Quake score with 10:02 in 2nd - pat no good - score 6-6 about 21 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# End of Q1 - Breakers 6 Quake 0 about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Quake get ball again with under 3 min in 1st about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Breakers ball again with just under 5 min in the 1st about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# TD Breakers at 10:01 in 1st - #38 ep no good about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Breakers have the ball first about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Hangin' with Boo and Coach Duncan is here too about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

# Kickoff at 7 for Breakers vs. Quake - will update about 22 hours ago from TwitterBerry

Okay, so with that - do you want me to fill in the notes or is this enough? Comment or send me an email and let me know.

Hiking, Golf, and Football!

I played a very cool round of golf yesterday and am off to a putting clinic this morning. Later today I might hit a big demo day and then I'll be at a football game tonight. Tomorrow, I'm off to hike in the hills. Now all I have to do is find time to sleep. But seriously, there is quite a bit to do this weekend all over the country:

Take A Hike: Today is National Trails Day:

"American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, National Trails Day® (NTD), inspires the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects."

Click here for more info.

Women's Golf Month: Being that this is the first weekend of Women's Golf Month there are a lot of things happening all over the country. Click here to find something near you.

Oh and there's a massive demo day for everyone in Anaheim today.

IWFL: Catch a football game today - check here for a game near you. I'll be at the Breakers vs. Quake game tonight and it should be a good one! Yes, I will do my very best to send updates on Twitter.

What are you doing this weekend?

Support Women's Football...Literally

So far this season the WFA's Las Vegas Showgirlz are 4-0. As they make a run for the playoffs the team has set up a fundraiser online. Players and teams in the league must fund most all of the costs of participation and need donations from supporters like you. This is especially true as the post-season approaches. By making a contribution you help the team with travel expenses. Help the Showgirlz make a run for the playoffs. Contributions can be made from $3 up. Click here for details.

Tomorrow is the last home game for the IWFL's Southern California Breakers. Check back here on Sunday for a full recap.

Saturday Football - May 30, 2009

Another Saturday means that there are more IWFL and WFA football games to follow:

Check Women's Football Talk for the list of games being broadcast today.

The IWFL is very good about keeping scores updated on on Twitter. If you aren't following them already I would recommend that you do.

The IWFL site has a complete list of games today as does the WFA website.

The Southern California Breakers have ended up with a bye week today as the New Mexico Menace had lost several players to injury and would not be able to have a full enough roster to play. Instead, they have rescheduled the last home game of the season for next Saturday and they will host the California Quake. Since the Quake beat them in both meetings last season, the Breakers are anxious for redemption and are excited to have this opportunity. They weren't scheduled to meet the Quake this year, however, with New Mexico's absence the league made it possible. This should be a good one!

I'll be on the sideline next week for the game that will be played at Irvine High School and attempting to provide updates through Twitter. I think I have the new phone down to a reasonable proficiency so we'll see how that goes!

I also wanted to mention a great way to connect with all of the teams in both leagues. The Women's Tackle Football Group is a network where players, coaches, and fans can interact. You can find your favorite players, video, and other content here so check it out.

Sunday Sports Wrap - May 23 2009

Football: I'm sad that I didn't make it out to the Breakers vs. Amazons game last night here in Los Angeles. The outcome - Amazons 33, Breakers 0. The updates for all of the IWFL games played yesterday can be found on the IWFL website. In addition, on Saturdays you can find some updates and scores for selected games by following the IWFL on Twitter. Of interest to me was how many games are still very lopsided. There was another game this week in which one team put up at least 70 against their opponent. Although there were about 5 games that had final scores that looked like they were good games, I believe we will still see these one-sided games until the league matures. There were only two WFA games yesterday and those both had much closer scores. Be sure to tune in to the Women's Football Talk radio show this afternoon at 3:00pm PST for full coverage of scores and some recaps. I won't be making my usual call in this week as I will be out hiking the hills of Los Angeles with some friends. I'll be back to calling the crew next week though.

NBA Playoffs: Well the Nuggets beat the Lakers at home so the Lakers returned the favor last night. Close game, though. Tonight is Game 3 of the Magic vs. Cavs series. Both of these finals series are really quite good!

Freeway Series: The last game of the Angels visit to the Ravine is today. The series is split so far. I remember the last time I was actually at the stadium for an Angels visit. Somehow I was lucky enough to sit next to a couple of Angels fans on that particular Sunday. They were interesting folks that acted like I didn't exist and kept bumping me and even pointed at something while nearly poking me in the face. That year the Dodgers swept them and it was very nice to watch the two walk out in disgust. Angels fans are usually much nicer I thought...yeah right...

