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 - 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

Give Thanks And Give Back

Yeah, the economy isn't so great and it's important to be as smart as possible with your money. You know what this means? Non-profits, charities, and those that must have fundraisers to exist are having an especially difficult time. I'm employed, have a place to live, food, nice golf equipment, 3 surfboards, and plenty of clothes. I am pretty sure I have a few bucks to spare for someone else that needs it.

Do you have plenty to give thanks for? Here are some links to those that would appreciate if you could spread some around to them:

Sponsor A Filly: The Portland Fighting Fillies are a new WFA team and they can use your help. Follow the link to sponsor a player. There are other sponsorship opportunities as well. Click over to Wendi Kali's blog and ask her how. This is the inaugural season for this team so they can use plenty of support.

Surfrider Foundation: This organization started on the beaches of Los Angeles County so it is near and dear to me. Their mission and reach has expanded so you need not be close to Los Angeles or the coast in order to benefit from their work.

Heal The Bay: Dedicated to preserving the waters in my immediate area, this organization is also close to my heart.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Yes, another that is very close to my heart as I spent five years of my life volunteering/working for this rescue, rehabilitation, and release facility.

Fresh Air Fund: This organization is dedicated to giving city kids a real summer vacation. You know, the kind with camping, hiking, swimming, and all those awesome outdoor activities.

These are only a few places that one can give to. I've not even covered the tip of the iceberg for deserving charities.

So today, I encourage you to give thanks and give back to those who need you.

What are some of your favorite charities?

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!

Some People I'm Inspired By

Today I just took a look around and decided to write about a few of the people that inspire me. Whether in a profound or simple way, everyone in today's post is someone that I admire and feel I can learn something from. This is not a complete list, just what I am feeling today:

Jesse Billauer: In 1996, Jesse's life completely changed when he became paralyzed in a surfing accident. Since then, he founded Life Rolls On and is back in the water. Life Rolls On exists to be a resource that provides hope and is an advocate on behalf of young people whose lives have been affected by spinal cord injury. His foundation merged with The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation this year.

Heather Jones: She's dedicated and focused on her goal. When she misses it by a fraction, she's got a sense of humor about it. Heather is the mastermind behind Real Women Golf.

Wendi Kali: She's determined that at age 40 she will have her best year of football. Follow her progress, dreams, and frustrations on her blog My WFA Days.

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!!

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!

Wild World of Wednesday - October 14, 2009

Yes, It Does: For those of you in parts of the world that have inclement weather you'll be happy to know that we are right there with you. I know misery loves company so I figured I would share. Although it is still over sixty degrees here and I'm sure we'll be back to the 70s and sunny in the next week or so.

Help An Athlete Out: Women's football camps are starting up and I came across an athlete yesterday that needs a hand to participate. Check out Wendi's blog and her quest for donations to attend camp and take her game to the next level. If you are able, why not shoot her a donation?

Remember, women's football is one of those sports that the athletes must pay to play. This is the case for many professional minor league sports. Those of us who shell out money for our favorite pastimes can relate.

SO EXCITED: Seriously, I can hardly contain myself about the NLCS. The Dodgers are on fire and I am cautiously optimistic. Heck, after what I saw in game two I am nearly convinced. Who wouldn't be after seeing their team come back in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs? I'm still buzzing about it!

Oh, and let me just take a moment to be nasty and spiteful about one thing - all of you Philly transplants that so conveniently "scored tickets" to MY hometown team stadium to root for your team can bite me. You're the posers that wear Dodgers jerseys during the regular season and come late, leave early, and call that the Los Angeles culture. *clueless*

Whew, that was nasty...now back to a less sarcastic, gentler me...

Today In Sports History

1979 - NHL's greatest scorer Wayne Gretzky scores his first NHL goal

1986 - IOC decides to stagger Winter and Summer Olympic schedule

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

Saturday Football - May 16, 2009

Yes, it is another Saturday that is full of football. Again, there are many broadcasts of games if you can't get out to find a game in your area. First, check below for a live game near you:

For an IWFL game check the schedule here You can also follow the IWFL onTwitter.

