The Superbowl is around the corner, the grand prize for the National Football League. With the NFL season coming to an end, it signals the start of another. Currently all around the country open tryouts are being held for the Independent Women's Football League, a full contact women's tackle football league which fields teams all over the United States.
I made a resolution for 2010, to support women's athletics and promote them as much as possible. Included in that resolution was to see for the first time a women's professional football game. I got a preview of that when I was allowed to observe the open tryouts in Atlanta up close, for the Atlanta Xplosion. The Xplosion have been around since 2003 finishing it's first season with a 9-1 record. The brightest moment thus far has been a National Championship in 2006.
So on a rainy day, in a sterile and cold concrete warehouse filled with weight equipment, tumbling mats and a 50 yard field, about 40 plus ladies were put through the paces. I had no real expectations for what I would see. So, before going I pondered... what would I really like to know about women playing football? Who are they? Why do they play? What's their background? I am no stranger to women participating in sports, I am one,... but football? Having to endure bone shaking hit after hit for no pay (they are not compensated) is not on my bucket list. I love to watch it, but wouldn't want to experience it. So again, who are they?...career women, wives and mothers, motivated by the love of the game for some and the call of mid-life crisis for one. For her 45th birthday last year, Patricia, a consultant in the wireless industry, contemplated a bike ride across the country or trying out for the Xplosion. She became a 45 year old football rookie. Now she is a veteran with this years squad. Denise, 23, is a former track and field athlete who used to practice with the boys football team (her mom wouldn't let her play).
Once on the practice field the players prevailed through sprints, drills and more. Numerous times throughout the day they chanted "tick...tick...Boom!" It is symbolic for the countdown of an explosion for one, but also a battle cry, with meaning, for the team. Their head coach, a former NFL player, who stresses character, explained, the first tick means, "toughness identifies character" and the second tick is "teamwork with intensity wins championships". Both toughness and teamwork were tested as they continued their grueling workout. Veterans were eager to teach the rookies technique and quick to encourage their new teammates. It's a good chance all who came will make the roster. They usually suit up 45 players for a game. Injuries are a big part of any athletic team, football being no exception. I spoke to a member of last years squad who tore her ACL and asked what she missed most about the game? Her response, "I miss hitting people." Another was waiting for her doctor's clearance in order to lace up the cleats and play again. Her enthusiasm on the sidelines was infectious!
They have names like "Juice" and "Smooth". They have hardware, a championship ring from the 2006 season and they have knowledge. Because they play, many of the ladies speak about seeing the game differently. They read defenses, recognize formations and some even correct their sons little league coaches. It's a sisterhood and a bond. They are linked by a common denominator. Regardless the background, regardless the story, one thing that unites this group of varying ages and skill sets is the "passion for the game." I was proud of what I saw! I can't explain why. I left the tryouts speechless, amazed and stoked. I've bookmarked the Xplosion website, printed out the schedule and circled my first game date. All that is left, is the wait.
Tick...Tick...Tick...
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