Brandy Hatcher brings one on in against Minnesota Photo Credit:Scott Renshaw
Brandy Hatcher is a relative newcomer to the world of Women’s Tackle Football. But even though she’s only 130 lbs, Hatcher – a running back – trails only 8 year veteran, Jessica Springer, in total yardage and touchdowns scored this season. Hatcher, who hails from Lansing, Michigan, came to Chicago to work on her Masters of Nursing at Rush University Medical – and didn’t expect to be playing full-contact football when she got here. In fact, Brandy had only played 2 football games in her life – and they didn’t involve full contact. “When I moved here, I didn’t know anyone. But I had played flag football before with some friends and thought it might be a good way to meet people. I googled it, and The Chicago Force popped up first. The tryouts were the next weekend. So I decided to go for it.”
Hatcher’s playing has improved ten-fold in her second season, with 3 touchdowns and almost 350 yards so far this year. It’s something Hatcher chalks up to confidence and fearlessness. Getting hit by women almost twice her size was not something that Hatcher was initially warmed up to – but in this past season, with practices at least twice a week, she’s constantly improving – and hungry for more. “My favorite part about playing with the Force, besides the camaraderie of my teammates, is the physical challenge of it. At the end of the day, I’m physically exhausted – and it’s a great feeling. I never thought I’d be doing this.”
Another perk? The fans, of course. “The fans are so great! I was getting ice cream the other day, wearing my Chicago Force t-shirt, and some random guy came up to me, asking what the Force was. I told him, full-contact women’s football, and he said – ‘Really? In Chicago? I’ll come!’ ”
And you should, too. Look forward to the Force playoff games starting at the end of the month.
