Yesenia:
WNFC Tackle & Flag
San Diego Rebellion
"The Keep Her in the Game Grant award is a tremendous help in allowing me to continue pursuing my passion for football without the overwhelming financial burden. This grant alleviates some of the financial stress, ensuring I can focus on improving my skills and competing at a higher level.
Football has been a transformative outlet for me, and with this support, I can stay in the game, grow as an athlete, and inspire others to push past their own obstacles! Thank you for this opportunity and for supporting women in sports!"
Keep Yesenia in the Game: Her Story
Yesenia played her first season of tackle football in the WNFC in 2025, after 4 seasons of flag football. Her initial goal was to build community. She got that, along with a new purpose.
After an interception against a top receiver, Yesenia knew she’d found her mission: “That’s when my fear left, and I knew this is MY game.”
As a full-time student commuting to the Rebellion from Arizona, Yesenia works through the changes of managing the tackle schedule, school workload, and family responsibilities, taking it one day at a time.
“Hard work does pay off, and comparison is an enemy. I’ve learned to really focus on MYSELF and to stay on my path. Failures are lessons learned.”
