Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Kemp-Jordan.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My love for football started during my childhood. My family were big football fans that used to root for the Georgia Bulldogs, Clemson Tigers, and South Carolina Gamecocks. Also, I used to play with the boys from neighborhood and wanted to try out for my high school team but my parents would not allow it. After that, I had started playing flag football competitively. While playing flag football, I was introduced to women’s tackle football here in Houston. I ended up playing for four years at linebacker and afterwards, I became a big supporter of women’s football. In 2009, I was hired as the Marketing Manager for the Houston Power Women’s Football Team. During the 2nd season, I was promoted to General Manager and before the start of the 3rd season, I was asked by original owner to buyout the team.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The main struggle is that we are a “pay to play” league which means we have to raise funds to operate every season. The operating expenses can cost around 30k and higher. Expenses can include stadium rentals, uniforms, travels, practice fields, equipment, referees, announcer, league and etc. We have to find sponsors and host fundraisers during the season to try and offset the costs. If we are not able to raise enough funding, I have to cover the remaining costs. It can be a financial struggle.
Another struggle is recruiting and retaining players and coaching staff when competing with other leagues and teams out there. We have long term veterans but every year for the past three years has been a rebuilding season for us.
Houston Power Football – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are an 11 on 11 women’s tackle football team and this will be our 10th season in the Women’s Football Alliance (www.wfaprofootball.com). We are a Division 3 team and our team consists of women between the ages 18-45 (we’ve had a 50 years old player to play). Our season starts in April but preseason has begun. We are currently looking for players 18 and older that are willing to learn and work hard.
As a team, we have overcome so many obstacles (such as roster numbers and injuries) but yet we are still here! Our players play with passion, heart and soul and our coaches are always teaching.
Our team motto is “One Team, One Goal, One Mind, One Soul.” It means that we are one and will take on anything that comes our way.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
As stated by the late John Wooten, “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” The Houston Power has lasted for ten full seasons which is an accomplishment itself. Most teams average around 3-5 years in existence. It is not an easy road but we are still here thanks to the dedicated veterans, coaches and staff members that have stayed season after season.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.houstonpowerfootball.com
- Email: houstonpowerfootball@gmail.com
- Instagram: @houstonpowerfootballwfa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonPowerFootball
- Twitter: @HoustonPower
Image Credit:
Nicholas Prevost – Photographer
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