Supplemental Personal Statement September 3, 2010

If I were to talk about a group of athletes; who worked together at least sixteen hours a week over a twelve week season and spent their free time running routes, weightlifting and running bleachers, the last thing that may come to mind is a team of women aged 18-62. As a member of the Southern California Breakers, a team of the Independent Women’s Football League, my teammates and I have worked to change the status quo and empower ourselves and other women to change the perception of acceptable roles for women in our society. The experience has taught me dedication, trust, communication and teamwork.

Through the sport I have learned and grown so much as an individual. As a rookie player, I learned to become a disciple. I observed and learned from veteran players about the rules of the field and what to do in game-situations. I learned to be task-oriented and how to fill specific roles on both the offense and defense. Developing a student-mentality was a process of evolution: team communication, application, and skills mastery. Each team member has a unique role, and even my role on the field required a specific strategy for the right situation, even when the pressure is overwhelming. Patience combined with an open-mind are essential skills if we were to fulfill our team goal of making the playoffs. Similarly, my open-mind accepted coaches’ criticism to improve and reach my full potential. “Explode through!” my coach, Jeter would sternly yell across the field repeatedly during games. Every down was an opportunity to mark my target and explode through the offensive line to sack my own worst enemy: the opposing team’s quarterback.

Each group huddle became a chance to listen and learn firsthand what could be done to stop our competitor's advancing drive. The game help me develop skills off the field as well. I learned to accept comments and criticism about how our team’s actions were too risque. With confidence and without attitude, I learned to share answers to strangers' range of questions: what sport I played, how can a semi-professional league exist... Strangers questioned what field we actually play on (I mean, what football field isn't 100 yards, the same fields as any other football game?) Or what was the team's chemistry on and off the field. If spectators only realized how much sacrifice is needed on and off the field.

The SoCal Breakers rookie experience exposed me to a diverse group of women from a variety of backgrounds: from housewives to engineers, to college-students to former Navy officers, together, we shared a remarkable experience on the field/ and within the community. I realize that this experience is beyond me as an individual.
Together, my teammates and I, as female-athletes, represent a positive and healthy approach to both the game of football and the game of life.