Women's flag football's upcoming home game
Remember growing up and hearing the terms “you throw like a girl” or “calm down, are you on your period?” These terms are sexist; prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender, especially against women and girls. But throwing like a girl isn’t a bad thing, especially for Ottawa’s women’s flag football team.
Many people did not think women’s collegiate flag football would ever be allowed, let alone be socially accepted or even watched. Ottawa has 20 women on its flag football team roster, coming from all over the country making history this season.
Kimberly Ibarra, a freshman from Las Vegas, Nevada, originally played soccer. During freshman year of high school, her health class teacher made a comment on how athletic she was. This teacher was the coach of the school’s flag football team. Every day, he urged her to try out for his team. Ibarra’s friends eventually got her to cave, as they had tried out for the team and were able to convince her, too.
“If they ever make it into a ‘Women’s NFL,’ then I would love to continue,” says Ibarra, who has played the sport for four years.
Ibarra says she was thrilled about playing her first home game in an Ottawa uniform.
“I’ve already got a taste about how we played when we did in Vegas. We were very united. It was an exciting feeling,” she says.
The 2020/2021 school year is the first year that women’s flag football has been considered a sport at the collegiate level and not just a club team. Ottawa was one of the first 15 schools to induct this into its array of sports.
“Women being able to have this opportunity should’ve been able to happen a long time ago,” says Ibarra, who plays the corner position. “I’m very excited to be a part of the first. It's making history for future generations. I know one day I’m gonna be looked up to by younger people that will want to do this.”
The first game, scheduled for 6 p.m. February 20, against Milligan University, will be the first time women’s flag football has played a home game in Ottawa
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More oucampus News Articles
- Ottawa wrestling COVID struggles
- Interviews with the Newbies
- Esports takes Ottawa to the next level
- Rebekah Loker Qualifies for ISC Singles National Bowling Championship
Recent oucampus News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR OUCAMPUS
A Safe Holiday Season By Kylee Weber
OU Student experiences plane scare on way back to Ottawa By Brynden Grow
POTW - Logan Smoot By Brynden Grow
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST OUCAMPUS NEWS
RECENT OUCAMPUS CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- New Writers and Illustrators Win Decades-Old Science...
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- BookTrib's Bites: Four Captivating Spring Reads
- Moms Kick Back with Mamaritas
- Generac Urges Americans to Prepare for Power Outages Early
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- NOW Available: Comcast Launches NOW Brand Prepaid Internet and Mobile Services Nationwide
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding