Texas Lady Spartans Bring Girls Football to La Feria

by Martha E. Ibarra/LFN

La Feria could be seeing its first all-women’s full contact tackle football team. The team, Texas Lady Spartans, formed just a little over three weeks ago and consists of players 17 and older from all over the Valley. The girls originally belonged to a team that pertained to the Extreme Female Football League, however, when their original team disbanded, the girls came together and formed the Texas Lady Spartans.

“The owner of the league asked us to make a team to fill in the spot on the schedule for the team that disbanded. We are just barely getting going,” said team member Kathryn Meyer.

Because the team is so new, there is a lack of sponsors and as a result they are experiencing a shortage of supplies as well as funds.

“We are going by the grace of God and faith. We started with zero funds, none of us had gear- we had nothing. We are going by faith,” said Meyer.

While there is still some equipment needed, team quarterback, Leann Molina, is grateful for the help the team has received so far, “There are some miracles happening, people are helping us with anything from helmets to pads which is a big help for us. I hope we keep on with those blessings and miracles so we can be able to play.”

Equipment and sponsors are not all the girls are praying for- players are needed as well.

“As long as you’re 17 and up, young or old, as long as you’re a woman and you want to hit, come on down,” said Molina.

While passionate about football, the sport is not all that brings the girls together. Molina prides herself on being a part of something that allows for women to show their confidence and strength, “The team gives girls the confidence to do what they have never done before, to show what they can do and it surprises them every time when they see what they are capable of and what they accomplish by playing football.”