Today In Sports History

1902 - Cleveland third baseman Bill Bradley is the A.L.'s first player to hit a home run in each of four consecutive games, a record not matched until Babe Ruth does it June 25, 1918.

Happy Birthday to Bartolo Colon and Brad Penny

Staturday Football - May 23, 2009

Pardon my late start today.

This week there have not been many broadcasts listed and most of the Eastern action is well underway. Women's Football Talk has the links for what games you can catch online. Be sure to also follow them on Twitter for other information.

Follow the IWFL on Twitter for scores and updates all day.

The Modesto Maniax travel south to face the California Quake tonight. The Maniax are also on Twitter.

I was going to be at the Southern California Breakers game tonight as they travel to visit the Los Angeles Amazons. I say was since I'm actually staying home this evening instead. Not really by choice but I am a bit under the weather. I'll be just fine with some rest. Anyways - the last time the two teams met was at the beginning of the season. Since then the Amazons have gone undefeated. Last week, the Breakers broke the Monsoon's perfect record - can they do it again?

Tune in tomorrow to Women's Football Talk Radio to find out.

Sunday Breakers Wrap - May 17, 2009

Last night the Southern California Breakers hosted the Tucson Monsoon at the Capistrano Valley High School field. This was the second meeting for the two teams with the last match ending up with a 14-13 victory for the Monsoon. This was just last Saturday in Tucson. Now, the Monsoon would bring their 4-0 record to Southern California to face the 2-2 Breakers. Here's how it went down:

First Quarter: The Monsoon were the first to start on offense but could not capitalize. The Breakers started their first drive on the Monsoon 45. With 11:14 showing on the clock, during the Breakers second offensive play, Vanessa Santiallan (28) ran 45 yards for a touchdown. The point after attempt was no good and the score was 6-0. Without wasting time, Santiallan ran in for another TD with 9:03 on the clock. Elaine Iba (81) made a key block to enable the score. The first point after attempt was good but called back due to a penalty. The second attempt was also good and the score was now 13-0, Breakers. The Breakers struck gold again at 6:35 on the clock when Monique Boone (39) caught a pass for a touchdown. The point after kick by Joy Barry (22) was good and the score was now 20-0. The first quarter excitement for the Breakers continued when Barry intercepted a pass with 3:09 on the clock. The drive and quarter ended with a completion to Iba with 0:02 left in Q1 on the Monsoon 1 yard line.

Second Quarter: The Breakers waste no time and score with 14:50 on the clock via a QB keeper by Shawna Murphy (18). A bad snap foiled the point after try although Barry made an effort to run it in. The score was now 26-0. The remainder of the quarter had the two teams going back and forth on possessions. With 3:02 on the clock, the Breakers fumbled and allowed the Monsoon to start on the So Cal 13. With 0:56 left in the half, the Monsoon socred but failed to make the point after. The score was now 26-6. The Breakers got the ball back and ran out the clock into halftime.

Third Quarter: The Breakers start on offense after the half on the Monsoon 45. Michelle Jacot (25) made the return to give the team this favorable starting point. The team couldn't capitalize and gave the Monsoon possession back at 13:09. Later in the 3rd, the Breakers fumble with 8:12 on the clock. The Monsoon are unable to cash in and the quarter continues with back and forth possessions. The Breakers fumbled again with 1:46 left on the clock but the Monsoon again fail to take advantage of the opportunity.

Fourth Quarter: Boone recovers a fumble for the Breakers with 11:50 on the clock but the team can't convert. There is more back and forth before the Breakers strike again. Santillan runs in a TD with 8:51 showing on the clock but the point after is no good. The score is now 32-6. With 3:41 showing on the clock the Breakers fumble again but the Monsoon is unable to convert. The Breakers get the ball back at 1:49 remaining and run out the clock. The final score is 32-6.

Coach Manny told me during the game that he felt that it was important not to run up the score on the opposing team. He explained that Vincent Smith, head coach for the Monsoon, had the chance to score at the end of the previous week's game but didn't. When I told him that I had heard of another final score in the IWFL earlier that day that ended up 77-7 he was quite disappointed. "This is what makes players quit", he told me. Indeed, although it may feel good to score over and over it does not help the other team's morale. I've heard others say that they need to score as much as possible in order to assure a playoff spot at the end. If there are similar records then points decide. Basically, you have league morale on one hand and winning your division on the other. Which should prevail?

At any rate, you can listen to the broadcast of this game here which includes my halftime interviews with Becky Leetch and Vanessa Santillan. In addition, today at 3:00 PM PST is Women's Football Talk where I'll be on to give my game recap.

The next Breakers game is in Los Angeles against the Amazons next Saturday, May 23.