About the Team
In 2005, women from a variety of sports backgrounds saw an ad that asked if they
wanted to play football. They did! With 30 women on-board, a head coach and zealous
owner, the women were eager to learn the basics and subtle nuances of the game of
football.
Unfortunately, everything had not been planned out as well as it was originally
presented. After many broken promises, the season was abruptly canceled with no
warning or adequate explanation. The women were heart-broken with the devastating
news. Yet, they had resolved not to be defeated. Within two days of being told that they
would have no season, the players reorganized and were reborn as the Carolina
Phoenix. With support from the Independent Women's Football League (IWFL), they
pooled their collective resources, borrowed jerseys, bought equipment, and found a
new head coach.
They were allowed to play one game. They lost 48-0 to the Orlando Mayhem. However,
they were so excited, exhausted, and uplifted that they got to play. A passion was born.
They knew immediately after the game that they would be back!
The following year would be very different...
Taking on ownership of the team, six players and the new head coach became the
owners of the Carolina Phoenix. They started the 2007 season with 13 women on the
roster. These women played offense, defense, and special teams. They were able to
recruit two more before the season was out. They ended their season with a 5-1 record
against teams with full rosters and larger coaching staffs, and traveling to places as far
as Detroit, Michigan and Shreveport, Louisiana. The Phoenix shall rise!
Now in its 3rd full season, the Carolina Phoenix is growing. However, with the difficulty
of securing a home field it has been challenging to develop a consistent fan base.
Players have to pay to play. There are players who are current college students,
teachers and due to the economy unemployed and cannot afford to play. They were
denied football all their lives, we could not deny them now.
The Phoenix Foundation was formed in 2009 to offset the costs of playing a whole
season so players who cannot afford to play, but have the ability and desire can still
play. The Phoenix Foundation will also provide stipends to the coaching staff who
tirelessly give of their time and resources to produce a high caliber team.
We would appreciate your support!
Leigh Lester Holmes
President
Phoenix Foundation
wanted to play football. They did! With 30 women on-board, a head coach and zealous
owner, the women were eager to learn the basics and subtle nuances of the game of
football.
Unfortunately, everything had not been planned out as well as it was originally
presented. After many broken promises, the season was abruptly canceled with no
warning or adequate explanation. The women were heart-broken with the devastating
news. Yet, they had resolved not to be defeated. Within two days of being told that they
would have no season, the players reorganized and were reborn as the Carolina
Phoenix. With support from the Independent Women's Football League (IWFL), they
pooled their collective resources, borrowed jerseys, bought equipment, and found a
new head coach.
They were allowed to play one game. They lost 48-0 to the Orlando Mayhem. However,
they were so excited, exhausted, and uplifted that they got to play. A passion was born.
They knew immediately after the game that they would be back!
The following year would be very different...
Taking on ownership of the team, six players and the new head coach became the
owners of the Carolina Phoenix. They started the 2007 season with 13 women on the
roster. These women played offense, defense, and special teams. They were able to
recruit two more before the season was out. They ended their season with a 5-1 record
against teams with full rosters and larger coaching staffs, and traveling to places as far
as Detroit, Michigan and Shreveport, Louisiana. The Phoenix shall rise!
Now in its 3rd full season, the Carolina Phoenix is growing. However, with the difficulty
of securing a home field it has been challenging to develop a consistent fan base.
Players have to pay to play. There are players who are current college students,
teachers and due to the economy unemployed and cannot afford to play. They were
denied football all their lives, we could not deny them now.
The Phoenix Foundation was formed in 2009 to offset the costs of playing a whole
season so players who cannot afford to play, but have the ability and desire can still
play. The Phoenix Foundation will also provide stipends to the coaching staff who
tirelessly give of their time and resources to produce a high caliber team.
We would appreciate your support!
Leigh Lester Holmes
President
Phoenix Foundation
About Us
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