Looking Back: My Time with Arlington Impact Women’s Tackle Football

Some experiences leave a lasting mark, not because of the wins or losses, but because of the lessons, friendships, and personal growth they bring. One of those experiences for me was playing women’s tackle football with Arlington Impact, a league that challenged me in ways I had never imagined.

Reflecting on this chapter of my life, I realize how much it shaped me—not just as an athlete, but as a person committed to breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible.

Breaking New Ground

Before Arlington Impact, I was known primarily for swimming—my gold medals in the Paralympics, my books Swimming Upstream and Illusion, and my advocacy as a legally blind African-American woman. Football, however, was a completely new world.

Stepping onto the field for Arlington Impact was intimidating at first. The game was fast, physical, and strategic—so different from the pool where I had spent most of my life training. But that challenge is exactly what drew me in. I wanted to push my limits, embrace a new sport, and prove to myself that athleticism has no single definition.

Lessons Learned on the Field

Looking back, my time with Arlington Impact taught me more than football techniques. It taught me:

• The power of teamwork: Football is a sport where every person’s effort matters. I learned to trust my teammates, communicate under pressure, and rely on each other to succeed.

• Resilience in a new arena: Transitioning from swimming to football forced me to start over in a sense, reminding me that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

• Representation matters: Playing a physically demanding sport as a legally blind, African-American woman wasn’t just about me—it was about showing others what’s possible when you refuse to be limited by expectations.

Even the moments of struggle—tackles, missed plays, and tough practices—were lessons in perseverance and courage. They reminded me that being an athlete isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence, passion, and heart.

Friendships and Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of Arlington Impact wasn’t the competition—it was the people. The teammates, coaches, and staff created a community that empowered women to take up space in a sport that’s often overlooked. Reflecting on those days, I realize how much their encouragement and camaraderie shaped my own journey of confidence and leadership.

Why I Remember This Chapter

Looking back, playing for Arlington Impact was more than a sports experience—it was a reminder that life’s greatest lessons often come from stepping into the unfamiliar. It reinforced a message I’ve shared in my books: limitations exist only when you accept them.

Though my time on the football field has passed, the memories, friendships, and lessons continue to influence how I approach challenges, life, and even new athletic endeavors.

Additional Resources

If you’ve been inspired by my journey—from Paralympic swimming to Arlington Impact football—my stories continue in my books. Discover how I turned adversity into achievement and resilience into purpose:

• Swimming Upstream → Purchase on Amazon

• Illusion → Purchase on Amazon

Even memories of the past can teach us how to rise in the present. My time with Arlington Impact is proof that growth, courage, and empowerment aren’t confined to one arena—they follow you wherever you go.