(Laura Walton, Diamonds Media Relations contributed to this blog)

The saying goes you are only as strong as your weakest player. In the Diamonds’ case, the smallest player stands just five feet tall and 105 pounds. But, there is no weakness about her. In Frisco Saturday night, as the Diamonds demolished the Shreveport Aftershock 59-0, and the Diamonds smallest player showed just how strong the World Champions are from the top to the bottom of their roster. Danile Yzaguirre, known to the team as Lil’ D, scored the final touchdown of the evening, giving the Diamonds another 6 points in their 59-0 shut out victory.

Offensively, the Diamonds remained just as dominant. Lead RB Odessa Jenkins collected two touchdowns during the evening. WR Danilynn Welniak also snagged two td’s with her latter coming on the heels of fullback Rachel May as the half expired. This gave the Diamonds a 37-0 lead. May opened the 2^nd half with a 60 plus yard kickoff return putting the Diamonds up 44-0 with just a few ticks off the clock.

Shreveport brought their best hits throughout the game but the World Champions were simply too much for them. With only a few seconds left in the game, the players on the sidelines watched and knew what was about to come.

QB Foster stepped back to have a word with Lil’ D. “She asked me if I knew which way I was supposed to go,” said Yzaguirre. The pitch from Foster looked more like a handoff, but away they went sweeping around the right side as the clock ran out. Foster blocked for Lil’D. The crowd rose to its feet and began chanting “Lil D! Lil D!” She stretched for the cone in the corner of the end zone and but was smashed by Aftershock LB, Ayana Slaughter. The crowd waited for the call. The arms went up and the announcer declared “TOUCHDOWN, Lil’ D!”  The crowd went nuts and for a few moments it was reminiscent of the movie Rudy. Players lifted Lil D up, staff and coaches jumping  and running the field. After shaking hands with the Aftershock and the post game prayer, Head Coach Brian Bishop rightly awarded Lil’ D the ceremonial game ball.

Stay inspired,

Kip #45 (a number I took inspired by Rudy)

FOOTBALL IN LOUISIANA

The seventh and decisive clash of thunder and lightening called the game a final. Diamonds win 27-0 at the half. Our two teams met in the middle of the field shook hands. I lead us in a short prayer given the skies were not willing to allow us to finish play. I recalled Ephesians 2:10 which states we are created for good works which God prepares beforehand for us. We all thanked Him for preparing us for football and giving us the opportunity to play this game. “For women’s professional football,” we all said as we lifted our hands and helmets up to the stormy sky.

Stay inspired,

Frisco hosts the Dallas Diamonds in Memorial Stadium 

Drew Pearson to do the Coin Toss

My heart skipped a beat when I heard the news: the Dallas Diamonds will play football in Frisco!

On Saturday, April 25^th, the 4-Time World Champion Dallas Diamonds take on the Shreveport Aftershock in FISD Memorial Stadium. Kick off is at 7:00pm.

Just a few short weeks ago, Diamonds Owner Dawn Berndt, former NFL player and Frisco resident Anthony Dorsett, Jr., Scott Watson, my husband and Frisco business owner, and several players who live or have ties to Frisco, met with Frisco Mayor Maso. We each shared our desire to see the Diamonds find a home in Frisco.

Following this initial meeting, the Mayor contacted his friends at the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (FEDC). Connections then confirmed with the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, and the Frisco Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (FCVB).

A second meeting took place. And, I sat in a third meeting with the FEDC just 30 days ago. Three teammates and I realized we had one month to build hope for a different future for the Diamonds and perhaps women’s tackle football. A good showing in Memorial could mean the possibility of PizzaHutPark next season. At the very least, it could mean a budding relationship between women who play a tough sport and who are dedicated to their community through charity work and their careers, and a sports-minded community that embraces and supports women’s professional athletics.

Due to the Diamonds’ community focus, we commit to give back during our one game stop. Seeing the need during these economically tough times, the Diamonds return one dollar of every ticket sold at the gate to the FriscoFamilyServicesCenter. “These are certainly challenging times for all of us.  Needless to say, contributions are down and the demand for our services is up. The number of clients has increased significantly over the past six months compared and we expect this trend to continue,” said Joni Klarin, Development Director with the FFSC.

The FFSC provides financial assistance, food, clothing, and life skills classes to people who are in need or in crisis. Klarin says it is the only agency providing a range of these types of services to residents of Frisco. She hopes people come out for the game as an economically feasible way to serve and have fun doing it, “I hope that the Diamonds’ event will help get the word out to those in need of help or those who can partner with us to help those in crisis or in need.  The more community support we have, the better.  I also hope that the PR provided will make everyone stop for a moment and realize that everyone has been impacted by recent downturn in the economy but everyone can do something to help keep our community strong.” 

