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Moms, teachers, nurses, engineers and former beauty pageant contestants by day, these women play hard for the love of the game. “These women are ordinary women who compete for the love of the game of football and the absolute joy of competing to become crowned champions,” Long, who plays defensive tackle, said. “They work and have jobs, take care of their families all the while pursuing a dream of competing. Not an easy task, but so worth it.”  Unlike their male counterparts, these ladies do not receive compensation for playing time, so in addition to rigorous practices and tough games, they must also find a way to make ends meet. For example, Cantu, Houston Energy’s quarterback, is currently a student at Texas Southern University majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Marketing. She also works for Pearland ISD during the school year as a substitute teacher and for the Houston Rockets during the season as an inside sales representative and marketing associate.
To join the team, women go through try-outs in the fall and players are recruited mostly through word of mouth. “Most of the players know somebody who knows somebody who may want to give it a chance,” Head Coach Brian Wiggins said.
Long, a self-proclaimed “tomboy” and mother of three, also enjoys the camaraderie the game offers. “The idea of just competing and meeting a diverse group of ladies who share the same dream is my favorite part,” Long said. The team plays other football squads from across the United States including the Chicago Force, the Kansas City Tribe and the neighboring Dallas Diamonds. With so many teams popping up around the nation, women’s football is becoming more popular. “It’s not what most probably think. We don’t get paid to play so everyone out there plays with heart,” Cantu said. “We are women, but we love the game of football and we play a very intense game every time we step on the field.” Intense is right. Houston Energy, which plays at Pearland High School’s stadium, is part of the Independent Women’s Football League – one of the world’s only full tackle women’s football leagues. “When I tell people I play football, they ask, ‘Are you serious? Is it flag or real tackle football?’” said Long. “I always say, ‘no powder puff here; we go hard.’” In fact, according to Wiggins, the only difference between women’s and men’s football is that men are “bigger.” Cantu, a 2003 graduate of Pearland High School, has played football for eight years and is no stranger to injury. “I’ve been hurt plenty of times,” she shared. “I’ve had two knee surgeries for a torn meniscus. I’ve also had a few concussions.” But, as Cantu says, it’s all a part of the game she and her teammates love. “It’s inspiring because we play for the pure love of the game,” Long added. “No glitz and glam here. There are exceptional athletes playing women’s football. Some of the men in football should take notes.” Wiggins agrees. “Houston Energy is a bunch of dedicated ladies that come from many different walks of life and are brought together through their love of football,” Wiggins said. “These ladies truly play for the love of the game.” However, as with anything traditionally male-dominated, women’s football does have its critics. “Sometimes people don’t believe me that I play football. Some women are like, you’re absolutely crazy and question why I play,” Cantu said. “Some people are also against it because they don’t feel that women should be playing a sport that was created for men.” Despite the criticism, there is no doubt that these female athletes empower women and serve as role models for young girls in the Greater Houston community. “I think Houston Energy brings the idea that women are doing something different,” Long said. “They are looking for something different and trying to be a positive and motivating force to all women. Do something you love to do, despite what people say or how they feel about you playing. Be empowered and give it your all.” Cantu added, “My favorite part about playing is being a role model for other women or young girls that have the same dream we have, which is to play football.” Fan or not, though, Wiggins encourages everyone to “put away any preconceived ideas and come check them out.” “No matter who I come across, I still tell them to at least come watch one game before they make their decision about what they think about women’s football,” Cantu said. “We bring a family-oriented team that will put on a great show and make your time spent watching well worth it. We do as much as we can to make your experience the best it can be.” Though Houston Energy’s season wrapped up in June, visit www.houstonenergyfootball.com for information on upcoming recruiting dates as well as next year’s schedule.
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