For a WFA game check the schedule here. The WFA can also be followed on Twitter but they haven't updated as frequently yet.

If you can't get out to see a game live, Women's Football Talk has put together a list of broadcasts here.

I'll be on the sideline tonight for the Southern California Breakers hosting the Tucson Monsoon. Women's Football Talk will have a broadcast of the game that you can listen to live here. In addition, you can catch tweets about this game from me in real time. WFB Talk will also be tweeting updates from this and the Sacramento Sirens vs. Seattle Majestics game.

Are you ready for some football!?

Saturday Football - May 9, 2009

If this is your first time here you may think I'm losing it. What I you mean "Saturday football"? College football starts in the fall. You're correct, the NCAA starts up later in the year. I am talking about professional women's football - the IWFL and WFA have games today.

For the WFA - check the schedule for the entire league here.

For the IWFL - check the schedule for the entire league here.

The IWFL also has a You Tube channel.

The 2-1 Southern California Breakers travel to the 3-0 Tucson Monsoon today. Next week Tucson will return the favor and travel here to So Cal. I'll have the full recap for that meeting next Sunday.

If you don't have a team in your area Women's Football Talk has put together a list of broadcasts for some of the teams.

Several teams/players also have You Tube channels - here are what I have found so far:

New York Sharks

Modesto Maniax

Miami Fury

California Quake

DC Divas

Central PA Vipers

Let me know which I am missing! Enjoy your Saturday!

5 Questions With "Women's Football Talk" Host Barbara Coletta

I was excited and honored when Women's Football Talk host Bj Coletta asked me to be a guest on their radio show a few weeks ago. Of course, I had to ask her to be my guest for five questions. She's another inspiring athlete that I am fortunate to have crossed paths with. I'll let her take it from here:

I was born Barbara Jean Coletta. My family calls me Barbie and my friends call me Barb. I started being called Bj on the softball field. I was born and raised just outside of Chicago and moved to the Sacramento area just before I started my senior year in high school. I graduated at 17 and moved back to Illinois for a year after finishing a semester of college before I joined the Army at 19. I was a helicopter mechanic. I was stationed in El Paso, Texas and Stuttgart, Germany. When I got out of the Army I moved back to Germany and lived there for 13 months just six miles from the East German border. I volunteered 40 hours a week on the military base in a civilian office until I was able to secure work at the Burger King on base. In 1987 I left and went to a Aeronautical school in Oklahoma and got my Associate in Applied Science degree in Quality Control and diploma in Non Destructive Testing. That's where I acquired the skills and have been a technician of some sort ever since. Today I work in the Aerospace industry where they make rockets that put things in space. My job though not so glamorous, I work in the environmental laboratory that tests water and soil for the projects that were tested. I'm a proud Mom of a 19 year old son who stands 6 foot 5 inches. He didn't get his height from me (smile). He starts college this semester.

1. How did your fondness for football begin? Did you play as a child? What are your earliest memories of the sport? Tell us about your professional career as well.

I grew up about 30 miles North West of Chicago. Football and snow always went together. It still does. I remember we played without rules, it was just fun. We played on the streets that were plowed pile high with snow. No out of bounds and the catches even on the tallest snowdrifts counted. I remember playing with the neighborhood boys. There was one time we played and I made what would have been a amazing catch, unfortunately the snow helped it so I told them it was no good. No one believed me, not even the boys we played against. They made me count where I caught it. Even now watching a game when it snows brings back those great memories as a kid.

I played for the Sacramento Sirens in 2006 and 2007. Starting football again at the age of 42 after being away from sports for so long was a big challenge for me. I was more of a "show me" player, I couldn't get the concept of calls in my head. My brain just couldn't formulate fast enough. I think it really had an effect on my confidence level as a player. 2006 was my better year. I played 3rd and 4th quarter DB as a corner as well as on Special Teams. I really enjoyed special teams because my purpose was to get to that ball carrier as fast as I could. Short and simple.

2006 was also a big moment for me when I made my first tackle (not a hard tackle), but the carrier lost four yards and I made my head coach ("Diamond" Lill Jarrell) proud.