The DMN Neighborsgo team host a half-time contest. The winner along with ten friends will receive a Neighborsgo prize package and a football training session with the Diamonds players at Zoom, a sports performance training center now located inside the Dr. Pepper Stars Center. Former Cowboys WR Drew Pearson will do the coin toss honors.

Tickets for the Neighborsgo Family Night at the Diamonds game benefiting FFSC are $10 for adults and $7 for kids. Children 5 and under are free. Visit www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com for more information.

See you at the game!

Stay inspired,

By Laura Walton

Bedford - From the opening kickoff to Houston, a booming touchback, it was clear the Diamonds prepared for a fight of epic proportions. They understood what toll the battle would take on both teams, or at least what it had required for a victory in past meetings.

The tone continued as Houston’s second series fizzled. Dallas’s RB Jessica Springer serving double duty on defense. She tackled Energy rookie Tonya Newton in the backfield for a 5 yard loss. Again, Houston would be forced to punt. Springer added insult to injury with a quick 12 yard TD run at the 8:00 minute mark. Emily Tidwell’s kick was good. Suddenly, it was 14-0 with a lot of time still left to play in the 1^st quarter.

Dallas Defense continued to rule the night inflicting pain at will on Energy QB Laura Cantu. Punt after punt and several turnovers on downs served to rush her even further and frustrate Houston’s coaches. The Diamond offensive machine pounded out another TD 11:39 into the 2^nd quarter as Umeeka Webb hauled in a wide open pass in the left corner of the end zone pulling Dallas ahead 21-0 over Houston.

A little mercy came from the skies for Houston as a 30 minute thunder and lightning delay allowed the Energy to revamp their strategy. When the rain passed and play resumed, the Diamonds did not lose a step. Recovering a kickoff fumble on the Houston 29 yard line, Alberta Brydson inflicted a brutal hit and Odessa Jenkins secured the ball. Springer followed up with another Diamonds TD. The extra point conversion misfired  giving the Diamonds a 27-0 lead.

The Diamonds offensive play of the night came with 9:20 left in the half. Springer seemed to mishandle the punt and it looked as if Houston might actually get a break. It was merely an illusion as the All-Star RB regained her composure and proceeded to zig zag her way up the left side of the field thru the Energy force field like a laser beam cutting 71 yards to the endzone. That run disintegrated all hope of a Dallas miscue. Dallas tacked on 7 more to go up 34 to 0.

Energy QB, Cantu was rudely introduced to Dallas’s new defensive rookie Tiffany Bunton. Bunton made a monstrous hit with just over 3 minutes left in the half. The Energy gained the first down but Cantu could not seem to shake off the cobwebs and make anything happen. On fourth and 22, a QB keeper play was visciously discouraged by several of the Dallas D-line including Tiny Mitchell. Yet another Houston turnover on downs converted into a 37 yard TD score by Odessa Jenkins giving her 139 yards on the night and 2 TD’s. Dallas moved ahead 41 to 0 over Houston.

Houston’s only relief on the night came as the half came to and end on offensive penalty with Dallas sitting on the 5 yard line with a first and goal. The Energy finally managed to stop the Diamonds from the end zone. So, at the half, the score remained 41-0 in favor of Dallas.

With a quick 5 minute half-time due to the early rain delay,  3^rd quarter began right where the Diamonds left off. With 12:31 left to play, Springer broke a 32 yard run to make it a 48 point lead. The crowd cheered as the RB earned them all coupons for Sonic with that play. Jessica Springer topped out her rushing night with 100 yards and 3 TD’s. 

Dallas rotated 2^nd string and Rookies after the game turn into a route. Umeka Webb caught her second touchdown of the night at 12:02 still left in the 3^rd quarter again tacking on more points to the Diamonds score, 55-0.

Sensation Tiffany Bunton again stung Cantu this time for a sack and a fumble, giving the defensive rookie an amazing night in her opening debut. The Energy just could not make any major moves toward the Dallas end of the field all night. What was anticipated as the game of the season suddenly had become a sure victory. Diamond clock management chewed up the clock for nearly another five minutes, culminating in a QB keeper by Monica Foster from the 8 yard line. The extra point kick was good and Diamonds extended their lead 62-0.

