WHITE'S CREEK, Tenn - There is a group of athletes who have decided to remove their helmets and shoulder pads and say goodbye to their dream of continuing to play full-contact football.
But not before they reached the ultimate goal of why they put the equipment.
Nine players from the Pittsburgh Passion women's football team have decided to retire. In five seasons, these women have helped build the Passion into a championship team after defeating the Columbus Comets in the National Women's Football Association title game at White's Creek High School.
"It will be tough to replace those players," said player-owner Teresa Conn, one of the retirees. "I know I will be able to get people who are interested in playing, but these women have done more than just play. They have big hearts and have been willing to sacrifice for this team. They represent what a Passion player is about."
It is about having to explain why women want to play full-contact football. And having to endure physical pain and financial hardships.
Linebacker Melissa Yeck said it has been a long, fun ride. She devoted six years of her life to football.
"I have made some great friends playing football," she said. "And it has been a wonderful experience. But it is time to move on."
Passion coach Ron Coder said he knows how good it feels to go out with a championship.
"When I won a championship (with the Baltimore/Philadelphia Stars of the USFL), I cried," Coder said. "You think about all the pain and sacrifice, but now they will have something that will be a part of them forever."
Running back Torina Henley was all smiles after Saturday's 32-0 victory. She rushed for 86 yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns in her final game.
"Let the younger ladies come in," Henley said. "It is their turn. This is the best way to go out. They will still be a solid team because we are one solid unit. I'm confident the younger players will carry that on."
Mt. Pleasant graduate Sherry Kring said she wasn't thinking about the championship being her last game because she wanted to stay focused.
"There are a lot of emotions now," she said. "After the game is when it hits you that this is the last time I will be on the field playing with this group of girls."
Plum resident Beth Amato, one of the first players to try out for the Passion six years ago, has had several injuries. They have not kept her sidelined for long.
"The timing is right to move on," she said. "I will miss it, but I will have memories to last me a lifetime."
Notes: Defensive lineman Olivia Griswold was named defensive MVP for her nine tackles in the title game. ... Quarterback Lisa Horton was the offensive MVP. She completed 13-of-19 passes for 127 yards, one touchdown and one interception. She also had 44 yards on 10 carries and a TD.
"I knew I had to step up my game because we all wanted it so bad for the players who aren't coming back," said Griswold, who is in her first year with the Passion but also has played for the Toledo Spitfire. "We all had to dig a little deeper in this game to make sure it happened."
Going out on top
Nine players on the Pittsburgh Passion women's football team have decided to retire after winning the franchise's first championship in five seasons on Saturday.
LB Beth Amato, five seasons
DB Kellie Byers, five seasons
FS Teresa Conn, five seasons
OL Carol Denniston, five seasons
OL Rhonda Donahoo, four seasons
RB Torina Henley, five seasons
TE Sherry Kring, five seasons
DB Kelly Stoner, five seasons
LB Melissa Yeck, five seasons
