Even though women’s football is thus far, a small world, it is now one of the fastest growing sports in America.With the help of women players like Mia Hamm, football is attracting girls of all ages. According to a recent survey conducted by Indya.com, forty percent of football players in the US. now are women. Many women at Nicholls have been practicing since early September for the flag football season. The women’s league here at Nicholls consists of six teams who are competing for their spot in the state tournament, which will be held here in November.
“We are practicing everyday at 5:00,” Untouchables’ player Kristie Simoneaux, an English major from Thibodaux said. “We run, and sweat, just as any football player does, and we love it. This is the best thing in the world, and defiantly the most sober fun I’ve had in college.”
The Untouchables are currently the second place team in the league. Their sheer vision of state champions has their team dedicating as much time as they can towards practicing.
“Flag football is wonderful for young ladies like myself,” said Alicia Mack, Untouchables offensive lineman. “I choose this sport because I wanted to understand the game. Now I am more than knowledgeable of the game.”
Under the instruction of Coach Sullivan Bearb, a general studies senior from Thibodaux, and Curtis Johnson, a senior in general studies, the girls are bringing a new meaning to the game of football.
“The girls have been working really hard,” Bearb said. “They practice four days a week, and they have alot of fun. They have catch on quicker than most guys would, and they are really excited about the playoffs.”
The girls all agreed that leadership has been a very vital part of the team. Quarterback Iris Cognovich plays a key role in the leadership of the team. “I have learned that football is defiantely more mental than physical,” Cognovich said. “It’s so weird being the quarterback, because you get to see the entire field, and you have to make quick decisions that affect the outcome of the team.”
It is no secret that the women’s flag football teams, like the Untouchables, have what it takes to compete just as any other men’s team would. These hard-hitting babes clear up any stereotypical comments made about women in football, and have fun while doing it.
“We encourage girls to try out the sport,” Jennie Simon, an accounting major from Gramercy said. “It’s alot of fun, and you make a lifetime of memories.”
