Lexie:
WNFC Tackle
Washington Prodigy
“This grant will help keep me in the game by giving me access to safer, more reliable equipment—especially a new helmet. My current helmet is old and no longer offers the level of protection I need to play confidently and safely. High-quality helmets, like those made by Riddell, offer some of the best protection available, but they’re expensive, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest safety standards. Having this grant will ease some of that financial burden and allow me to invest in my safety without sacrificing other important expenses.
More than that, this grant will help me continue showing up—not just for myself, but for the girls and young women who are watching. Every time I step on the field, I know I’m representing more than just my team. I’m showing younger generations that there’s a place for them in this sport, that their dreams of playing football are valid, and that women belong here. Having the right equipment helps me play at my best and stay in the game longer, so I can continue to be that example for the girls coming up behind me.
Keep Lexie in the Game: Her Story, in Her Words
"I’ve loved football for as long as I can remember. My brother and I are close in age, and as we grew up, I remember watching him play. I was drawn to the game—how fast it moved and how much heart it took. I always wanted to play too, but my parents and others told me I couldn’t simply because I was a girl. That only made me want it more. When I finally got the chance to step on the field in 2015, I knew I’d found where I belonged.
The moment I knew football was my game was when I first put on my own set of pads. After years of being told that I couldn’t play, finally suiting up felt like I was fulfilling a long-held dream. Stepping onto the field, fully geared, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and knew I had found my true passion.
Playing football has presented several challenges, both on and off the field. One significant hurdle is overcoming societal stereotypes that question women’s participation in tackle football, often leading to skepticism about our capabilities. Additionally, securing adequate funding and resources remains a persistent issue, as women’s teams frequently receive less financial support compared to their male counterparts. This disparity affects access to quality equipment, training facilities, and medical care, making it more difficult to maintain peak performance and safety standards. Despite these obstacles, my passion for the game and the support of my teammates drive me to persevere and advocate for greater equality in the sport.
Football has been a profound source of motivation and connection in my life, especially amid my family’s challenges. Amid my family’s struggles, football became my sanctuary. It offered a temporary escape from the pain at home and a constructive outlet for my anger and frustration. The discipline and perseverance I developed on the field mirrored the resilience needed to support my family, especially in caring for my family. Football not only provided relief but also taught me invaluable lessons in strength and determination.
The most significant lesson I’ve learned as an athlete is the power of perseverance. Football has taught me that success doesn’t come without dedication and the ability to push through challenges. This mindset has been invaluable in my personal life. The resilience I’ve developed on the field has enabled me to face family struggles with strength and determination, reinforcing the importance of never giving up, no matter the obstacles. Football changed my life and gave me skills to handle life. My commitment to football remains unwavering, as the sport provides a vital outlet and source of strength amid life’s challenges."
