Running
The Ball
Mother of four plays professional football
for the love of the game
By Brandy Nance, Capital-Journal |
Emily
Edwards, 24, likes to bake, take care of her children and
run a day care center in her home.
Edwards, mother of Chris, 8, Belle, 7, Ella, 4, and Grace,
1, also likes being a tailback for the Kansas City Storm,
a women's professional football team in the Independent Women's
Football League.
The IWFL, a full-tackle women's football league, was founded
in 2000 by a group of women and has 31 teams across North
America, according to the IWFL's Web site.
The Kansas City Storm was created in 2004 and is owned by
Nance Wernes, who also plays on the team. The KC Storm competes
in the Eastern Conference, playing 10 games during the regular
season that runs April through June.
"There are not many moms who can say they play women's
professional football." Edwards said. "I think it's
really cool that girls are doing something forbidden. A lot
of people laugh at me, but it's a lot different when they
come out and see what we do. There are some girls on our team
that I'd put up against any guy."
Edwards' husband, Will Edwards, heard about the formation
of the Kansas City Storm team last fall and encouraged Edwards
to try out. Edwards jumped on the chance, not really expecting
to make it.
"I was really surprised. I was happy," she said.
"Football is an awesome stress reliever."
The Edwardses have been married for seven years. Will said
he's excited about Emily playing professional football, adding
that she gives her all when playing the game.
"She has the will, the determination and the drive,"
he said. "She's not in it for her. She does a lot of
things for the team." |
Nick Krug/The Capital-Journal
"Topeka"
is the nickname her teammates gave her when Emily
Edwards secured the starting spot at runningback for
the Kansas City Storm's women's football team. The
24-year-old wife and mother of four says she hates
watching football with her husband Will, but enjoys
putting on a helmet and pads for a few hours a week
to bash heads with the toughest of women.
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Will, who serves as a coach for all of their children's
sports teams, said women's football is just as good
as men's. What sets them apart is the way they play
the game.
"Yes, it is real full-blown football. There's no
slacking," he said. "There's no 'I'm too good
for this.' They play for the love of the game. It's
just pure heart."
Emily said she grew up playing backyard football with
the boys. She was the only girl allowed to play with
the guys -- because she actually knew how to play.
Susie Down, Emily's mother, said her daughter always
has been determined to |
|
do
what she sets her mind to. Thus, it was no surprise that
she tried out for the Kansas City Storm and made it.
"She was always her own self," Down said. "She
was really headstrong and very much a tomboy. She's always
been my strong-willed child, and I'm very proud of her."
For Emily, playing for the Kansas City Storm means practices
three times a week, a 45-minute drive one way in addition
to games that take her away from home. The Edwardses have
adjusted to the schedule. Will owns a concrete company and
works around Emily's football schedule. The family tries
not to plan any extra activities when she has practice and
games.
|
Nick Krug/The Capital-Journal
Emily
and her husband, Will, work out with dumbbells recently
at Wynmor Family Fitness Center. The two often work
out together as a motivational effort to keep them
both in shape. |
Emily said her husband is very supportive of her and
helps with the games by working in the booth. He even
made jerseys for their children to wear in the stands.
"My husband is my biggest fan," she said.
"We're best friends and we communicate very well."
Will agrees.
"I'm proud of her," he said, joking that he
is a bit jealous of his wife's opportunity. |
|
"If
I had the talent I'd take it in a heartbeat. If I had the
opportunity to play in any professional basketball league,
I would go for it right now."
He said the kids are huge fans, too.
"They are all about letting people know their mommy
plays pro football," he said. "My kids do love
it. |
Nick Krug/The Capital-Journal
Edwards
kisses her 1-year-old daughter Grace, as she plays
with her girls and nephew Josiah Scales, 6, right,
recently during her son Chris' baseball practice.
As a mother of four, much of Emily's time is dedicated
to the selfless responsibilities of being a stay-at-home
mom such as making lunches, doing laundry and changing
diapers. In regard to playing football, Edwards said,
"It's the only thing I do that's just about me." |
WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL
What: Home game following KC Wizards' soccer
game
When: KC Wizards play at 7 p.m. Saturday,
with Kansas City Storm game to follow
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City,
Mo.
Cost: Adult Wizards/Storm two pack,
$18; Storm or Wizards game only (adult or child), $12;
single adult tickets, $8; single child (age 8-16) tickets,
$4
For tickets: Visit www.kcstorm.com |
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| Brandy
Nance can be reached at (785) 295-1187 or brandy.nance@cjonline.com |
Published in the Topeka Capital Journal on June 5, 2005 |
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