Gaining some valuable experience and quieting nervous tension, Dallas’s rookies gobbled up the remaining quarter and finished off the evening’s scores. QB Britney Bushman sealed the victory at 7:45 remaining in the game with the final touchdown of the night. As if by sheer luck, the extra point ricocheted off the uprights before bouncing in for the point giving Dallas the lead 69-0.

Was it possible? The question was asked. Was this was the first time Houston had been shut out? Those who could remember were sure it was the first time Dallas had achieved holding the Energy scoreless. An end to an era? Only the follow up meeting in Houston later in the season will tell the truth.

Next week the Diamonds travel to Baton Rouge to take on the Louisiana Fuel (0-1). The Fuel opened the season against their cross state rivals the Shreveport Aftershock with a 18-32 loss. The Diamonds hope to extend their record to 2-0 and return for a home game April 25^th in a special appearance at Frisco’s Memorial Stadium. Join the Diamonds for the Neighborsgo Family Night in Frisco benefiting Frisco Family Services. Ticket prices start at $7 for kids and $10 for adults. A family 4-Pack for this game in Frisco is $35. Parking is free. Visit www.dallasdiamondsfootball.com or www.neighborsgo.com for more information.

 _____

 We are on the road now in Baton Rouge...try to up date you when I get back into town!!! Defense meeting in 15 minutes!

Stay inspired,

#45

“I started walking back to the locker room at the half. I had to stop just short of the door. I moved back and turned myself around as I was about to cry and we all know, ‘there’s no crying in football!’ 

Disgusted with my performance just before the end of the half, I had to collect my thoughts, my attitude, and my tear ducts before walking into that locker room. I missed a clear shot at my first solo tackle during a kickoff. I was too high. I was right there and I let her get around me. Yeah, like I was going to pull her down by grabbing her arm. I know to go low…I practice going low. 

Coach Black did the right thing as we were running into the locker room. He said I needed to make that tackle. Then he saw me pull up just shy of going in and he asked me if I was okay. I said, ‘I want so desperately to do this right.’ He again said the right thing to me, ‘We all miss it sometimes, it happens to all of us; you’ll get it.’ 

It’s not just missing that tackle that got me, it is what the miss represents. First, it means someone else had to make that tackle. I let down the team. Perhaps she got a few more yards because I missed. Or, what if she actually scored on that return?‘’

Jump forward to Saturday night in our season opener against arch rival Houston Energy. As I waited for the whistle on a kickoff, something told me ‘be ready’. Intuition, I guess. Inside my head I told myself ‘it is coming your way’ and ‘I got this’.

Emily Tidwell kicked the ball and I began sprinting down the field. Houston #1 caught the ball and started turning up my side of the field. It was clear. I had to make this tackle. And, I had to do it right in front of my teammates and coaches standing there on the sideline or she would gain some yardage or maybe a touchdown.

I did not miss this time! I made a clean hit pulling her off to the sideline for little gain if any. My first solo tackle! Man, it felt good!

Coach Mikal Black immediately grabbed my arm and recalled last year’s miss and then said ‘redemption’. That felt even better! Thanks Coach!

Following Coach Black several players and Head Coach Bishop gave me high fives, knuckle jams, and kudos. It felt like I was finally accepted into the club by proving I could deliver a hit that was worthy of a Diamond. Most of these women have played for years and know how to win as a team. They secured multiple Championships and thus maintain high expectations of performance, as they should. It was nice to feel like one of them.

While I still have a long way to go, that one hit means a lot. I hope there are more to come! And, as I stated in last year’s blog, I desperately want to learn this game, perform at a decent level, and contribute to a win worthy of the women who have gone before me.

Coming up this weekend, Diamonds play in Baton Rouge against the Louisiana Fuel. According to scout reports, it looks like I will see plenty of playing time as a 2^nd string Safety. So, perhaps I’ll be writing about inflicting more pain next week.

Don’t forget the Diamonds home game in Frisco, my hometown, Saturday, April 25^th at 7:00PM at Memorial Stadium. Part of the gate proceeds benefit Frisco Family Services.

Fun Football Fact: Football teams first used verbal signals and set plays in 1882. The first team to use a huddle was the University of Georgia which huddled up against Auburn in 1896.

All people ask me lately are these two questions: “Are you ready? and “Are you starting?” All day long today, I’ve been asked those questions. People have called and asked. Folks emailed and asked. I’ve been text the questions. I received them on Facebook. And, as I have walked around the city trying to promote the Diamonds’ Frisco game in a few weeks, people ask me: ‘Are you ready?” “ Are you starting?”If you don’t know, tomorrow night, at 7:00PM at Pennington Field, the Dallas Diamonds begin their Drive for Five against arch rival Houston Energy. The battle between these two teams is long, bitter, intense and antagonistic. The Energy has three Championships to their name, the Diamonds have four. Many of the best in women’s professional tackle football come from these two teams. Tomorrow night creates a new chapter in this incredible gridiron war.