2007 I played DB, Special Teams and Linebacker. At 130 lbs I didn't make for a scary linebacker, but the coaches said they wanted to make me more aggressive. I wound up fracturing my rib during practice and was out the first four games of the season and never really developed any technique or skill for the remainder of the season. I gave up football. It was no longer fun.


2. What sports did you play through your life as a child and through school other than football? Do you continue to play football or other sports today?

Growing up as a kid I played tether ball and softball. When I lived in Germany, I played on a softball league for the military. I also played on a softball league during 2005 and 2006.

Today I don't play any sports, though I played a few flag football games on a Sacramento league this year with my former teammates. I wound up breaking my finger in the first game but didn't know it that day. I benched myself for the rest of the season because as a chemist I need the use of my hand.


3. What inspired you and your colleagues to start the Women's Football Talk site and radio shows? How are you able to cover all of the leagues in women's football so thoroughly?

Women's Football Talk started with an idea that originated while I was maintaining a local website called SacTown News (during 2006 and 2007). The website's focus was to report on unconventional sports that were conventional to me. I mostly wrote about the Sacramento Sirens (women's professional football team part of the IWFL) and the National Golf League, a professional team golf league that was formed in 2005 that I had volunteered for since its beginning.

After the end of the 2006 Sacramento Sirens season, I thought why not talk about all the teams and all the leagues. I was interested in knowing what was going on with all the teams and the all the leagues and no one was reporting on any of them.

In the last week of November 2006 I purchased two domain names, www.womensfootballtalk.com and www.wfbtalk.com. One I would designate for the BlogTalkRadio website using the call letters (WFB Talk) and the other I would use for the online blog.

The original on-the-air debut was scheduled for December 19, 2006. During the six hours up to the show debut I was extremely nervous and wound up canceling the show and rescheduled it on December 26, 2006. I talked myself out of that show as well, it was the day after Christmas after all.

My brother suggested that I get the aid of some friends to help out with the show. I asked two of my teammates, Megan and Beebe, if they would be interested. We decided that our new air day would be August 21, 2007. We decided to hold our first meeting to discuss the show at our end of year banquet of the Sacramento Sirens while we ate our meal. Megan had worn the t-shirt that I gave her with the WFB Talk logo on it. There were only two t-shirts in existence with the logo and the name of our website, and I owned neither of them. I had given the other to our future Director of Marketing, Nancy. Robin, another teammate of ours saw Megan's t-shirt and asked her about it. She was immediately drawn with our ideas, since she had a degree in communications and one day wanted to work with the NFL.

In the early beginnings we held meetings every week deciding what topics we would discuss. We made a list of things we thought our listeners would be interested in. After Meg moved to Texas we stopped holding our meetings. Now week after week we may find a particular subject matter we are interested in and just make a phone call. Our show is done on week by week basis so there are times when the show listing is not up until that day. Sometimes we even surprise ourselves who is going to be on the show (smile).

4. What is the most rewarding part of covering women's football for you? The most challenging?

The most rewarding part is getting the chance to meet the players, coaches, owners, volunteers, management staff, and fans either in person or by telephone. I am even in contact through text messaging thereafter. Getting their personal insight and getting to know them on a one on one level is a big high for me. I still am in contact with a lot of the people we have had on our show. I feel a special bond to them. I don't want to get too sidetracked where they don't think that I'm not still thinking about them. I want them to know that their story or connection has touched me and I do still have them in my thoughts, even if I haven't contacted them recently. We are just one. My dream would be to have more coverage for women's football by others following and using our show as one of their ideas behind it. It's not copying, its promoting! To be honest, I prefer behind the scenes and talking to the individual one on one. I get more heartfelt satisfaction that way.

I think the most challenge is reaching out to the players. They just want to play. The players are the start of the young girls future. If they don't work to push their own sport and to help promote it, it could be too late for some young girls dream. After 10 years, women's tackle football is still unknown to many. On average still only 400 fans fill the stands per game. Who is still not talking?

