By Merle Exit
New York sports fans may still be reeling from seeing the Stanley Cup slip through the Rangers’ fingers, but hope remains for at least one city championship.
The New York Sharks, a women’s pro tackle football team, will host the Carolina Phoenix in the first-round of the league’s playoffs Saturday in Brooklyn.
This is the first time the Sharks have reached the playoffs since 2007 — although it’s the franchise’s seventh Independent Women’s Football League division title.
There are more than 50 players this season ranging in age from 19 to 49, many of whom are making a name for themselves.
“I just love this team for the encouragement and self-respect it offers,” Queens resident and defensive back Collette Smith said. “It’s truly amazing how one can grow and become a better person through organized sports, especially little girls and grown women playing a sport such as football, where girls are not usually allowed to play. It prepares you in ways one never would have expected.”
Defensive back Coach Jay Danzler is the only one of the four Queens women on the team who has experienced the success and challenge of a playoff, having been a former running back.
“Although I was unable to attend the [North Atlantic title] game in Philly, I am proud of my corner Nandi Brown for her pick 6, the interception she ran back 58 yards to score 6 points for the Sharks’ defense,” Danzler said. “I certainly intend to be coaching on the 28th.”
Participation on the Sharks requires more than athletic ability.
Not only do these women not get paid, but they have to pay to play as well as being able to hold down a full-time job or attend school.
This season brings both running back Caprece “Muzyk” Gray and defensive line Faith “Lex” Xikis to their second season.
“I was born and raised in Queens and always into sports growing up, from basketball to softball,” Xikis said. “I tried out a year ago not knowing what to expect or if I could make the team. From the beginning I fell into finding the team and just kept falling in love with the game of football. It has proven to be rewarding even with the intense dedication.”
Gray’s team spirit comes from more than just the love of the game.
“I come from a family of football players, so it is sort of in my blood. Most of the men in my family have either played football or have been involved with football at some level,” she said. “I love the rush I get when getting a big hit or gaining extra yardage.
They are all eager to put their skills to the test this weekend.
Kickoff time is 6 p.m. at Brooklyn’s Aviator Sports Complex, at Floyd Bennett Field.
For tickets and further information, visit nysharksfootball.com.
