- May 1, 2024
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Football. A game that is known for its domineering physicality, brutality and all the other vicious adjectives has always been considered the ultimate men’s game – from the players on the field to the coaches on the sidelines. There is a woman and two girls who didn’t get the memo, because they’ve jumped into this sport – with no aspirations to leave anytime soon.
Meadow Penney (10U) plays running back and defensive end. Tabitha Martin (12U) plays wide receiver, and Nitosha Bell coaches the 6U team.
More than a football mom
Bell first joined the Pride organization as a team mom six years ago, when her twins first played. She has been asked to coach in previous seasons but declined. This year, she finally accepted and is enjoying her position so much, she wants to continue and hopefully reach the high school level.
“I just want to be able to encourage the boys to learn and know the importance of the game,” she said. Bell says she has only received positive and encouraging words for her position, and she hopes more women will continue to fill the sidelines on all football levels.
Penney for her talents
Meadow loves football. What’s more surprising is that she loves the physicality that comes with it, and it shows by her positions.
Meadow received an ovation, when she sacked the quarterback this past week. When she gets in the game, she looks to make a play.
A tomboy from the beginning, like her mother.
“When I was little, I didn’t like makeup, so I was pushed to do more boy things. I was always around boys, and they taught me how to play football.”
Earlier in the season, Tabitha felt like her teammates treated her lightly because she was a girl. While at her birthday party, she requested that Glenn Hill – 6’3 and 305 pounds – hit her the same way he hits the rest of the guys.
And he did – twice,” said Heather Mottern, Tabitha’s mother. “But she got right back up.”
Tabitha plans to try out for the Mainland Buccaneers next year as a freshman.
Brian Colubiale on the three ladies
I love it. Football is coaches and players playing a game. Boys and girls, big and small, black and white – it doesn't matter. When that ball is snapped, they are all a team, playing together and having fun.
ICYMI: Pride nearly sweeps Flagler Warriors
The Ormond Pride won all but a game this past week against the Flagler Warriors. The scores were as follows: Pride won 14U 40-6, 12U 34-12, 10U (Warriors) 18-13, 8U 19-14, 6U 18-13.