Don’t compare us…Join us 

How do you compare apples to oranges?  Usually, you do not,. For the sake of comparison, however, both are fruit with seeds and both are similar in size. Likewise, there are two things in common when comparing the Dallas Diamonds with the Dallas Desire, the new Lingerie Football League (LFL) team in town. Both involve women and both involve a football. Beyond those two things, there is no reason to compare the two.

The obvious reasons you can’t compare the two teams include the type of football played and marketing demographics of each. The Dallas Diamonds play in the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), one of the two professional female tackle football leagues in the country where female athletes have dreamed since childhood of putting on full pads, a helmet, and hitting someone.  In the IWFL and Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) players aspire to win their respected Championship Titles to prove they are the best team and athletes in their sport.

IWFL and the WFA are legitimate sport leagues providing family friendly entertainment for a wide audience. Children and teens can attend these games. The game is played just like the boys using a similar set of rules, the same type of field, and the same equipment.  

The LFL clearly promotes another type of entertainment. It is not about football. It is a ‘visual showcase’ using equipment and rules similar to football but severely adjusted for a specific type of audience. The LFL would not be family friendly entertainment.

The LFL athletic performers aspire to gain exposure towards a future career in modeling or acting. The LFL provides the means for that to happen. Hopefully this will be fulfilled for some of the ladies who participate.

I found it a little humorous, however, when I heard one of the LFL players say they hope to be on the same level of play as the NFL someday. The LFL does not play tackle football nor are they governed by any sports organization. Only players involved with the IWFL and the WFA  engage in the actual sport of football. The LFL does not even use a full length football field while the ladies of the IWFL and the WFA use the same field as the NFL and nearly the same rules.

Ironically, nonetheless, the LFL may reach their goal of being on par with the NFL in regard to sponsors and marketing. Already, the LFL exceeds the IWFL and the WFA with sponsorship dollars and marketing partners. And, due to the nature of their intended audience, they will more than likely get a greater number of fans in the seats. As a result,  the LFL players actually get paid for providing adult entertainment. Meanwhile, the women who play NFL style tackle football still have to pay to play. That’s right, we have to pay to play.

Every player on the Diamonds raises between $500 and $1000 dollars in personal sponsorship or marketing partners in order to participate. This is standard operating procedure across the leagues for all players and has been for years. And while the sport continues to grow in numbers of fans and players, this aspect of the game has not changed. Players must pay to play.

Recently, one local Sportscaster asked me if I know that sex sells, why don’t I show more skin in order to secure more partnerships. While this would increase our dollars and visibility, I told him that is not what we are about as individuals, a team, league, and sport. We are about the same hard work, athletic competition, and spirit of the game as the men. We love to play this game! We sacrifice a lot of time and money in order to play. We should NOT have to take off our clothes in order to secure the same level of opportunity.

It is a sad statement on our culture when those who do take off their clothes reap greater benefits than those of us who do not. Gratefully, the local Sportscaster agreed and believed we should keep the sport ‘classy’.

One of my teammates did point out another positive aspect of the LFL besides it being a career launch for some: it may bring some attention to the fact  women’s tackle football exists through the IWFL and the WFA. The comparison is there. The contrast is there. We are grateful for any awareness the Desire brings the Dallas Diamonds.

So, to LFL sponsors and marketing partners, I hope you join the Diamonds and our IWFL and WFA sisters across this nation. This Diamond’s desire includes advancing the visibility of women’s tackle football as a sport for young girls, college athletes, and at the professional level. Your partnerships enable the incredible athletes who love America’s game the chance to play football without having to pay. You enable them to live out a lifelong dream. You assist them in pursuing athletic excellence and showing the world women CAN!

The Dallas Diamonds are 4-Time World Champions (04’, 05’, 06’, and 08’). We are the most successful professional team in the state of Texas in this century. The Houston Energy is 3-Time Word Champions. Guess what? That rivalry kicks off the Diamonds 2009 season Saturday, April 11 at 7:00PM at Pennington Field! Come see what women’s tackle football is really about…you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

(Quick shout out to Barb Jackson and the Chiefs flag football team in Frisco...Glad you are reading Neighborsgo and supporting the Diamonds! Thanks! And, way to go today Cheifs!! McKenna enjoyed every bit of being the only girl out on the field!! And, to my young Colts fan...come watch the Diamonds! I will ask you again if women can play football!! We appreciate everyone's support!)

