Gorham Middle School seventh grader Lucy Nappi and eighth grader Sydnie Adams are setting out to prove that football isn’t just for boys. With the inspiration of the Maine Mayhem, a local all women’s professional football team, they have their sights set to play in high school and beyond.
Adams, who in in her first year, plays offensive and defensive tackle for the Gorham Grizzlies. She said, “Last year I spent time playing with the boys in my class at recess/free time and I grew to love the game. It took some convincing but my parents finally agreed to let me play this year.” Having her best friend Lucy playing with her made the transition easier.
Nappi, who plays middle linebacker and tackle, has been playing football since she was in third grade. Gorham resident Alicia Jeffords, also a Maine Mayhem player, was her brother’s coach. Nappi said she was inspired by Jeffords’ skills and strength so she decided to give the sport a try.
Photo courtesy of Alicia JeffordsGorham students Sydnie Adams (left) and Lucy Nappi (right) were joined by Maine Mayhem player and ref, Alicia Jeffords, at a recent Gorham Grizzlies game.
The Maine Mayhem started a program called Mayhem Girls of Fall (MGOF) which mentors local girls who play football. Jeffords, who has coached and reffed for many Gorham teams, said the program started from a simple shoutout to their team water girl during her football season. Because they got such an incredible response from other local female football players, they started the mentor program.
Jeffords said, “We do several things to help empower, inspire and encourage these young athletes” such as writing letters to the girls and including a season pass to Maine Mayhem games. During one game each season, the team hosts the MGOF athletes as its special guests and dedicates that game to the girls.
“I think it’s cool that Maine Mayhem supports and recognizes girls playing in such a boy dominated sport. We are kind of the odd ball out on our teams but they are always there,” said Adams.
Nappi shared, “My aspirations when it comes to football are to have fun and and get stronger and to prove that football is not just a boys’ sport.” When it comes to playing in high school, both girls are looking forward to the opportunity.
Adams has won two national championships as a cheerleader and competes throughout New England as a junior black belt. What she loves about football is that she doesn’t have to take it easy. “I’ve always been the girl to roughhouse around with the boys,” she said. “Football lets me be me. Thankfully, my team welcomed me.”
Being a girl and playing football can seem like an intimidating step, Nappi doesn’t think it should deter others. “Just look at it as a way to build yourself,” she said. “Football has to do with a growth mindset because it gives you an opportunity to grow both on the field and also off the field.”
For more information on the Maine Mayhem Girls of Fall program you can visit www.mainemayhemfootball.com/girls-of-fall