Football, Firefighting and Family by Julie Wicher, Sirens Half Back Perspectives Editorial Volume 2, Issue 2 March 9, 2003 After writing my personal perspectives last season (not to mention admitting to several embarrassing childhood memories), I decided it was about time to “share the wealth.” By now anyone who has read my previous perspectives probably has a good idea as to what kind of person I am, yet there are over 50 women on the Sacramento Sirens team. Although we all have a common goal, every player has different views of the game and reason’s for playing, different backgrounds and stories to tell. Lisa Giblin, our starting Fullback, is one of the main reasons for the success that the Sirens offense continues to have stemming back to the beginning of the last season. Lisa’s constant positive attitude, unselfish play and extremely hard work ethic all contribute to the team’s average of 50+points per game. She constantly challenges herself and strives to continually better her play, which reflects in everything she does and raises the level of play in the teammates that surround her. I know that when Lisa is in the game I can count on her to make the blocks needed to break a play wide open. When we need a few yards for a first down Lisa will do whatever is asked to make sure we get there. Whether it is taking an opposing player out of the play through a crushing block or carrying the ball herself there is no doubt she will get the job done. Recently I decided to take the opportunity to let others learn a little more about Lisa. JW: How do you balance football, work and family? LG: It gets pretty tough sometimes. I fortunately have a very understanding husband who supports me in everything I do. He just takes a little coaxing every now and then (smile). As far as work goes, I have a co-worker who trades shifts with me. It works out pretty well most id the tie. Our social life is the part that has taken the biggest hit. We used to be able to just pack the truck and leave for four days. Now that is pretty much impossible. With the shift trades, regular shifts and practice I pretty much have something going on very day. No to worry though, after football is over this year we are going camping for a month! JW: What is the best part about playing for the Sirens? LG: Being part of a structured team is probably the best part. After finishing school sports, I started playing rec. league softball and played on a few traveling teams. I missed having practices where we actually did drills and everyone actually showed up. One of the other great things that has happened since I became a Siren is that I have met some really interesting people. These are people that I probably wouldn’t have given the time of day to if we passed on the street. JW: What are the reactions of others when you tell them you’re a professional football player? LG: The first reaction that I get is “oh really? Who do you play for? Where do you play? Are all of the teams in this area?” Etc. the whole conversation usually ends up with me telling them they should come out for a game to check it out and Dave (Lisa’s husband) bragging about how good we are and how hard we hit. Since I’m a pretty big girl, have short hair and am a firefighter, I don’t think I get the same reaction as some of the other girls. I would love to see the reactions that Kahler or Webb get. JW: What gets you through the tough conditioning at practice? LG: My first reaction to this question was “I have no idea.” After thinking about it for a minute, the answer is definitely the team. “If everyone else can do it so can i.” That’s my mantra I keep telling myself when we run sprints. Granted, I don’t count the people who actually lie to run (smile). JW: What drives you to succeed? LG: I was raised that way. The word “quit” is not in my family’s vocabulary. JW: What do you plan to do after your Sirens career? LG: I was thinking about taking up ice hockey. Maybe boxing. JW: Where/how did you get your nickname? LG: on the field some of the players call me “Bullet.” This came from my blazing speed (smile). Just kidding. Actually I have Kim (Bradshaw) and Nadine to thank for this one. When I came on as a mid season tryout in 2001, all of the Siren’s helmets had already been given out. One of the coaches had a silver helmet that he let me use until I got a gold one, so there we have “Silver Bullet” later shortened to just “Bullet.” JW: Do you have a “fondest” memory of playing for/with the Sirens? LG: Every day it just gets better and better. JW: Any funny childhood memories/stories/experiences that have made you the person/player you are now? LG: I have always wanted to play football. When I was growing up, I used to tell my mom that I wasn’t going to go to college until they had women’s football. I guess I have to go back and finish my degree (smile). My dad has been teaching classes for the railroad all over the U.S. and at the beginning of every class, he makes sure to let his entire class know that his daughter is a professional football player and anyone not rooting for the Sirens more than likely won’t pass. He is so proud to be a football dad again. It’s a great feeling to be able to make your parents proud. Perspectives Archives