5. Who are your role models? On that same note, do you consider yourself a role model? Why or why not?

Growing up I think I always looked up to my brother and sister. Each one was unique and had different aspirations that helped round who I am. I have loving parents who always encouraged us through our growing years and even supported our decisions as adults, even at 19 when I joined the Army unknowing to them until after I signed on the dotted line. They still were in my cheering section.

I don't consider myself a role model, but as a parent my 19 year old son looks to me on decisions that I have made. I have been a single parent since my son was four. Last month my son even accused me of making him too honest. My son will be starting full time at a local community college in late January. He took a semester off and has played nothing but video games and drove me nuts. I'm lucky. A lot of kids can't wait to move out. My son wants to stay with his mom. I must be doing something right (smile).

I'm sure she is doing something right - you can see her son on the sidelines with her in the slideshow. He volunteered for the Sirens when she was a player and continues to do so. Be sure to visit the Women's Football Talk site and from the top you can find links to the radio shows, video, and information for the world of women's football.

Sunday Sports Wrap - December 21, 2008

Women's Football: Don't forget that every Sunday at 3:00 pm PST is the Women's Football Talk radio show. This week's guest is Jeff King, president of the Women's Football Alliance.

NFL: Playoff scenarios are taking shape and I am totally at the edge of my seat watching the San Diego Chargers visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This game is killing me...back and forth...I am jonesing like you would not believe to hear them fire the cannons in person! The intros using O, Fortuna of the Carmina Burana, the Ozzy song Crazy Train for kickoff...I had to settle for today's video. Fire them cannons!

Today in Sports History

1941 - Last NFL drop kick for an extra point is done by Ray McLean of the Chicago Bears

1951 - Joe DiMaggio announces his retirement

1969 - Vince Lombardi coaches his last football game.

5 Questions With Coach Bartley

He’s been a guest before and he’s back again. Coach Anthony Bartley has moved to a new league and new team for the upcoming women’s football season. In addition, you can catch him every Tuesday on the Women’s Football Talk radio network with his new show GameTime. I caught up with him to discuss his new team, the California Lynx, for five questions.

1. Tell me about your new team the Lynx! What league are they in and who will you be playing against?

The California Lynx is relatively a new team in women’s football, but not new overall. The Lynx started out as a professional minor league arena football team I managed and coached. With that in mind I started the Lynx as a women’s team. After being released of my duties with the Breakers I decided to do something new. We are part of the WFA (Women’s Football Alliance) a new national level league. I am currently the Pacific Regional Director for the league as well. We will face such teams as the Las Vegas Showgirlz, who was released from the IWFL, Phoenix Prowlers, Marana Shedevils, and the Ventura Black Widows who I retrieved from the NWFA.

2. What are the challenges to starting a new franchise? Have you had a hard time recruiting?

With any franchise whether old or new, it is difficult putting a franchise together. I was fortunate to have had experience as an owner in the past so starting a team wasn't hard for me. As for my recruiting, it has been very good for me. I have 25 on my active roster with many more to come.

3. I've heard you on Women's Football Talk a lot lately - are you doing a regular podcast? What is your involvement there?

Its GAMETIME BABY! I have my own radio show on WFB Talk every Tuesday night @ 7pm. I am the Howard Stern of women’s football. My goal is to bring real football talk from real experience.

4. Where are your practices and how can one get involved in becoming a member of the Lynx? Where will your home games be?

Its not hard to become part of the Lynx Family. Right now we workout every other Saturday at 10:00 am. Our location is Maxwell Park in Anaheim. All of our information is listed on our website. As for our home field, I am looking in the North OC area. I should have my schedule in December so I can secure my field soon.

5. What are your goals for the season? What can we expect to see from you and the team?

My major goal for the 2009 season is to be the WFA Champion, get the free uniforms from our league sponsor Gamewear Sportswear, and get that ring. My next goal is to make it so where my players are getting paid to play this game. I have set up a system to where my players have 4 ways to get paid to play this game. I want everyone in California to know that my girls will get paid for their efforts. For those who know me I will continue to bring hard hitting smash mouth football. I will put on a great showing and shock the world with the level of talent I have wearing the scarlet and white.