Living Outside the Lines: “Women’s Semi-Professional Football #That’sAThing?”

by, Becky J Miller

What’s a girl to do when she and a friend plan a day trip of either hiking or kayaking but excessive rainfall creates so much water accumulation that the choices are no longer viable? She does what anyone in that situation would do, attends a women’s semi-professional football game, of course!

The aforementioned circumstance is exactly where I found myself a few weekends ago. My friend, an assistant elementary school principal, has an extremely packed schedule. We arrange outings at least a month or two in advance and then closely guard our calendars to ensure nothing interferes with our plans. Leave it to Mother Nature to find a way to way to disrupt everything.

A few days before our planned excursion she checked on the two parks, we were considering and discovered that both the kayaking lake and hiking trails were closed. What now? Since rescheduling requires an act of Congress plus extends the time between our adventures, we opted for Plan B – find another activity. When she suggested women’s semi-professional football, I responded with, “That’s a thing?” Yes, it absolutely is a thing.

Don’t just take my word for it though; see for yourself http://www.iwflsports.com. The Independent Women’s Football League includes teams right here in Central Texas; the Austin Yellow Jackets, who are currently undefeated, and the San Antonio Regulators. The league is home to five conferences; Atlantic, Midwest, Central, Pacific and Affiliate Teams. I had no idea that many women were interested in playing full contact, tackle football. And, they’re pretty darn good too!

Founded in 2000 the league uses its own version of six-man rules.  I am positive though there were more than six players on the field. I counted nine and I have pictures to prove it. Regardless of the rules or number of bodies on the field, the game was not disappointing. Those women can run, kick, and tackle. Other than the hair pulling, which in my opinion should have drawn a flag, there was little difference between this game and any other all male football game I’ve watched.

Admission is reasonable, $10 online or $12 at the gate and parking is free. It was a fun event, the announcer was good, the crowd was manageable, and the weather was pleasant. There were even drawings for an autographed football and jersey, $50 Visa gift card (which I was very disappointed not to win, shopping addiction and all), and a Nintendo 3DS.

The coolest part? My friend taught fourth grade to one of the players from San Antonio Regulators team. Seeing her face light up after the game when my friend tapped her on the shoulder to say hello was priceless.

Watching football is something I love to do, suiting up in full gear, getting tackled and dirty, not so much, but hey, if it’s your thing, the teams have open try-outs. If you prefer being a spectator, go give it try. Maybe you’ll be the first one of your friends to ever attend a women’s semi-professional football game, then you’ll have forever bragging rights, because after all #That’sAThing.”

Until Next Time,

Becky J Miller

“Warrior Princess”