Gevvy Gets Tackled by the Utah Jynx

The Utah Jynx football team is opening doors for athletes everywhere! Before I got there, I was sort of nervous because I had to go out and buy a mouth guard incase I got tackled. I just could not imagine being tackled by a defensive lineman. So, did I get tackled? You bet!

Back to square one though. When I arrived, Coach Greg helped me suit up before I got out on the field. Once everything was in place, including my mouth guard, pads, and helmet, I went on the field and introduced myself to the semi-professional football team. I even brought my Nike football jersey that had my name on it.

Immediately, I got in line and started to do the warm up and drills. At first, I was struggling just a bit with all of the weight of the pads and helmet, but soon I was zipping through the drills. Angela, one of the defensive linemen, suggested that I should tryout for their team (she thought I would be a good receiver since I was so fast).

The women were so inspirational and motivational. They truly made me feel part of the team. Instead of calling me Gevvy or Gevrina, the coaches decided to nickname me "Nike". After drills, we went straight into a scrimmage and they had me run a play. This is the precise moment that I got tackled. Ouch! Did not expect that. Better yet, the woman who tackled me, Vee, is 39! Making her the oldest woman on the team. Even though we were on opposing teams she became my favorite player.

I interviewed Vee after practice and she told me that she plays for the women on the team and her kids. Her son who plays football in high school is number 23, in honor of his mom's jersey number. Football has kept her looking and feeling young.

As I stood on the sidelines after I was interviewed by KSL, a local news station, I became kind of teary-eyed. I felt so touched by these women who are breaking the stereotypes of what women are told they can and cannot do.

To them, there is no 'CANNOT!' Where there is a will, there is a way. The Utah Jynx football team plays because they love the sport. Remember to love what you do and do what you love!

Your favorite safety,
Gevrina