GAZETTE Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian News

Story and photo by Sara O'Brien

TAMPA-When it comes to professional football, one usually thinks of big players, big egos, and big money. But what if the game was played without huge salaries or multi million dollar contracts? What if there were no stadiums, no draft, no attitudes, and no fancy cars and houses to brag about? What would be left at the heart of the game? The answer is simple. Spirit, passion, enthusiasm, and hunger in its rawest form. That is the sole embodiment of the Tampa Bay Terminators. Women, may I repeat, women professional football players, who have much more to prove with practically no payoff except perhaps, the fulfillment of personal goals and dreams. They exemplify the heart of the game. They represent what being a true athlete is all about.

"Football is the last major sport that women haven't gotten a hold of yet," explains Helen Sass, Owner and General Manager of the Terminators. "These women are out there now because they couldn't do it when they were kids and to show that women can truly excel at this sport."

Sass, a former football player herself, played for the now defunct Tampa Tempest, who at the time were only one of 12 teams in the country. The Tempest, along with another discontinued team, the Tampa Bay Force, combined to create the Tamp Bay Terminators.

"I have always been a firm believer in building from the ground up," explains Sass casually sipping her coffee, "it's all about organization and I firmly believe that this team was meant to be."

The Terminators are an age 18+ team with some women even ranging into their sixties.

"Sometimes men don't believe me when I tell them about these women, they think it's a joke," says Sass.

But this is no joking matter. All of the women who play for the Terminators have full time jobs as well has having to take on the everyday duties at home, something that differs vastly from the lives that male professional athletes lead. Sass truly believes that gender roles need to be broken and that women are still not free from the boundaries that society places on them.

The Terminators were established in 2002 as part of the IWFL (Independent Women's Football League). Last year they were the 2004 South Atlantic Division Champions placing 3rd in a league of 31 teams. About half of the team has returned from last year and Sass stresses that all of the players are here for "the right reasons."

"The core nucleus of the team is back and the leaders of the team are doing a tremendous job," admits Head Coach Nick Soucy. It is Soucy's 2nd year with the team and he confesses that he feels very fortunate to have gained the respect of the players, coaches, and the league, especially being the youngest coach in the country.

"We have the best coaching staff in the IWFL," says Soucy casually pointing toward his staff, "there are no egos here and we all work our butts off."

"I have total confidence in the coaching staff," explains Sass, "they came together so quickly and completely jive together and that's key." "We love the coaches and we have the talent it takes to go all the way," admits middle linebacker Bea Hawthorne.

"The existence of this team is a pure miracle," Sass emphasizes, "I feel like every time we don't think we'll make it through, we do."

The present, Sass admits lightheartedly is "scary." She plans to soon leave her job in corporate America to go full time with the team. "I started something and I need to finish it." Her hopes include perhaps one day selling the team to the NFL, but for now she would at least like to be able to pay her players and coaches. Another goal is to someday have a stadium to call home. "If we could someday get 5,000 to 10,000 people in the stands, we would be happier than pigs in slop," Sass says laughing out loud. Last year about 400-500 fans turned out every game at their home field in St. Petersburg. This year, the team is excited to have a new home field at Jefferson High School, 4401 West Cypress Street in Tampa. The field will even have showers for the players.

So what does it take to be a woman and play professional tackle football?

"The game is all mental," Sass explains, "I mean tackling in itself is an art form." This is exemplified in middle linebacker Bea Hawthorne who last year, had 60 tackles by the 6th game.

"When it comes to hitting, I would not want to be hit by any of these girls, especially Bea," jokes assistant coach Shaun Millard.

"A Terminator is a machine," expresses Sass, "if one part doesn't work, the machine doesn't work."

Sass is very proud that the team is much like a family and describes their bond as unbreakable. "The true heart of these women is shown both on and off of the field."

"The girls will do well as long as they play as a team no matter what," says Soucy sternly, "one play will never beat us and these girls can match up against anyone!"

"We have a strong team," says Hawthorne. Defensive tackle Leah McWilliams adds, " last year we may have had more talent, but this year we have more spirit and the only thing that can stop us from winning it all, is ourselves."

When asked if the Terminators have what it takes to win it all this year, the players and coaches were in agreement that a championship is the main drive and goal of the team. "These women aren't getting any younger and are craving a championship," says Sass. "Were gonna win it all…it's a matter of time."

"This is the year," continued Soucy, "it's their time."

So maybe heart is all it takes. Why else would these women show up day after day, night after night, acquiring new bumps, bruises and battle scars? Why would they still come out and play even without all of the well-deserved incentives that are so easily accessible to male athletes? For these women, it is a thirst, a drive, a passion…it is a dream…a dream that will not rest until the main goal is accomplished, whatever it takes. "I also want to prove to Tampa Bay that there is nothing wrong with these uniforms!" exclaims Sass (The Terminators wear the old orange, red, and white uniforms that were worn by the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's for 27 years without winning a single championship). So, do I think Terminator's Owner and General Manger Helen Sass has heart?

Sass looks me dead in the eyes and says, "this team is worth my life."

Ladies and gentlemen, heart in its rawest form.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR presented by the Tampa Bay Business Guild

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