Stay inspired, 

Kip #45 

 The Myth of Self-Esteem 

The following question I received prompted me to get on my soap box about self-esteem. Keep your questions coming. They help more people transform their lives.

Q: I am struggling to do what you’ve suggested. I just don’t think I can do it. I don’t believe I can lose the weight. I’ve tried so many programs. How can I make this time different when I’ve already failed again.. I feel like I’m never going to get this and I’ll stay fat forever. It seems like a hopeless situation. I’m going to take a risk and say you have low self-esteem. This is a common thread among folks I’ve seen in my counseling office who struggle to stay committed to their goals to lose weight, overcome disordered eating, and maintain a new healthier lifestyle.

In general, folks who understand esteem have confidence and do not doubt self nor the ability to accomplish it. It simply means making the needed lifestyle changes with food and exercise and taking the time to do it without demanding a quick fix.

Whether you’ve always struggled to believe in and like yourself, or your confidence disappeared under your layer of fat, I’m convinced a misunderstanding of self-esteem contributes to your reluctance to change. Likewise, I am convinced the world of psychology as done a grave dis-service in their promotion of maintaining a high self-esteem. Let me clarify some myths surrounding this issue and hopefully this will help.

You can waste a lot of time trying to build your self-esteem. The fact is you do not need to feel better about yourself before you lose the weight. First, do the right thing to eat clean and exercise even though it’s difficult. Often the result is increased esteem. You naturally feel better about yourself for doing the right thing.

Conventional wisdom suggests without high esteem, your self-doubt and self-loathing will sabotage your efforts. This is true if you choose to let it.  Daily affirmations are fine, but reality is you do NOT need to feel good about self or like yourself to do what is right. 

Similarly, you do not need to stop feeling doubt, fear, pain, or sadness before you choose to eat right and move. You can be anxious about changing your diet and doubt your ability to exercise and STILL DO IT ANYWAY!

In fact, be scared, be sad, or be overwhelmed and while you feel it, go ahead and do what you have to do to achieve your goal. Deny yourself the indulgence, walk through the pain, and you’ll find increased esteem and mental clarity. You naturally grow in self-esteem and emotional maturity by walking through those feelings and doing what you need to do. More than likely, the next time the feeling of fear or dread will not be as strong nor will it have such a stronghold on you.

As you do this more and more, you learn eating right and moving is not dependent on your feelings. Nor do you let your feelings drive you to eat. Being happy and nervous free all the time is not helpful and often maladaptive in our culture. It is natural to feel pain, fear, and doubt when facing some typical life trials. Of course the drug industry does not want me to suggest this since they have a drug to make you feel good and anxiety-free nearly all the time. But, grown-ups need to model how to do the right thing even when we don’t feel like it. Believe it or not, it’s okay to feel depressed, angry, or even lazy as long as it does NOT stop you from your new lifestyle change.

While finding healing for memories and relationships is important, you can still choose to eat clean and exercise. In fact, remaining committed to this new lifestyle will assist your ability to do the work of restoration. Continuing to blame the past for your low self-esteem keeps you from taking responsibility as an adult to do the right thing.

And, if you are the one with low esteem, you know you reject any positive comments that come your way. Right?

If you are entangled in a pit of low self-esteem, you are dealing with an idol of self. No matter the situation or relationship, you focused on self and see nearly everything through the lense of self-hate. No amount of telling you how much you are loved, pretty, or believed in changes beliefs about self. The idol of self keeps the focus on hating self.

Self-esteem DOES go up and down based on performance and beliefs. It is normal for it to go down when you fail to perform or achieve your goals such as weight loss. Likewise, it is normal for esteem to increase as you perform well and accomplish desires.

Perhaps you’ve noticed, you WILL fail sometimes. And, you WILL achieve sometimes. Your esteem will ebb and flow with performance. That is normal! Thus, it is ridiculous to think you can maintain a high esteem all the time. No one wins ALL the time. No one is perfect ALL the time. Likewise, it is just as inappropriate to maintain a low esteem ALL the time. If you continue to have low esteem when you achieve goals and perform well, then you know something is wrong in your choices and belief system.

If you have unrealistic expectations of self, your esteem ups and downs may be more frequent and more dramatic than the normal ebb and flow of someone with a healthy understanding of esteem. 100% of the time, you are someone of value whether you fail or succeed. It is a healthy belief in self that responds appropriately to the performance ebb and flow. In other words, you don’t think too highly of yourself and neither do you think too lowly of self.