DC Divas were not on the Runway, but the field of play

I will start off with a quote from Vince Lombardi, Pro Football Hall of Fame coach:

“Football is like life, it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.” 

I want everyone to know that when I was in 5^th grade; I enrolled to play for the Little Admirals at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyards.

My stepfather was in the Marine Corps. Wearing the gear fascinated me, but I did not fully appreciate the sport.

It did not wrap my mind around the concept of running with an oval ball under my arm while others chased me for no reason and threw me to the ground.

I could not figure out what I did to them. Well, after a few practices, I made a strategic decision and quit!

My stepfather was ready to make me go back. My career ended before it started.

Fast forward, you can image when I walked into a classroom and saw Donna Wilkerson in full gear.

As I walked into the classroom, I was amazed to see Donna Wilkerson in full gear, thinking that she, a girl, would now throw me on the floor.

No, I did not run out of the room.

At that moment, I found a new respect for the sport and Donna inspired me. Truth be told, I didn’t feel inspired enough to make me wish I had stayed with the sport .

The following is from the DC Divas website (DC DIVAS) , Birth of a Dynasty,

“The Divas were led in 2003 by Donna Wilkinson, who became the first known player in women’s football history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a single season by totaling 1,267 rushing yards that year.

Wilkinson, a member of the original 2001 Divas team, is the only player from that team still on the Divas roster;

Wilkinson played her 15th season with the Divas in 2015. The Divas also gained national exposure in 2003 when they were featured in a segment on the CBS Evening News.”

Donna has physically left the sport, but mentally the thoughts are there.

I wanted to find out “Why” football.

As you read below, think about your path and think about others who you may encourage to find their fitness path.

Each of you can be an “influencer.”

We at Mission:Milspouse are that vehicle to bring the information down field and to pass the ball to you to get it across the line.

This is your invitation to sit back and enjoy the comments from Donna.

How did you get involved in the sport of football?

I have dreamed of playing football since I was 5 years old. I remember seeing a game on TV and said to my grandpa, “I want to be big like you so I can play football.”

From that moment, I dreamed of playing football. After I graduated from college, I played recreational sports. I was playing flag football when coaches from the new tackle league that were forming came and recruited us to play.

As soon as they asked, I knew I would play. I tried out for the Baltimore Burn and earned a spot on the team, but then they named a team in DC and more of my friends were going to play on that team. 

I played for the DC Divas, and a 17-year career was born.

Were you involved with any other sports?

I was a three-sport athlete in high school. Volleyball, basketball, and softball were among the sports I played. I was California CIF All-State in Basketball my junior and senior years and All-State in Volleyball my senior year.

I was also my team MVP of all three sports my senior year. I ended up getting a sports scholarship to play softball at Washington Adventist University, where I played five sports.

I added cross country and track & field to the three sports I played in high school.

How did you prepare yourself for the tryouts?

There wasn’t much preparation for tryouts. I was already a top athlete in all my sports.

I lifted weights every day, and I was in great shape! I just showed up and did my best.

What physical or mental skills does a person need to have?

Football is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports. To play football, one needs strength, speed, endurance, and the ability to hit and be hit by another person.

It’s more fun if you love contact and playing the game. You need to study game films, learn all the plays, and know your assessments. You need to be focused and not let your opponent get in your head.

What position did you play?

I played defensive end, full back, running back, tight end and wide receiver.

I was an all-star running back and tight end for the DC Divas and linebacker for the LA Amazons.

How has your life changed because of playing football?

Many opportunities opened up for me by playing football. I was on the congressional football team for several years and that led to a job working for the NFL when I retired.

An NFL player introduced me to the ARPWAVE Neuromuscular Therapy while I was playing, and it led me to a technology that helped me heal from several injuries and provided me with a powerful tool to assist others in my post-football career.

I landed a job as a football analyst for WSA9 for a show called Game On in Washington, DC.

During that time, I discovered a cell signaling product called ASEA Redox, which significantly enhanced my endurance and recovery. T

his discovery eventually paved the way for a business venture that I am still actively involved in today. Football changed my life in every way.

What can you say to a young person who aspires to play football?

Follow your dream. Don’t let anyone convince you that you can’t or shouldn’t play for any reason.

It’s an amazing sport that teaches you life lessons, gives you discipline and lets you discover who you really are.

What performance stands out for you?

Playing on the USA Football Women’s National team and winning two gold medals is one highlight of my career.

Playing in the 2006 championship game on a torn ACL and scoring two 2-point conversions to help our team win our first national championship was a memorable performance.

How did you manage things mentally when the results were not favorable?

I used the losses, and challenges to get better. I focused on what I wanted, not the unfavorable results.

Despite: Despite the challenges, I remained mentally tough and focused on my dreams and goals.

Since you are no longer active with football, how do remain physically active?

I took a break after football from working out. I had been training 10+ times per week for 17 years and i needed a break both mentally and physically.

After this break, I went back to yoga and fun activities that gave me joy.

I dance at the drum circle every week, and I have been lifting again at Hippocrates Wellness, where I teach fitness classes, do personal training and my ARPWAVE Neuromuscular therapy.

What would say to a younger Donna?

Your life is going to be more amazing than you ever dreamed of. Follow your heart, make the most of every opportunity, and enjoy yourself along the way. You are going to inspire others and help many people along the way. Just be YOU!

Donna I will end with two words, “Thank You” from all our readers.

*Check out more posts from Off and Running with George Banker.