While most girls’ soccer, basketball, and softball leagues have thankfully caught up to their boys’ counterparts for the most part, flag football for girls is not nearly as common.  As a young girl who loved football from a young age, I lamented not being able to have the same opportunities to play as my brothers and make friends—until the arrival of the GFFL (now the Northeast Flag Football League).  I was lucky enough to participate in the inaugural seasons of the league and experience the rushes and joys unique to football: intercepting a pass, cheering on teammates juking their opponents, and pulling off trick plays for scores.  Meeting girls from all around town that were also excited to play football was so much fun, as was starting to learn the Xs and Os of the game with coaches.  Beyond the usual lessons of camaraderie, perseverance, and resilience that comes from playing a team sport, football specifically felt so much to me, since it felt like a step into a place that girls previously hadn’t been able to go.  I remain a huge football fan to this day, and have used it to connect with so many people of all different backgrounds, and so much of it came from being able to play as a kid!  I am so grateful to all of the organizers that made it possible, especially the president and Coach, Dee Fludd.  You showed me that football is for everyone!

Today im absolutely loving life… I am a lawyer in Chicago now.