The Intimidator by Julie Wicher, Sirens Half Back Perspectives Editorial Volume 2, Issue 4 March 30, 2003 There have been several occasions over the past year when, after taking a big hit, I have though to myself “why am I putting myself through this.” Injuries have now become common place to me. Every game I come away with bumps and bruises, scratches, twisted ankles, sore muscles, etc. Sometimes I get up in the morning wondering if my body is going to carry me through the entire day. Luckily for me I have not sustained an injury that has taken me out permanently; I have still been able to go to the next practice even after the most brutal of games and participate and prepare for the next one. Still early into the Spring Season, we have seen a number of players go out with both temporary and season-ending injuries; quite different from our previous injury-free season. One of the biggest losses on the field has been Nadine Vela, a starting veteran D-lineman. Nadine went down in our pre-season exhibition game against San Francisco with a tear to the Achilles; possibly ending the season for her before it even officially began. What I have been amazed with however, is the pride and perseverance Nadine has shown even though she is unable to play. Nadine has been on the sideline at every practice and every game even on crutches or in a wheelchair. Whether she is giving advise, cheering someone on or pumping players up her presence is felt; hence the nickname “The Intimidator.” For me seeing Nadine there makes me want to work all that much harder; I know what sacrifices she has given for the team and I see in her eyes how badly she wants to be out on that field. JW: How do you balance football, work and family? NV: Well, my first year of playing ball was when the Sirens first came to town in 2001. I was one of those girls who was going to put everything I had into making the “team”. So I spoke with my partner at the time and explained that I was going to make this team and wanted to put everything I could into it. Then I spoke to my boss and told him the same, then gave him a 2 month notice and helped train someone to fill my position. Then I told my Mother I was going to try out and make the team she was and still is very supportive. “I love you mom”. So I quit my job to play ball. My new job was to train; I was in the gym 4-6 days a week. My family with whom I used to spend a lot of time with, now all most never sees me. Except at games and maybe if we had a “bye”. They know I love them. JW: What is the best part about playing for the Sirens? NV: The new “sisters” I get as each new season begins. More “little Sisters” to hit, beat up on and tease! No, I was serious about the new family I get every season. My old D-line coach (Tovar) said before a game one day; “These are you sisters, you all share a special bond. Football. Its that simple. No matter who you become, or where you go in your life you will always have you sisters and the memories of the games you played.” To pave the way for other girls and women in football here in Sacramento is a great thing! Oh, and of course you get to hit people and not get in trouble. JW: What are the reactions of others when you tell them you’re a pro football player? NV: The reactions of people aren’t what they used to be. This is GREAT! I think more people are aware of the Championship team Sacramento has. Now you almost can’t get them to stop talking to you about it. JW: Is being on this team what you expected? NV: I actually had no expectations. I was going with the flow. I realized it was a new thing, and was and still am hoping for the best. I would love one day to have thousands of football fans watch women play game, a sport that not everyone can play but many will try. JW: What gets/got you through the tough conditioning at practice? NV: Oh conditioning!?! What got me through the first year was, a lineman wanting to be faster than our linebackers. Then the second season, it was to play without “hurting”. Working through the “pain”. That was my goal every practice. JW: What drives you to succeed? NV: What drives me to succeed? Kimberly “Kitten” Bradshaw she keeps on saying she wants to play one more year with me on the line. That and a great come back! JW: What do you plan to do after your Sirens career? NV: I will still be around to help make this organization succeed! The Sirens are a part of my life. JW: Do you have a “fondest” memory of playing for/with the Sirens? NV: Unfortunately yes. This was our first season, we had the number one defense in the league! Every game was won with the opponent never scoring a single point. Until our last three games. What sticks in my head the most is, we (defense) were on the field and had to hold them, keep them from scoring, and it came down to a field goal. I remember it in slow motion. Kimberly and I were to open up the “A” gaps so our backers could get through and block the ball. When I got through, I remember trying to look up to see if the kick was good when I seen Coach Tovan fall to his knees with his hands on his head. I knew we had lost the game. We lost bye 3 points. The reason this memory is my fondest is this was a lesson learned, I never want to forget it. I think we expected to win, with all the “goose eggs” we had, being the # 1 defense. I think for a brief moment “we” as a team lost sight of our true goal. We took a break and the better team took advantage of it. I can tell you this Never Again! JW: Do you have any funny childhood memories that have made you the person/player you are today? NV: I don’t have any funny stories; I’m not exciting like that. I look kind of funny. Does that count? I try not to take things too seriously, life is way too short. JW: What was going through your head when you initially got hurt? NV: What went through my head was “who kicked me” then I heard something snap. (I thought I broke a bone; at least that’s what it sounded like when I broke my finger.) As I was sitting there on the ground, I couldn’t move my foot. I was scared but didn’t want to cry. Then the medical team came over looked at me. I knew I had to get off the field on my own power I wasn’t going to give the Stingrayz the satisfaction of thinking they hurt me. But when I got to the sidelines, they told me I tore my Achilles tendon and I was out for the season. That’s when I cried. Now I keep working out and help out where I can that helps me get through. JW: How tough is it to be on the sidelines and not be able to play? NV: Being on the sideline is not easy. Especially since I know I won’t be on the field any time soon. I have thought of not coming to practices and even just sitting in the bleachers instead of standing on the sidelines. But that would be giving up. I can’t do that. Not now. Besides, I have to try and beat the odds and work towards a great come back. # 99 is not gone yet! JW: While you are on “Injured Reserve,” how do you see your role as a Siren? NV: IR Sucks. It’s that simple. I have heard some people say that Me being a practice and on the sidelines helps them. Hey, you know me whenever I can help out I’m there. Perspectives Archives