Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Garza.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I wanted to create a second chance for athletes like my son who did not have the opportunity to attend college to be able to continue playing football because of their passion and love for the game.
The team has been around for a year, and we are a non-profit 501C3 organization with hard work and being heavily involved in the community we have had a lot of support which has been amazing. July 2018, we had a Showcase that some CFL (Canadian Football League) scouts were in attendance as well as some NFL scouts. Nov 2018 we had some players invited to the APL (American Patriots League) which is a new league coming this year with Bob Golic and Keon Lattimore as Commissioners.
We have also added this year a Dance team the Texas Raiderettes and our youth football teams the 3rd Coast Raiders 6u, 8u, 10u, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. I also will be meeting with a coach to start a youth basketball team the Dribbling Raiders this year. Being a female owner in a male dominant sport is not easy but with a great team of coaches, players, marketing, events coordinators, board of directors, artist who perform at all our events and especially my family we all make it happen.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being a female owner in a male dominant sport as well as funding I have had to put a lot of money out of pocket
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Texas Raiders Minor Professional Football Team – what should we know?
We are a minor pro football team that is looked at by leagues to give guys the opportunity to get to the next level whether it be an arena, CFL or new leagues starting up. Proud to be apart of the GDFL (Gridiron Developmental Football League) and the only team to represent Texas in this league.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My kids (Mike, Liz. Faith, Carlos, and Janelle) my sister Sherry, my web designer my mom Patti, Patti’s Web designs and all my other family. My coaches (Hamilton Randall, TJ Black, Darren Ford, and Brandon Jefferson) without them volunteering or the players we would not have a team.
Rickey Chavez and his wife, Angie with Gary Green Better Homes and Gardens for sponsoring, Ron Hernandez marketing. Kay Nate events coordinator, Dominique James Texas Raiderettes Director, David Vidal 3rd coast raiders.
The artist that perform at all our charity events and games … Kalum Kdog Johnson, Just touch, Rob V, Marcus (Realflow) Simpson, Jarra, Parceo, Choziin, and Omar Wesley.
Darius Bradley mentor, motivational coach, and family. Last but not least Jamarcus Johnson for helping the first year of ownership with the team.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.texasraiders.org
- Phone: 713-598-5862
- Email: texasraiders2k18@gmail.com
- Instagram: texasraiders2k18
- Facebook: Texas Raiders of NW Houson
- Twitter: @texasraidersfb
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