2010 IWFL Women's Football World Champions

"You just won the Super Bowl....What are you going to do next?"

"I'm going to Disney World!"

I've always wanted to say that. Just for fun I guess, because there aren't many people in the world that will ever get that opportunity. Twenty eight years after taking up sports that finally happened. The 2010 Boston Militia Women's Tackle Football team won the IWFL World Championship. I was part of that championship team. Here is an idea of what one championship ring costs: 8 months, 11 games, 60 practices, 35 chalk talks, 70 off practice workouts, 7 PR events, 11 after parties (equally exhausting), 30 hours of game film, 200 hours visualizing, $2,000.00 expenses, 5 Dr. visits, 1 MRI, 1 concussion, 1 fainting episode, 3600 miles on my car, $0 salary - Priceless! Not to mention, time away from work, family, friends, missed events, practicing in the rain, snow and freezing cold. Late nights and sore days.

Is it all worth it? Of course! And I've been doing it for 8 years now. So have 50 other dedicated women on the team, every year, some for over 10. It's a lifestyle, a career, a passion, a love, an obsession and many more things to different people. Some say it changes you. They would be right. For good and for bad. During the season we grow apart from friends, family and significant others. It's difficult to be spread so thin and commit so many of your personal resources to one thing. We make this commitment at a high price. If someone questions your commitment, question their sanity. Blood, sweat and tears are only in the first day of practice. Bonds are formed, lives changed, life time memories are created and love of women's tackle football is the common thread. I will never forget the feeling of leading the team out of the tunnel and being named honorary captain for the Super Bowl. These are memories I will cherish forever.

After last year I had officially retired from football. I felt that phase of my life was over and needed a change. So I started packing my bags, selling my possessions and was headed to Hong Kong to teach English and maybe find a new business venture. A difficult breakup recovery period, an unsatisfying career and closure to my football career created the perfect timing to get the hell out of Dodge. I figured if I can't find my purpose here, maybe it's on the other side of the world somewhere. Then came the phone call from my cousin 13 hours ahead in HK to tell me about a business I might be interested in. I'm about to move across the planet, tell me more. So after a few conversations I realized it encompassed the ability to fulfill all those things that had created the need to start over in the first place. A sense of purpose, a healthy lifestyle, a way to give back, unlimited earning potential, work from home, or work from anywhere for that matter. The ability to travel often and finally stop trading dollars for hours. THAT was right up my alley.

Two months have passed and how things have changed. A summer off can do wonders, (just ask Brett Favre). I am not moving to HK and I have decided to play football again. The business opportunity has changed my life very quickly. My personal development and growth are speeding along at alarming rates. Committing to the business AND football will be a challenge. Bring it on. I feel a whole new sense of vigor. A great quote from my QB: "Football is not something one can do forever, if we are physically able to play now, we should, we have the rest of our lives to move on." Not to mention, the opportunity for another ring.

Tryouts are finished, practice and game schedule have been posted, the forms have been signed, the cleats are dusted off, the gym membership renewed and the Gatorade is stocked. I won't actually be going to Disney World of course but that was never the point. Actually, I have Egypt, Greece and Machu Picchu on my radar for starters!