Social boundaries are meant to be broken. And that’s exactly what the Women’s National Football Conference is doing for women’s sports. While movements like these seem more prominent in more populated areas, these changes aren’t as far away from small town Powell as they may seem.

“I found out I made the cut for the Denver Bandits late last year,” said Kelly DeForrest, who is PHS band director Mr. John Fabela’s step-daughter. “Excitement was definitely one of my first reactions. However, I am also very nervous to play a sport I have never played previously, especially a physical contact sport.”

DeForrest has been involved in sports her whole life and when COVID resulted in her working from home, DeForrest decided to take advantage of the extra time and get back on the field as linebacker and defensive end for the Denver Bandits. 

“I have always played sports, almost 365 days a year from the time I was 7 or 8 years old until I graduated high school,” DeForrest said. “My mom was always running me [to] one place or another. As an athlete my entire life, I wanted to be part of a team again, especially with some of my good friends by my side.”

The WNFC was founded November 2018 with a goal to create more opportunities for female athletes while maintaining a healthy and positive environment to practice, coach and compete in. In the spring of 2021, the WNFC will feature 20 teams playing a 10-week season. 

“I think female athletes are getting more respect now than they ever have,” Mr. Fabela said. “… football leagues like the WNFC, they are attracting very high quality athletes and I’m sure they’re gonna get the respect they deserve.” 

On Dec. 18, 2018, the WNFC, alongside the company Adidas, launched their partnership on “She Breaks Barriers,” the initiative to break social barriers in women’s sports. “She Breaks Barriers” was launched to encourage and inspire young women to join and stay in sports. 

“WNFC is just like any other sport,” DeForrest said. “Tryouts, hard work, dedication and love of the game all goes into being a part of a women’s professional football team.

“The best advice I can give to young women athletes is never back down; any chance you get, take it, you can do whatever you set your mind to and just enjoy the ride. Also, remember as a student athlete, student comes first.”

Follow the Denver Bandits’ 2021 season: https://www.wnfcfootball.com/denverbandits